Member Profiles
Miracle Child - Final surgery
Our story continues, our son went in on March 5,2002 for his heart catherazation
at St. Joseph's Childrens Hospital, in Tampa, Fl. All was going well, until the
cardiologist came out during the procedure and said they needed to perform a
coil embolization. We had no clue what that meant and they tried to explain that
he was getting to much blood into his lungs and this would stop they extra blood
flow, so we proceded with the procedure. The next mornig at 8 a.m. we took him
down to the O.R. for the last time. On one had we were sad and worried, but on
the other we knew we wouldnt have to do it again. The surgery took about 3 1/2
hours and the surgeon came and said everything went great. We went to see him
about an hour later and when we walked into the PICU he was trying to climb out
of bed. He was only 19 months old. His recovery went well and 10 days later we
were at home. He was placed on a low fat diet for 6 weeks, and of course the
normal medications,(Lasix! , Digoxin, and Vasotec ). Since we have been home he
has been real active and doing great. He has gained almost 3 pounds. The
cardiologist is very pleased and has begun to take him off some of the
medications. We are so thankful to all the nurses and staff and St. Joseph's,
they are the best. His surgeon is the most caring and understanding man we have
met. We will never be able to repay them for allowing our son to live a normal
life. For all those just beginning this journey, there is hope and more parents
and children out there with the same or similiar problems. My only advise to
parents is dont be afraid to question something you dont understand, because you
have that right. And stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes Dr.'s and
hospital personal think just because you are in stressful situation that you
will do whatever they say because its easier that way. Well trust me they are
not always right. I learned that I have the right to ask and have the right to
make them make me understand som! ething that I don't. They don't usually like
that, but oh well, when it comes to your child you do what you feel necessary.
If anyone needs someone to talk to or any questions, please feel free to email
me. I don't know everything but have had my share of experience with my sons
condition and done alot of research. My email address is Tammymommy7@aol.com.
May God Bless You All.
The Shields Family
Join Miracle Child and the rest of us in the Heart Disease Forum:
