Andrew

Hi everyone. This is Andrew. Andrew was diagnosed with HLHS 5 days before his birth. My OB/GYN wanted to get an ultrasound of my scar tissue (he is my 4th c-section). While doing the ultrasound, they decided to get fetal growth and discovered that they could not see all of the chambers of the heart.

We were then sent to a pediatric cardiologist who made the diagnosis and attempted to reassure us that the condition was treatable with surgery. We changed our plans for delivery and delivered him in Dayton on June 8th. He was 3-1/2 weeks early and weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces. He was then sent to Cincinnati for his Norwood surgery. He was suppose to have the surgery when he was 3 days old, but the surgeon got meningitis and surgery was postponed until he was 6 days old.

Andrew came out of the surgery really rough. He had the Sano modification to the Norwood. The doctor's gave him a 50% chance of surviving. They had to shock his heart twice and told us to stay close. He was very sick for a few days, but then started to show signs of improvement. He fought his way back very well. Andrew got 2 different infections in the hospital, and he was released on July 9th. Since coming home, he has gotten rid of his NG tube, and uses oxygen only at night. We have just recently had his heart cath and are awaiting information regarding his next surgery. We are thrilled with our little fighter, and his brothers and sister truly adore him.