Austin

Our first child, Austin Murphy, was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot three days after his birth. We were told he had a heart murmur?but not to worry. An echo was ordered. Once the results came back we were informed of his condition and asked to stay a day longer in the hospital. Now we worry! It was an incredibly difficult day, to say the least.

Six weeks later, we know more about our son and his condition. We visit our cardiologist (at University of Wisconsin Pediatric Cardiology Clinic) often and are learning more and more about TOF. Austin will have surgery at 6 to 7 months of age (August/September 2005). We are hopeful that this will fix his problem. Having a child with a heart defect has been a great learning experience (as if being a new parent wasn't enough). Still, we are so thankful to be his parents and to be able to watch him grow (very well at this time). Austin's heart defect does not define him, but is one of many characteristics that make him a very special baby boy.

July 2005

After a few "spells" where Austin would fall asleep after crying, our son had to have his TOF repair earlier than expected. It was completed on June 15, 2005 at the Milwaukee Children's Hospital. Dr. Tweddell was our surgeon. It was a rough day, but we had a great deal of faith that Austin would be okay. Our outcome was very good. Austin did not have to have any work done on his artery as its size is consistent with a normal heart. They did have to repair his VSD and cut his pulmonary valve so that it would allow more blood through.

I had prepared myself for the surgery, but not the days following at the hospital. They were rough. The days were long and I feared for every possible "complication." Austin, however, was a trooper and came through his recovery well. Besides worrying about Austin, my heart went out to all the little ones who were his neighbors. It is hard to see so many little ones fighting for good health.

Now Austin is on the mend. He is gaining weight well and he often gives us a beautiful smile. I am sure we will have other hurdles where Austin is concerned, but this has taught us that he is a determined little guy and we are strong family surrounded by a great deal of love from our family and friends.