Teo

Teo was brought into this world on August 15, 2003 after an easy pregnancy. He was a healthy 6 lb 14 oz and Apgar scores of 8 and 9 (which are good for Colorado). All seemed well until a pediatrician from our practice heard a murmur. She said it was probably nothing, referring to a PDA. She called the P.C. in for a test and he to said it was nothing to worry about and would probably be gone by his 2 week check up. It was gone at his 2 day check. I thought every thing was fine—just a bit of jaundice.

On September 3, at his 2 week checkup, we had our favorite pediatrician. Teo was up to 8 lb 3 oz and everything seemed fine until she was checking his pulses in the groin area. No pulses. She remained very calm and I had no idea what was wrong. She got on the phone right away with the pc and she came back with the office address. I asked when they wanted to see us and she said they are expecting us, she suggested I get my husband who was at home with our older son, Clark. I called him and asked to get someone to watch Clark, but he could not get a hold of anyone. So the whole family was off to the P.C. He did an echo while Teo squirmed all around and then took us back to an exam room. He then informed us that Teo was in the process of becoming very sick. He explained with a picture of a heart what was going on. PDA, CHF, Coarctation of the Aorta, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic and Mitral Stenosis (both mild). He said he needed surgery to repair the severe coarc. I thought this would be scheduled, but he then someone from the office would take us to the PICU to await surgery. I was numb.

Teo had surgery that day to repair the coarc. He did great, remained in the PICU for almost 3 days, then to pediatrics for a day. He was released from the hospital on September 6 with no oxygen, or medicine. When the pc saw him a month later he called him a “bruiser”.

We are awaiting his next pc visit which is at 8 months. We have been told that his mitral valve may need replaced, but when is unknown.

Teo is 5 months old now. He is now sitting up and carrying on his own conversations with his brother. Teo means "honor" and that we are to have this beautiful little boy.