Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The News ...

I am currently 25 weeks pregnant and at 20 weeks I went in for the usual scan to make sure the baby is growing as it's suppose to and that everything is "normal" With my last two pregnancies we also found out the sex at this time but with this being our last we wanted to try to keep it a surprise. The scan went great! so we thought....
4 days later I went for regular OB appointment to find out the ultrasound came out "abnormal" they couldn't see the babies Great arteries cross and they needed to see that in order for it to be a passing ultrasound.    Okay I thought no biggie the babe wasn't in a good position anyways and the tech had trouble seeing the heart so I thought. Plus this stuff happens to "other people" not us?!
2 Fetal echo scans later... and 2 meetings with pediatric cardiologists my world stopped.
At that point it was best for us to find out the sex of our precious 3rd baby... A BOY! over the moon excited! Tripp is going to have a brother and Everly-Rose another brother and a big sister! However hearing the diagnosis of the our newest son was awful. He has Transposition of the great arteries, A large VSD ( hole in the heart)  Double Outlet right ventricle and a small aorta that is narrowing. As the Pedi Cardio is telling us everything with the pictures she drew my eyes start to well.. my body shake and my husband in silence.. I can no longer understand a word that she is telling me ... all I hear is... critically ill...newborn open heart surgery in order to survive ... and then the the acid on the burn... " we can't have you deliver in Ottawa this is too severe of a case you'll need to have your baby in Toronto and the operation will be done at sick kids" WHAT? but this is my home! this is the place I feel safe and the place I feel familiar with and now my baby is going to be in the hospital for a length of time I'm still unsure of.. our family will be broken up at times.... not what I wanted to hear but I know our Son will get the best care at sick kids.. it's just hard. When I heard her say Toronto .. it really sank in how serious this was and the water works flowed.
I know I need to be strong for my unborn child and my husband and kids but this is horrible... you never really realize how strong you are until you have to be.. and this is what I'm hoping will kick in for me when I deliver our sick son.
I go down to Toronto to meet the doctors the end of September that will save our son and the doctors that will deliver him. All the appointments take the entire day from 8am til 6pm and I will have to stay 2 nights.. It breaks my heart to be away from my kids but they can't come and my hubby has to work as we literally just get back from our family vacation to Disney World.
So this is where we are right now.. frozen .. until I get more information that will bring more questions..



7 comments:

  1. Nikki and Brandon, I am just so proud of you both to share this story. You have so many people that care deeply for you and the babies, they will want to know and support what you are and will be going through. A wonderful legacy for your son, my grandson-to-be, to read about his journey one day and for Tripp and Everly-Rose too. Love you all xox Mom

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  2. Wow.You are really brave to share your thoughts and feelings with others.The best advice I can give you is to be as informed as you can be about your sons CHD's as you will be his voice and to have a great support network.
    I wish you all the best.

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  3. Nikki what a wonderful idea for you and your family to get through the following months of many unknowns. Your Dad and I are so proud of the wonderful daughter you are and the fantastic mom you have become. You are so strong and I am so glad I am able to be with you on your next big doctors appointment in Toronto.
    Our prayers are with your family.
    love mom

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  4. I'm visiting your blog from Baby Center. I can relate to the feeling of 'this stuff happens to other people, not us'. I remember thinking those same thoughts when we first learned of our son's heart problem. It is a very scary road to travel, but thankfully we live in a time where excellent care and medical intervention is available. I believe in a God who heals, and I will be praying for your family as you walk this scary path.

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  5. I'm in a similar situation. I am in week 31 right now, and have to move to Toronto starting in week 37. 3 weeks before due date, plus however many weeks, months, that my baby boy will be at Sick Kids waiting for a liver transplant. I'm guessing you'll be meeting with doctors at Mount Sinai's Special Pregnancy Program - it's where I am at as well. They are great to deal with if that's any help!

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  6. I am meeting the Mount Sinai special pregnancy doctors.
    I'm so sorry your baby will have to have a liver transplant. It's good to know you like the doctors.. Have you met with Doctors Ryan.. I'm meeting with him and another Doctor but I forget the other doctors name.

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  7. I have just had a read of your diagnosis, it is EXACTLY the same as my baby boys!! I was told there are roughly 2 babies born in the UK with this particular set of heart problems a year. Although your not in the UK, it seems that it's happened to you and me. :'( Stay strong, I will be following your story as I will face the same in January. Heidi.xx

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