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October 2016 Moms
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Congenital Heart Defects

kmtz89kmtz89 member
in October 2016 Moms
I know I haven't been around much but wanted to start a post on this since I searched the boards a few times and there isn't anything very recent. I'm not sure if any other O16 mama's are dealing with this, but maybe if anyone from other months searches they can find this.

My sweet baby girl was 5 months yesterday. She was born with a few congenital heart defects. Two holes in her heart and a structural abnormality. Technical terms, a moderate ASD, a large VSD and persistent LSVC. In the not so distant future she will need open heart surgery. An additional complication is that we live in Africa.

I am absolutely terrified of sending my little girl into surgery, surgery that involves stopping her heart. But with her condition, there is only so much else we can do. She is on diuretics to prevent heart failure. And she has a very hard time gaining weight, being 5 months old and a mere 5 kg (around 11 lbs).

Anyone else have experiences with anything like this?
Or anyone reading I would just really appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers for little Abigail. 
*American in Tanzania, East Africa, since 2013
DH - Tanzanian
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Re: Congenital Heart Defects

  • Kgridley27Kgridley27 member
    @kmolleltz I don't have personal experience with this (my LO has a totally different chronic illness) but my H's cousin was diagnosed in the same way as a baby.  She had the surgery and she's a lovely 21 year old, healthy woman with a child of her own now.  I know from personal experience how very hard it can be to think of your child as anything but 100% healthy.  It hurts, plain and simple.  But you can do it, mama!  I'm sending positive thoughts your way and wishing the very best for you and your LO.
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  • brzvicebrzvice member
    @kmolleltz It is  so great to hear from you but immensely  sad under these circumstances. I was just writing to @Piperella how much I miss everyone.  You definitely are one I thought of often and always enjoyed your posts and adoption updates.
     I am so sorry to hear your sweet girl is facing major surgery and even though I can't give you any personal experience on congenital heart defects I do know the pain and heartbreaking anxiety of the unknown. I went through it when Vera was a newborn and they discovered a heart murmur that required extensive testing. I prayed and prayed and thanked God for every moment with her I was blessed with and pleaded for her to be okay. He answered my prayers and she is  healthy today. 

    The strength you have shown to her and your family is something you should be proud of. You are a wonderful mama and I want to encourage you as hard as it may be  to keep the faith and focus on the positive. Little Abigail is in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted.
    Image result for its raining meme

    Pregnancy Ticker
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  • Ladybug2821Ladybug2821 member
    @kmolleltz Thoughts and prayers headed your way. 
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  • mothernorthmothernorth member
    @kmolleltz I was just thinking of you and Abilgail a few days ago (heard a Sum41 song, reminded me of some of the memes you posted before) and have been wondering how everything was going in your corner of the world. 
    I don't have any experience with this, or even really know what to say, buy you're in our thoughts over here and I wish only the absolute best for your little girl. We're sending all of the preyed and good vibes we can muster your way, hang tight girl ♡
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  • kmtz89kmtz89 member
    edited March 2017
    thank you ladies. I just heard from an american friend in Kenya who knows a Dr there at a mission hospital and they have an American pediatric surgeon team coming the first week of May so it is looking like we will most likely be headed there for surgery! Which is probably by far the best option, but still scary. 
    *American in Tanzania, East Africa, since 2013
    DH - Tanzanian
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  • brzvicebrzvice member
    @kmolleltz that is amazing news! It is very scary but take comfort in knowing that those Drs. Have the experience and desire to get her through this hump in life.  March is almost half way through already so May will be here before you know it. Abigail is looking radiant and healthy so keep doing what your doing and be sure to snuggle the heck out of that little darling for all the Oct 16 moms cheering in her corner.
    Image result for its raining meme

    Pregnancy Ticker
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  • mothernorthmothernorth member
    What @brzvice said! ♡
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