7 yr old daughter's surgery

[RI Mom]

Several others hit on something that I believe to be true......this is harder emotionally on parents than it is on the kids. My son was almost 5 the last time and what he remembers is riding in the red wagon, going to the playroom, and having friends and family visit and bring gifts. On the other hand, I was experiencing nightmares for two months after surgery. These nightmares were always about him and something bad happening to him....it was never about his heart, it was about drownings, car crashes, really terrible and accidental incidents. I nearly went to a psychiatrist to get some meds to control it but fortunately the nightmares stopped once our lives went back to some form of normal. I anticipate those will start again for me as we near a surgery date. This time I intend to be prepared....LOL!

Again, best wishes and I will be thinking of you all on the 20th and hoping for a terrific outcome!

 

[briansmom]

Daniel,
I don't think there is a "right" way for you to go through this. I think you are doing all you can to help her through this - namely being educated. I agree about the DVDs and comfort items. We rushed out and bought a personal DVD player for my son because they didn't even have a TV in ICU where he spent about 3 or 4 days.
My heart goes out to you. I know how hard this is.

 

[cherylchapa]

Hi Daniel,
I'm so sorry you and your family and especially your baby girl are going through this! I know how you feel because I am going through it too. My son Christopher is 10. He was born with ToF which was repaired at 5 months. That was ROUGH. Now we're planning his Pulmonary Valve Replacement for late June-early July. We're in the process of choosing a surgeon and hospital. Good luck with everything. I will be watching your posts with bated breath and praying for your family every step of the way.

Cheryl

 

[Andrew'sMom]

Daniel, Sending hugs & prayers your way. I haven't been there yet myself so I have no advice to offer, just prayers.

 

[Diane]

Hi Daniel,
I am also a congenital heart patient. My parents had to send me to surgery for TOF repair in 1959 when it was still an experimental procedure. I am certain it was probably the hardest thing they ever had to do as a parent. But medical technology today has advanced hundreds of times over in the 50 years since my original surgery. PVR's are a very common procedure these days. I had another open heart surgery in 2005 in order to have my PV replaced.

I would like to suggest that you look up Mended Little Hearts,a support group for the parents of CHD kids. Maybe they have a chapter in your area where you can connect with other parents going through this very same thing.

Best wishes to you, your daughter, and the rest of your family. I will have you in my thoughts and prayers on the 20th.

~Diane

 

[Tbone]

I remember when I was 15 years old & about to have surgery. I know it is was more stressful on my parents than it was on me. They didn't get over it for a couple of years, and was highly overprotective in my opinion. I'm sure everything will go fine. I wish your family all the best in these trying times. Good luck to you & God Bless.

 

[DanielCohen]

WOW! I'm totally amazed and touched by everyone's response. Thank you for all the advice. LOTS OF TOYS! Check! LOTS OF GAMES! Check! LOTS OF MOVIES! Check! LOTS OF LOVE and COMFORT! Check, Check!! My wife and I are hangin' in there...barely. Luckly, there's lots to do before the surgery, so that keeps us busy.