Baby Shelby's surgery has been moved up

[weekycat]

Her surgery was going to be 10/16, but was moved up to the 9th, (just a scheduling problem- not related to her health), but it's only a week away now.

The surgery is supposed to last for 8-10 hours for correction of Tetralogy of Fallot, and repair of a cleft mitral valve leaflet. I know my sister will be a nervous wreck, and we intend to sit with her for as long as we can, but we are leaving Friday morning for Chicago too, so we'll see what happens. I'm sure I'll be spending a lot of time on the phone over the weekend getting updates while we're there.

My sister said she wishes she knew what to expect after Shelby's surgery. I guess a lot of us know that feeling for ourselves or our spouses. Connie has been told that Shelby will stay in the hospital for 10 days to 2 weeks, and she won't be able to lift her up by holding her under her arms, (which I hadn't even thought about), but does anyone here know anyone who's had a baby go through open heart surgery? She's only 4 1/2 months old.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Sweet baby Shelby. She will be in our prayers. "group prayers" friday dinner.

Take care.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Jean-

It's so sad in one way that such a young child has to go through this, but on the other hand, isn't it a miracle that this can be corrected?

She'll be in our thoughts and prayers that day.

I put it on the calendar, so if you have a chance, please let us know how thing go.

 

[hensylee]

My cousin's grandchild (one of twins) had heart surgery at 3 days old. That was around Christmas, I think, and she is just fine.

Special paryers for this little one.

 

[Ross]

Still in my thoughts and prayers. Everyone will be relieved when it's over.

 

[KimC]

God bless. Shelby will be in my prayers, too.

 

[weekycat]

Thanks guys!

Thanks guys!

Sorry Ann, I had forgotten about your cousin's grandbaby. Now I remember! I'm sure Shelby will be fine too. I think my sister is mostly wondering what to expect after the surgery etc. Maybe you could find out a little more about how they had to care for this baby post surgery? That would be great.

Gina, that would be wonderful if we could pray for her as a group, thanks!

Nancy, thank you for putting it on the calendar, I was going to, and then wasn't sure if I remembered how to do that.

And thanks everyone for the powerful prayers that I know will come from all of you!!

BTW, Shelby (who also has Down Syndrome for those of you who didn't know), is doing really well otherwise. She rolled from her front onto her back for the first time today. She's such a little sweetie, and my sister keeps saying, "She just seems so normal". I'm hoping that's a good sign.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

"Gina, that would be wonderful if we could pray for her as a group, thanks"!

Jim L, could you do the honors? Would be a nice way to kick off the dinner.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Jean,
Just wanted you to know that Shelby is still in my thoughts and prayers.

Dave
_________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[carlapv]

Hi Jean,

There is a group in the UK, the Down's Heart Group. They have excellent information and they are all parents or family members of children with Down syndrome and heart defects. Here is the link:
[email protected]

Shelby will be in our prayers.

Carla

 

[carlapv]

OOps! Here is the link to the website:

www.downs-heart.downsnet.org

Carla

 

[weekycat]

Thanks Carla!

Thanks Carla!

I think you sent me that info once before, but my sister just recently bought her first computer and is trying to learn the ins and outs of the whole thing. I'll be sure to pass it along to her.

 

[maxximom]

Hello Jean.. I hope that Shelby is doing well. These little ones are tough. If it will help you and your sister I will put you in contact with my daughter who lives in the Berkley area outside of San Fransisco. My Grandson Ian..now age 10, was born with multiple heart defects, Single Ventricle, Transversed Great arteries and Pulmonary Stenosis. He had 3 surgeries all at Childrens Hospital in Oakland. At age 10 he is a wonderful Healthy child. You would never know that he went through between birth and age 5. While Baby Shelby's heart condition is different from Ian's.. I expect that the recovery would be similar. If you would contact me, I will give you my daughter Beth's email address. I know how important it is to hear from someone who has been through a similar experience..my email address is: [email protected]
Wishing you and you sister and Shelby much luck
Joan