my 2 year old is having open heart surgery

[catmom04]

My daughter, Hana, is going to be 2 years old in March.  She has a 12mm ASD(atrial septum defect) and needs to have open heart surgery to repair this defect. She will have a patch made from the pericardium tissue that surrounds her heart.  I know as far as CHD goes this isn't that major, however it is my daughter and she will be on bypass and they will be stoppping her heart and this whole things scares me terribly!  I have prepared myself with tons of knowledge about her condition and the procedures that must be done to fix Hana's heart, however, I was wondering if you can inform me about any complications that may arise durring and after her surgery that may be common? I would welcome any suggestions that you may have to make our ordeal a little bit easier for us, so we can be there for Hana 110%.
   Thank you for your compassion!

Sincerely,
Catherine, mom to Jayson, Sara, Zachary, and Hana
22months old with ASD

[Pinki]

Hi I was reading about your two year old. Although I am not a expierenced doctor I too was born with a heart problem, a valve deformity. At the age of 2 I underwent surgury on my heart. My parents had to choices, Open heart surgery or ballongyoplasty (sorry for miss-spelling) My parents chose the expieremental (at that point in time) ballongyoplasty. Now this surgury is quit effective and popular. All I am trying to say is that even though I don't remember my surgury I know my parents do. They have told me that it was completly terrifying. I am now 15 years old and am doing great! so the best of luck to your little girl and may God bless your daughter and her wonderful caring family.

[NBCT]

Just read your post and had to comment. I feel you are already there for Hana MORE than 110%. You have become knowledgeable about her condition and procedures to correct it, asking questions, empowering yourself, what a lucky little girl Hana is to have you as a Mom. If this is of any comfort, Hana will never remember the surgery and will be a resiliant 2 year old soon after, just wanting Mom,Mom,Mom and to chase her siblings around the house. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you endure the anticipation and stress of the surgery and God bless Hana.

[Lyn2]

Catherine,
I know this is a hard time for you and your family.  I have young children too, and every second they have been in surgery was agonizing.  You have armed yourself with knowledge, and that along with prayer will see you through this.  My nephew went through the same thing at a very young age.  He is much better for it.  The hardest thing about it, was seeing him after surgery.  I am sure that you have chosen the doctors you are confident in.  When my daughter had surgery this past summer, her doctor said, when you chose to have me do the surgery you past on the worry on to me.  Now trust me to do my job.  Obviously, that didn't take my worries away, but I felt that she was in good hands. Good luck!

[dande4]

In my prayers,and I'm sure she will be just fine!!!

[shubunkin]

My heart goes out to you as well as my prayers. Trust in the Lord and he will guide those doctors hands and mend your precious Hanna's heart. Best of luck to your family and may the angels watch over you. Danielle

[matty_boston]

Catherine,

I echo what the Dr said. Best of luck with you and your daughter. I pray that everything will work out fine!

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Catherine,

Thanks for your questions.  I have young children and can empathize wholeheartedly with your fear.

Common complications of open heart surgery include bleeding, infection, repair failure, and other rarer problems.

While these complications cannot be wished away, they can be minimized by choosing an experienced center and surgeon.  Choosing the center has to be balanced against the inconvenience of travel and not being available for your other 3 children.

Best of luck. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

RCJ