Sunday, November 9, 2008

HLHS

We found out on Wednesday that our baby has what is called HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome). This is a defect of the heart where the left ventricle is very tiny. It is so small that it is non functional. This is the most complicated and hardest to treat congenital heart defect. I am very lucky that we found out prenatally because some babies go home with no symptoms of anything, and end up in the ER a few days later when certain blood vessels close. If anyone wants more info on this condition, here is a website that explains it pretty well.
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-encyclopedia/anomalies/hlhs.htm

There are two options with this condition: a series of 3 surgeries or a transplant. There are benefits and risks to both. So far, my doctor believes that my child would not be a candidate for the surgeries, so when she is born, she will go on the list for a transplant.

Erik and I were totally blind sided by this info. We went in for a routine utrasound on Mon. They wanted us to go in to Barnes for a better one so they could see more. We didn't think much because the dr told us not to worry yet. The sonographer at Barnes told us what was going on. We are doing all right and just trying to keep in mind that miracles happen every day.

If anyone has any questions or anything, I would be glad to talk about this. Thanks!