Gonzalez's Heart

GONZALEZ'S HEART STORY

When we had our first ultrasound, the baby was moving all over the place (fiesty like our other two) and they were not able to get a good look at the heart. So we had to have a second ultrasound. At this appointment, they were again unable to see all four chambers of the heart. Our doctor wanted a heart specialist to take a look, so we got a Fetal Echo done and we then meet with the Specialist.

Dr. Chip informed us that the baby's heart had only developed 2 of the 4 chambers a heart has, and would need to have surgery. Not what we wanted to hear.

So I will be scheduled to be induced at the U of M hospital about 2 weeks before I am due (end of March). When the baby is 3-5 days old, they will perfrom the 1st surgery. This will be the hardest one and this one is where there could be the most complications. The recovery time from this surgery could be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. So the baby will stay in ICU during this time and I will hopfully be staying at the Ronald McDonald House which is 2 blocks away. Sal and the kids will be at home with help from family and friends and then will come down on the weekends as long as we are there.

The 2nd surgery will take place around 7 months of age and the 3rd surgery will be around 3 years old. Each surgery will have their own possible complications and recovery time.

I will keep everyone posted with all of the new information and how things are going along the way through this site. I hope this is helpful for you all. Please feel free to ask any questions here as it may answer them for others. This will also be the way I will be able to talk through things, get a piece of home, and know you are all out there praying for this baby and our family.

What we can use the most is prayer. God has a plan in all of this and lessons for us to learn. I know with all of the great support we have, we will make it through this.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

In Christ, Stephanie

Welcome

Welcome to our site. We will keep everyone updated with all of the new information on our little bundle waiting to join us all in this world. Feel free to write often and please keep us all in your prayers...