Olivia’s no stranger to surgical procedure. Her first pacemaker was put in when she was only a child. Her fourth surgical procedure for full coronary heart block befell shortly after we shared the first a part of her story.
For a lot of kids with congenital coronary heart illness (CHD), follow-ups, repeat surgical procedures, and self-care by way of restoration are an vital a part of staying wholesome. But it surely’s a problem each time.
Marisa, Olivia’s mother, shares her account of her daughter’s ache, energy, and resilience. In her phrases:
Properly, the story you may have documented and captured added one other chapter. Olivia had her fourth surgical procedure at UVA Well being Kids’s.
After being in pre-op quarantine for 2 weeks, final Friday we arrived on the hospital at 5:30 AM. Olivia’s surgical procedure went remarkably nicely. Her “Greatest one but!” as she put it. 🙂 It was flawless. With no issues, and an extremely good response to the anesthesia, we had been dwelling earlier than anticipated.
Presently, we’re managing her ache and specializing in making her comfy and getting relaxation. The ache ought to subside by Wednesday. Wound care is difficult. She may have a bandage for 3 weeks, then we are going to swap out to a distinct masking for one 12 months. On the similar time, her incision should even be stored out of the solar for one 12 months. That is to assist the looks and texture of the scar.
She stays away from sports activities and faculty till round November twentieth, although she might have guests throughout her restoration so long as we take the customary precautions like handwashing. Implants and incisions don’t like an infection.
Now dwelling, Olivia is in restoration mode. As one would anticipate, postoperative ache has set in. Sadly, even with medicine, the ache remains to be appreciable. Yesterday morning, she stated “I’m dying,” when requested about her ache degree. Something core brings ache. Sitting up, laughing, coughing, and so on. The oxycodone has introduced some aid. Her ache dropped from a ten – “I’m dying,” to a 5 – “It hurts.“
Final night time’s bedtime was powerful on my momma coronary heart. It was simply us, no want for her to placed on her courageous face when her sisters are round. Olivia appeared unhappy, defeated, her physique failing her. She appeared small. With the ache, I can’t hug or maintain her. She felt lonely. Although clearly not alone and totally supported by family and friends, Olivia’s on this battle alone. None of us understand how she feels bodily, mentally, or emotionally.
Observe-up for CHD
Discover out extra about our congenital coronary heart defect care, which follows kids as they transition into maturity, and helps them thrive.
On the similar time, she is aware of tomorrow shall be higher. She’s been right here earlier than. She has fallen. She has crashed. She has been damaged and cried. She has crawled, harm, and surrendered. After which, she rose once more.
I really feel each calm and proud, and sure, emotional, after I watch the movies and browse the tales you so fantastically put collectively. Thanks for the thorough and sort method you are taking together with your work. You’ve got helped enlarge our village and the understanding from others in a 12 months after we really want it❤️.