Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome means the left side of the heart did not develop normally. The left side is the most important and strongest side of the heart with its main job being to pump all oxygenated blood throughout the body. There is a series of three surgerys designed to reconstruct the heart allowing it to work using only two of the hearts four chambers. The first surgery is called the Norwood procedure and it is performed at birth. The Glenn procedure is performed at 6 to 9 months and the Fontan is done at 2-4 years.
Norwood - because the left ventricle connot pump blood adequately out to the body, the Norwood procedure allows the right ventricle to pump blood to both lungs and body.
Glenn - reduces the work of the right ventricle by allowing it to pump blood only to the body and allowing most of the blood to flow automatically from the body into the lungs
Fontan - allows the rest of the blood coming back from the body to go to the lungs
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Nathan
Tyler
Walking by faith.......One day at a time
The Day I Became A Heart Mother
One day my world came crashing down,
I'll never be the same.
They told me that my child was sick.
I thought, "am I to blame"?
I don't think I can handle this.
I am really not that strong.
It seemed my heart was breaking.
I have loved him for so long.
I will not give up on this child.
I will listen to your advice.
I will give my child any chance.
No matter what the price.
I will learn all that I need to help my child thrive.
I'll even use that feeding tube.
My child must survive!
Will he need a lot of therapy?
Will he gain the needed weight?
Please God, help me do this.
I will accept our fate.
When the monitors beep at night, it serves as my reminder.
How many parents would love that sound.
Tomorrow I will be kinder.
As another Angel earns his wings,
I run to my child's bed.
I watch him sleep for quite a while.
I bend down and kiss his head.
I cry for the parents whose hearts have been broken.
I look to you wondering why?
Oh Lord, I just can't know your ways....no matter how I try.
And yet, I trust you hold his life, and guide us through each day. My mind says savor each moment he's here,
but my heart begs, "PLEASE let him stay"!
From pacing the surgical waiting room, to sitting by his bed.
From wishing for a good nights sleep, to learning every med.
From wondering, "will he be alright?", to watching him reach out his hands.
With every smile my heart just melts, despite life's harsh demands.
For all who see that faded line.
I look to them and smile.
You see my child is loved so much.
I would face ANY trial.
That scar I trace with my finger (It's the door to his beautiful heart). God must have known how much I'd love him (Just as He loved him from the start).
A heart mom is always a heart mom.
Now wise beyond her years.
For those who have angels in heaven,
Our hearts share in all of your tears.
Every day I will try and remember,
I was chosen for him (and no other)
I will always embrace that beautiful day......
When I became a "Heart Mother".
-Author Unknown
One day my world came crashing down,
I'll never be the same.
They told me that my child was sick.
I thought, "am I to blame"?
I don't think I can handle this.
I am really not that strong.
It seemed my heart was breaking.
I have loved him for so long.
I will not give up on this child.
I will listen to your advice.
I will give my child any chance.
No matter what the price.
I will learn all that I need to help my child thrive.
I'll even use that feeding tube.
My child must survive!
Will he need a lot of therapy?
Will he gain the needed weight?
Please God, help me do this.
I will accept our fate.
When the monitors beep at night, it serves as my reminder.
How many parents would love that sound.
Tomorrow I will be kinder.
As another Angel earns his wings,
I run to my child's bed.
I watch him sleep for quite a while.
I bend down and kiss his head.
I cry for the parents whose hearts have been broken.
I look to you wondering why?
Oh Lord, I just can't know your ways....no matter how I try.
And yet, I trust you hold his life, and guide us through each day. My mind says savor each moment he's here,
but my heart begs, "PLEASE let him stay"!
From pacing the surgical waiting room, to sitting by his bed.
From wishing for a good nights sleep, to learning every med.
From wondering, "will he be alright?", to watching him reach out his hands.
With every smile my heart just melts, despite life's harsh demands.
For all who see that faded line.
I look to them and smile.
You see my child is loved so much.
I would face ANY trial.
That scar I trace with my finger (It's the door to his beautiful heart). God must have known how much I'd love him (Just as He loved him from the start).
A heart mom is always a heart mom.
Now wise beyond her years.
For those who have angels in heaven,
Our hearts share in all of your tears.
Every day I will try and remember,
I was chosen for him (and no other)
I will always embrace that beautiful day......
When I became a "Heart Mother".
-Author Unknown
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- Ben and Shawna
- We have been married for 9 years and are blessed with two beautiful boys Nathan and Tyler. We started this blog as a way to keep family and friends updated on our day to day life happenings. Please feel free to leave a comment to let us know you stopped by.
Nathan
Nathan is a fun loving 6 years old. Some words that describe Nate is intellegient, inquizative, sensitive and happy. He is usually quiet around people but talks nonstop at home. He is my "thinker". He loves learning and asking LOTS of questions. He also enjoys playing baseball, riding his bike, puzzles and building with Legos. He says that when he grows up he wants to be a race car driver.
Tyler
Tyler is an exceptionally special little guy who has a heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. (1/2 of a heart) He has undergone 2 open heart surgerys and has one more to go. He's our precious little miracle who is so full of life!
He is an extremly easygoing and happy 2 year old who usually has a smile on his face. He loves to cuddle with his stuffed bear, play cars, and he has a fascination with Dora the Explorer. Tyler absolutely adores his big brother and I believe his daily goal is to do and say everything that brother does and says:)
He is an extremly easygoing and happy 2 year old who usually has a smile on his face. He loves to cuddle with his stuffed bear, play cars, and he has a fascination with Dora the Explorer. Tyler absolutely adores his big brother and I believe his daily goal is to do and say everything that brother does and says:)