Matthew, born 2007

When I was four months pregnant, I went for my ultrasound to find out boy or girl, and I found out that we were having a boy with a heart defect. After a few tests, they diagnosed him with Tetralogy of Fallot. We met with a Pediatric Cardiologist and Cardiothoracic Surgeon in those short months after to prepare us for what would happen after birth.

 

Our son, Matthew, was born full term January 8, 2007. The doctors said before that the bigger he is the better because of the surgery he would go through. Well, he was born just over 10lbs, therefore, they opted for the c-section.

 

At ten days old, he had his first open heart surgery; they had to leave this chest open for five days due to all the swelling. We were in the hospital for six weeks after that and when we were discharged, he was just over 7lbs. Matthew had his second open heart when he was six months old and they were able to do a complete repair, but also found signs of pulmonary atresia.

 

As of September 2009, Matthew has had 2 open heart surgeries and 15 catheterizations and will be having a third open heart surgery in the future. Despite all that Matthew goes through, he is always so happy and loving and truly special to everyone he meets.

 

Story by Matthew's mom, Melissa - Connecticut