Upon finding out Jack's diagnosis, the pediatrician immediately wanted some tests run. 50% of children who have Down Syndrome have heart defects, so we went to the Cardiologist that very next week. After the Echocardiogram and ultrasound we were pleased to find out that Jack's heart was completely normal! This was and is such a blessing! We were so relieved.
Week 3 of Jack's little life rolled around and he ended up having surgery for duodenal atresia, which is an obstruction in the bowel.This started because Jack wasn't eating well and what he was eating was coming back up. In the beginning, his pediatrician felt like I was over-reacting and he was just spitting up, but we continued to call and go in. We knew something wasn't right. Luckily, Jack threw up in her office and she told me to take him to the ER immediately. After some testing, the docs found the obstruction. I will never let go of my gut feeling again and I implore all families to do the same!
The physicians and staff at St. Louis Children's hospital were wonderful. They were efficient, kind, informative and caring. We felt we were in great hands.
Week 3 of Jack's little life rolled around and he ended up having surgery for duodenal atresia, which is an obstruction in the bowel.This started because Jack wasn't eating well and what he was eating was coming back up. In the beginning, his pediatrician felt like I was over-reacting and he was just spitting up, but we continued to call and go in. We knew something wasn't right. Luckily, Jack threw up in her office and she told me to take him to the ER immediately. After some testing, the docs found the obstruction. I will never let go of my gut feeling again and I implore all families to do the same!
The physicians and staff at St. Louis Children's hospital were wonderful. They were efficient, kind, informative and caring. We felt we were in great hands.
Jack had his surgery on Friday, July 10th (he was just 18 days old). He couldn't eat until Thursday, July 16th and we were able to go home on Friday, July 17th - just in time for Micheal's Birthday on the 18th.
Jack was such a champ during surgery and even afterward. And once he was able to eat, he quickly jumped to 4 ounces per feeding within a week!
We are so thankful to the staff at SLCH and to our families and friends, who supported and prayed for Jack during those weeks. Thank you all very much!
Jack has since developed a hernia at his incision sight. This means another surgery sometime in December of this year. This will be an outpatient surgery and not near as serious as the other.
Jack has also had an ear exam, which was completely normal! He will undergo eye tests, spinal exams and thyroid testing each year starting in January. We will be sure to keep you posted as those draw near.
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