My little girl is due heart surgery!

[rebeccaxxxxx]

Hi guys, I'm new on here!

My 4 year old is due to have heart surgery for an ASD, in Leeds royal infirmary hospital. It will be open heart surgery so I'm just wondering if anyone has been through this, and what the recovery times of your little one was? I'm quite an anxious mummy so anything worries me and scares me!!

[mswilliamnot]

Hi, I had open heart surgery (repair of coarctation of aorta) a few days after I was born.. I’m not entirely sure what the recovery times were, but you’re welcome to drop me a message if you need an advice or support!

[Oysterbabe]

My 2.5 year old had OHS to close a VSD a few months ago. She came home on day 4 after surgery and returned to nursery after a month. Within 2 weeks she was basically fine but just had to be careful not to looney around too much.

I hope the surgery goes well and she bounces straight back.

[YouBoggleMyMind]

My DS had OHS at 4 and 5 weeks old to remove infected vegetation and repair his mitral valve. He's almost one and you can barely tell he's had the surgery. We were in hospital for about 3 weeks after that (other issues) and we had to wait for about 6 weeks after the surgery to pick him up under his arms. Ask away if you've got questions.

[rebeccaxxxxx]

We were given the decisions to either wait 2 years to see if it had gotten smaller, but dr said there was a massive risk it would stay the same and she would need OHS anyway, so I've opted for her to have it after Christmas and get it over and done with!

[Thatsalovelycuppatea]

Hello! I had heart surgery when I was younger and would advise everyone's recovery is different. My recovery was long as I was in intensive care, for more than two weeks. The most important thing, is you have your family and friends around you to support you. That's what got me through it.
Sending lots of love.

[Tushkacat]

Hello,

My daughter has hypoplastic left heart syndrome so we are well acquainted with heart surgeries. The recovery times will be very different for her and your LO as they are different conditions and every child is different.

However I can say that Leeds have a very good reputation for treating children with ASDs, i do believe it is one of their 'specialities'. The surgeons in particular are good - do you know who your LO will have?

All the very best for you all - it's a scary and horrible time but once the surgery is out the way you can breathe a sigh of relief and hopefully just go back for clinic appointments. Xx

[rebeccaxxxxx]

Tushkacat, it’s reassuring to know they’re brilliant! I can’t reme the surgeons name but if I’m right it starts with a H! Does your LO have surgery at Leeds?

I was told by the consultant they fight over the surgery because it’s one of the easiest! Thank you for your advice though Hun!

[Tushkacat]

There's Carin Van Doorn who is the lead Surgeon and some other good ones so you're in safe hands. I would say that during recovery you need to say if you think something isn't right because parents know best 😊

We were having treatment at Leeds but due to relocation are now under Birmingham xx

[christmaschristmaschristmas]

No experience but just wanted to wish you and your DD good luck OP

Kids are remarkably resilient.