Open heart surgery for DS2

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My DS2 is having open heart surgery at Southampton hosptial, he's 2 years old this month. I am worried sick about his operation as the surgeon has told me that his valve that is leaking cannot be fully repaired.

I recently spoken to his specialist and was told he could possibly need another operation or a mechanical device put in to help the valve.

I fear that he will die in surgery, I am very tearful most days(doesn't help I'm currently 26w pregnant)

If anyone has any advice?

Fixing and replacing valves are very common procedures now and the staff at Southampton are AMAZING. He will get great care and he's so young he will heal quickly and barely remember anything about it in a few years. It's definitely harder for the parents! Try to make life easy for yourself whilst he's in hospital. Keep meals simple and try to get home a bit yourself - can another family member sit with your child for a while? If anyone volunteers to help cook, clean or look after your other child say yes - people are keen to help out in these situations where they can. If you plan to stay in the hospital during the surgery have some distractions with you, books, knitting, whatever. Nothing will really take your mind off it but surgeries can be long and this might help pass the time. I hope it all goes well and that he's home quickly.

No advice though I know what you're feeling. My 18 month old is waiting on surgery to fix a hole in his heart which will also be open heart. I'm worried sick about the letter or phone call to say he's next.

I hope all goes well.

He also has a hole but the valve is the main problem.

I had a date booked but emergency come in and his surgery was cancelled which is even worse than the waiting for the date as you have so many emotions.

Thank you.

Southampton hospital is very good. My mother, although obviously so much older than your ds, had valve replacement surgery there in 2008 and is still doing very well.
I am at Barts in London later this month to discuss whether cardiac surgery is now needed for my teen dd so understand your worries.