Skiing with toddler who had heart surgery

[Koalakaption]

Hi I am looking for advice/opinions. We’ve booked to go skiing in feb with our children; our 2 year old had surgery as a baby to correct their CHD and is considered “fixed” and we were told to treat them “normally”.
I’ve just started to get really panicky about going, worrying that we’re taking an unnecessary risk by going. They’ll be in the crèche for a few hours a day and we’ll be collecting them in the afternoon for some fun in the snow together. When I’m feeling positive about the trip I think about the memories we’ll make together as a family, the break together, the fresh air, the adventure. Also selfishly the time I’ll get to spend with my husband for what feels like the first time in so long, and we’ve been through so much together, skiing is what the old us loved to do.

However I’m worried about the altitude and my child’s breathing, the cold, not being near a familiar hospital.
Open to all viewpoints on this, even if it might not be what I want to hear.
Thank you x

Do they struggle in cold weather in the UK?

They'll be fine. I do wonder if your child would be insured without great expense though?

what was the congenital heart defect if you don’t mind sharing?

you should have a cardiac liaison nurse. They can provide you with a fit 2 fly letter and letter about any restrictions to take with you. Always handy. I would always take the last clinic letter you have too!

I think only your child's doctors/nurses can answer this. I mean I don't think I've ever heard that everyone who has has heart surgery must stay in climates warmer than X, or must stay within X distance of hospital. I imagine advice would very much depend on your child's long term condition and care.

Convalescence in the mountains used to be a really encouraged thing to do.

If it reassures you, get a translation of a summary of the relevant medical history and find out where the nearest suitable hospital is.

Not in terms of breathing but their cheeks go very red/mottled/purpley

TAPVR (total anomalous pulmonary venous return) and COA

thank you for your reply x

I think your best bet is to get advice from their consultant. DC1 had heart surgery on his second birthday and any time we needed information or advice we spoke to the staff in the cardiac unit - they were very helpful and happy to answer our questions.