Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Baby Nelson

Dear Family and Friends,

Approximately two weeks ago we went to have an ultrasound performed for our third child.  We entered the room with the utmost excitement, confidence, and happiness to see little hands, little feet, and a cute little facial profile.  After a few minutes of that, we quickly noticed the urgency in our ultrasonographer as she began to focus on our baby's heart.  She then brought in a doctor and another technician to review what she was seeing.  We were told that there could be a potential problem with our baby's heart and were referred to see a perinatal cardiologist.  

After an excruciatingly long two weeks, we went to that appointment this morning.  We have learned that our baby has a congenital heart defect, or birth defect, called transposition of the great arteries.  What this means is that the two main arteries coming out of the baby's heart are switched.  It would be like hooking up an 'in' into the 'out' and the 'out' into the 'in,' and our baby won't be able to get the oxygen and other nutrients it needs from the bloodstream.  In terms of what it means for us, we will have some more ultrasounds, we will closely monitor this pregnancy, and we will continue to help Jenny carry this baby to full-term (she is due on November 1st).  Depending on how healthy the baby is at birth, the physicians will opt to perform a corrective open-heart surgery (called an arterial switch) about 3 days after birth to switch the arteries to the way they should have developed.  

During the past few weeks we have had some very tender and personal interactions within our family, with priesthood blessings and with the Lord Himself.  We have felt a constant peace and guidance amidst such cloudy circumstances and fears of the many 'what ifs.'  We know that regardless of any outcome, that there is a Father in Heaven watching over us and that He is in charge.  We have felt so blessed as so many have united with us in prayer, fasting, temple worship, and kind words.  We have felt so supported, cared for, and loved.  We offer you the most sincere thank you for this. 

We know that the birth and ensuing surgery will be something that seems near impossible to face.  We will continue to pray that this baby can develop and grow and be born under conditions that will make the surgery a success and grant our child the opportunity for a full life.  How grateful we are for such technology and trained persons who can aid us at this time.

Again we thank you for your thoughts and prayers.  We just wanted you to know what we know.  We will keep you informed as we learn more.

All our love,
Erik, Jenny, Darla, and Bennett

If you would like to learn more about this condition, here is a link to the best (and easiest) site to understand: 
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/TGA.html

4 comments:

Jeff and Kathryn said...

I am so sorry to hear this and I can't imagine the emotions that you are experiencing right now. I hope you are able to feel continued peace and comfort. You and your little one are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brooke and Matt: said...

I'm so sorry, we are keeping your sweet family in our prayers.

Kim and Steve said...

You are such a wondeful little family. I know that you will get through this. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Anna said...

You're definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine how scary this must be, but I also know the strength your family has.

Love you guys.