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I began to try and find out as much as possible about HLHS by going on the internet and going to the library. But back
in 1998 there was minimal information out there on the subject. And I hadn't yet learned about support groups on the
internet. So we went to our meeting with Dr Norwood. A few questions in hand. He was a big burly looking man, with huge hands.
My first thought was how a man with such huge hands could work on such a tiny heart, seemed almost impossible. Dr Norwood
then began to explain the 3 stage surgery to which the first stage bestowed his name, The Norwood Procedure. He explained
success rates, possible complications and outcomes. He explained how heart transplant was an option but how hard it was to
obtain a baby's heart. That many children die waiting. The waiting can only be so long before the child's own heart will wear
out. He also mentioned compassionate care, but just as fleeting suggestion, just in case. Dr Norwood was confident in the
surgeries. He made us feel confident in a good quality of life for our child, had we decided to choose the surgery route.
He asked us for our questions, then told us to go home, think about what he had given us to think about, and explore
our options and others opinions. He was never pushy, arrogant, or too medical with us. He was what we needed to hear.
We left his office, knowing we would do whatever we needed to do to give our child a chance. A chance at life. Was it being
selfish? Was it the right choice? We could only hope and pray.
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