Tetralogy of Fallot

Giving birth to Noah was one of the greatest moments of my life and such an emotional time for Pete and I. He is so beautiful and every moment with him is such a gift. Along with the high of welcoming our new baby we were also given some really tough news. Noah has been diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot. He was given an EKG at the hospital after the pediatrician heard a heart murmur. She told us of her suspicion and referred us to Children's Hospital in Dallas. Pete and I were devastated and very scared of the unknown. It was such an emotional roller coaster.

We were sent home that day and the following day I made an appointment with a cardiologist at Children's. We then had to go on base to get Noah on our insurance, etc. Then the following morning we got up really early and headed to Dallas. It was very reassuring to speak to the doctors about his condition and hear how positive they were about his future.

Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by 4 hear abnormalities. One of the problems is that he has a hole between the chambers of his heart where the oxygenated and unoxygenated blood can mix. We are to watch and make sure he is eating well and to watch for tet spells. This is where he could turn blue due to the unoxygenated blood entering his body. If these spells do not occur (they are hopeful they will not) then he will be scheduled for a surgery when he is around 3-4 months old. Pete and I feel that he will be in good hands at Children's.

After meeting with the cardiologist they decided to keep him overnight to observe him. We were not prepared for this, but the hospital social worker made sure we had everything we needed. I spent the night in Noah's room. They monitored his oxygen level, which was great and had me weighing his diapers to make sure he was not dehydrated. He checked out well, so we were sent home the next day.

Finally we were able to be home and enjoy time with Noah. He has been eating very well and has been content most of the time. He seems to enjoy sleeping during the day more than the night. Thankfully my mom has been here and has been so helpful in making the transition into parenthood easier. Pete is an amazing father and even changes poopy diapers!

God is always good! We know that God has already gone ahead and is in control of everything. We are continuing to pray for miraculous healing, but are believing that God can use doctors to heal him as well.

Noah in his hospital bed at Children's

His blood pressure cuff.