September 26, 2010
As some of you may or may not know, our baby was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia also called CDH. CDH occurs in approximately 1 in every 2,500 births (1,600 cases in the U.S. each year). The cause of CDH is not yet known.
The diaphragm is formed in the first trimester of pregnancy and controls the lungs' ability to inhale and exhale. CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to form or to close totally and an opening allows abdominal organs into the chest cavity. This inhibits lung growth. Survival rates depend on the types and number of organs involved in the herniation and the amount of lung tissue available. Right now Douglas’ stomach has is the only abdominal organ in his chest cavity and is pushing the heart to the right side of his body.
Roughly 50% of babies born with CDH do not survive. Of the 50% that do survive, most will endure long hospital stays, feeding issues, asthma and other problems. A few of the survivors suffer from severe long-term medical issues. CDH occurs as frequently as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis, yet there is very little research being done and virtually no media coverage.
We will not find out the severity of his condition until our next appointment, on October 5th. Which we will then discuss our options and next steps with our doctor and the neonatal specialists. As you can imagine we are having an extremely hard time with this news, and the suspense of not knowing our babies future is almost unbearable.
All we can ask is for your prayers and support. Feel free to forward this on, as we hope to spread the awareness of CDH and get as many prayers for our little man as possible.
Please vote every day for Pepsi research: http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=cdh%2F+cherub%2F+cdhcherubs%2F+cedar.fork%2F+rett.syndrome%2F+tucson.nursery%2F+patrick.school%2F+&ic=0&im=0
And for more information on CDH visit http://www.cdhsupport.org/cdh.php
God Bless our little Dougie
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