Our Little Sunshine's CDH Journey: Update from todays scan

CDH

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a birth defect that occurs when the diaphragm does not fully form, allowing organs to enter the chest cavity preventing lung growth. CDH strikes 1 in every 2500 babies. The cause is not known.

Every CDH baby is different, there is no way to predict the outcome of any patient. Some babies with no diaphragm and little lung growth have survived, while some babies with full lungs do not. These children are very different, requiring different treatments, and varying amounts of medical support.

50% of babies born with CDH do not survive and sometimes the remaining 50% have to overcome very difficult medical complications. Many CDH babies have minor lasting health problems such as feeding aversions, asthma, scoliosis, or short-term oxygen dependency. A small number have major lasting health problems such as ventilator dependency, brain damage, or hearing problems. Many patients have no long-lasting medical problems at all other than a scar from the CDH repair. CDH can occur alone or with other birth defects, and rarely, it occurs as part of a syndrome.

Wednesday 9 September 2009

Update from todays scan

right well nothing has changed, still the stomach and bowels in his chest, still could'nt see left lung, but guess as more time goes on and Sunshine and his organs get bigger the less likely it will be to see the left lung even if there is a bit there. He's head down now and back to back which explains the agony backaches and bad sciatica etc, long as he's comfy and happy in there i don't care at all.

No date for induction yet but looking at the 10th November, back there for another lung scan and steroids and the next MRI in 4 weeks.

Anyway the important bit.......LHR (in his words) = greater than 2, didn't give an exact number so i just say 2, but fantastic, wasn't expecting it to be as high as that to be honest so was a shock but a good one.

Pleased nothing has changed so fingers crossed it continues to stay that way.

5 comments:

Jaime's World said...: Oh, that's GREAT news...LHR greater than 2...Congrats!
Jaime's LHR was .71 and we were told no right lung was seen on scan. Turns out, Jaime's right lung was tucked up in his shoulder because he liver and bowels were in his chest cavity. Once he had the repair the right lung expanded. It's not, nor will it ever be normal, but it's pretty significant in size! So, my point for telling you that is the scans at not a "tell all!" What you need to focus on now is how incredibly handsome your little guy is! Love the 4d's!
Take care, get some rest!
Sheryl; 9 September 2009 at 19:08
Ricky said...: Yep, it was a nice surprise to hear his lung capacity is on the very good side and his pics are amazing. He is a handsome chap, just like his Daddy!; 9 September 2009 at 20:20
Tracy Meats said...: I agree with Sheryl that the scan is not a "tell all"...you won't know everything until they open that little guy up, do his repair, and access things at that point. Enjoy your precious and handsome little guy and every moment you have with him. Love the pram you picked out...will be perfect!! Sunshine, you just keep getting stronger and loving that mama of yours!! Many prayers for your precious son.

Hugs, Tracy from CHERUBS; 9 September 2009 at 23:22
*super dude and super dog* said...: I just ran across your blog and am reading to catch up. What a journey you have had. Try to stay positive and remember that no two children are alike. Your journey will be yours. We'll be following you and praying hard for Sunshine. Try to remain positive.
-Kellie; 10 September 2009 at 02:05
Caroline said...: Wow! Over 2? That's fab hayley :0)
give sunshine a rub from me n honk
xxx; 10 September 2009 at 22:01