Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Throughout these blogs you will see me refer to Scarlets congenital heart defect as HLHS. This stands for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a child with this defect only has the right side of their heart. When Scarlet was born we were under the impression shed go through the standard three surgeries...At just 3 days old she underwent a procedure that showed her coronary arteries were not what they should be and IF the surgeries were successful she could have a heart attack at any point in time... which left us with Heart Transplant. At a week old she had a pulmonary Artery Banding to help preserve her life during the wait.. She also had a balloon septostomy at 2 1/2 months to help.. we almost lost her 4 times, and after waiting 3 1/2 months she got her second chance at life. September 26,2011 an angel entered our daughter and saved her life. Our daughters life will be treasured no matter the length of time she may grant us, though we hope for a entire lifetime. "Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come." If you'd like to know more about Scarlets condition please feel free to read more of the upcoming blogs.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Yawning Monkeys!

Here we are again!!! Coming in at 25 weeks this sunday we are still going strong. We had another ultrasound on the 17th, which became THE best ultrasound thus far. Not because our little monkey is magically whole again, she is still a half hearted angel, but the fluid around heart the Drs were concerened about appeared normal this round. Not only did we feel incredible that it was finally positive news, when the tech was looking around she stopped at scarlets face, we then witnessed the first yawn which resulted in a perfect smiling picture. Words cannot explain the happiness my heart felt seeing my daughter so up close, so soon. It may be that we only get her for a brief period on this earth but we have that memory and what im sure will be many more to come of our yawning monkey :) We go back to the Drs for another ultrasound on the 30th of this month where we will have Dr. Gorski (ultrasound) and Dr. Rollins (pediatric cardiologist) look and take measurements and see where we are with her condition. Im feeling very optimistic <3
As the life of our angel ventures on strong, we want to stop and thank everyone that is supporting us with prayer, or your version of such. I can tell you personally that me and Vince feel them all very strong. We've cried (even though vin may not admit it) with such gratitude and comfort for the support of family and friends. For those of you we may not not personally, we know you are out there. The proof is the success of the Saving Scarlet Foundation we have ongoing. After sending out over 600 to different states around the US and many more wanting to help, people are rocking scarlet bracelets all over. Raising awareness of babies with HLHS is growing rapidly, just like Scarlet. We'd love to especially thank all of you that wear them, and share our story every time someone asks what its about. 
Just thought this might be a good picture to put up, vins wearing the sock monkey hat his mom and dad got him for his birthday (march 7th) and I think this may be a good picture to put in a frame for Scarlet when we get her a room. Alright everyone, sorry its a short one but I have been up working my butt off at my awesome job :D Davis limb & brace is an awesome place to work I am very grateful for them. Now its just prayers and crossed fingers for the success of vin getting a job before the rest of the 3 months comes and goes in a blink of an eye. Ps: Almost to the third trimester, were getting there!!!
Thanks for tuning in everyone, make sure you keep checking back :)
With all our love,

The Sock Monkey Family.
Vince, Alexis, and Scarlet Griffith


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