Rhys Open Heart Surgery

After lots of waiting I finally got my date for surgery at Bristol.
18th February 2010!!!! Mummy is finding it really hard to update here as going over it again and again brings back all the memories, so here is an article written by mummy, it gives the basics and I know when mummy is stronger she will update the full story :)

Due to the huge demand on surgeons and beds in Bristol Children's Hospital Rhys' operation was cancelled twice, this brought immense pressure on the family, preparing for the journey to be told that there is no room for Rhys this week. Eventually after a long wait Rhys had his date for surgery, February 18th 2010. The next week was a mixture of shock, denial, fear, hope and eventually relief. After 3 ½ hours in surgery Rhys emerged, the operation had been a success. Mr Stoica, one of the heart surgeons at BCH had opened Rhys' chest and cut away the growth which was causing the life threatening condition. Thankfully Rhys' valve was not too damaged and at this stage did not need to be repaired or replaced. Rhys was placed in PICU (Peadiatric Intensive Care Unit) where he had no intentions of playing by the book! Although deeply sedated and ventilated, Rhys decided to wake up very suddenly and gave the doctors quite a fright as he tugged at the chest drains, and wires which were attached to his little body. The doctors and nurses then sedated and paralysed Rhys to ensure he did not rip out the cannula stitched into his neck. Despite this Rhys started to come round much quicker than Tracy or David had expected and was soon telling his mum and dad that he was 'starving'.
After 2 nights on PICU Rhys was allowed back onto Ward 32, Cardiac Ward. It was a difficult few days, where Rhys was quite depressed for a period of time. However, after 4 long days on the ward, it was decided that Rhys could go home, the news Tracy and David had been hoping and praying for.
So now Rhys is 'stable' heartwise, he still has a small growth, although the leak has stopped. This CHD can reoccur, and if this happens then Rhys will have to undergo more Open Heart Surgery. Tracy and David are happy to take each day as it comes, and hope with all their hearts that Rhys continues to be a healthy, happy little boy and that his special heart continues to beat strongly.