Sadie Lish – Fontan Jitters
Sadie is a heart mom who blogs at Twist of Oliver about her son’s hypoplastic left heart syndrome. She blogs in honor of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, February 7-14.
In just over 1 week, Oliver will be having his third open heart surgery. We’ve known this surgery would happen since I was 20 weeks pregnant with him. Since that time, it has been hanging over our heads. To say we are ready to get it over with is an understatement!
Ollie had his first open heart surgery at three days old and his second at four months old. He is now four years old. Four years of preparing for this should make it easier right?
I think the answer to that is yes and no. It is nice to have it planned…..no surprises…..but can you really prepare emotionally for this? I think no.
I’ve found myself battling this calm peaceful feeling but on the edge of an emotional breakdown. A lot of feelings and memories from his first two surgeries are being brought to the surface. Memories that I am not very fond of.
I’ve been getting asked why Ollie is having this surgery. With his condition (HLHS), he’s required to have three surgeries. This is the 3rd and final surgery he’ll have until the inevitable heart transplant. This surgery is called the “Fontan”. (Fawn-tann)
He’s having it now because his energy level has decreased quite a bit. He’s gotten too big for the shunt he currently has. I have to carry him everywhere we go and it has gotten exhausting. I can’t stand to see him tired any longer. His coloring is quite pale and blue. It is just time. This surgery will give him the energy he needs to be a normal kid. He’ll be able to run and keep up with cousins and friends, and for that, I CAN’T WAIT!!!!
We talk to Ollie about this surgery every day. We want him to know what is coming and what to expect. He isn’t nervous, just excited to feel good. He knows that it is necessary and wants to have his “broken heart” fixed.
So, what are we doing until the big surgery day? We are in quarantine. Our days are spent in our home, hopefully, safe from germs. Ollie can’t even get the sniffles or they’ll cancel his surgery. There is a lot of hand washing and hand sanitizing going on.
Basically, we can’t wait until this is all over so we can go to the park!
His hospital stay will be 1-2 weeks, and that is all dependent on how he heals.
At this time, we would appreciate any and all prayers! I can already feel those prayers all around me giving me the strength I need at this time. I’m sure Ollie can feel those prayers too.
I’ll be updating my personal blog during his hospital stay, and my blog Instagram account I share with my sister. To find us over there, search for @cloverlaneblog. 
