Giuliana, born 2000

My daughter Giuliana was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect. I did not know much about congenital heart defects until I started reading about it. She had a significant (loud) murmur which anyone would be able to hear with a stethoscope. Being in the medical field, I would always listen to her heart to see if it went away.

 

We were told by our pediatrician that we needed to see a pediatric cardiologist. Now it was starting to get a little scary. At her first visit she had her first EKG and an echocardiogram. The cardiologist then showed us the defect which was small and told us it may close on its own. She would now to have to see him every six months. Well, she did and no change. At the age of four and a half we went for her yearly. At this time, the aortic valve was starting to stretch and it was time to get her little heart fixed. So we were referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon.

 

We were seen within a couple of weeks and surgery shortly thereafter. The surgery was performed at CCMC and what a wonderful experience it was. The entire staff there was wonderful. I did not know how to thank them enough for all they did for my little princess. My daughter had her surgery on a Tuesday morning and we were home on Friday afternoon. She was a trooper and we could not believe how fast she was recovering. She is my miracle daughter.

 

It has been now six months and she has healed great, you can hardly see her scar. She has no limitations with anything. Giuliana is a very special person and I want to thank Little Hearts for all that they have done for me.

 

Story by Giuliana's dad, Max - Connecticut