Philip, born 2002

Philip was diagnosed in utero around the 22 week mark of my pregnancy. His is a highly unusual case because he is coming up on his 3rd birthday (November 12th) and is surgery free.

 

He has Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) but they've also diagnosed it as Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV). In addition, he's got a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and Pulmonary Stenosis (PS) as well as Dextrocardia. We anticipated surgery at birth but his heart has been stable. The VSD and PS have balanced the blood flow allowing just enough oxygenated blood to mix and circulate. One of the many PCs that checked him out said it was like nature stepped in to correct the problem on its own.

 

He will eventually need surgery because he cannot go into adulthood with the VSD. He has a checkup every six months by his PC which includes an echocardiogram, EKG, and a pulse ox test. She had anticipated the PS to get too restrictive and therefore limit the blood flow as he got bigger but so far, nothing has changed. The reason they are waiting to perform surgery is due to the fact that his condition can be corrected either of two ways and at this time they cannot say which method would be better in the long run for Philip. He had a cath performed when he was 11 months old and the results were good. As he shows absolutely no symptoms and does not require any medications, we have opted to leave him alone for the time being hoping and praying that as technology gets better we will be given a clearer picture of how to correct his condition.

 

In the meantime, he is a normal, active little boy who gives me a run for my money every day! He has no physical restrictions and shows no sign of slowing down. He started Nursery School in September and no one suspects that he is a heart baby as well as a miracle child!

 

Story by Philip's mom, Gina - NEW YORK