My name is Angela, and I am a happily married SAH-mom to 3 beautiful girls.... 11 year old twins, Ashley and Dana and our newest addition, 1 year old Allison. Allison was born with multiple Congenital Heart Defects, and her journey has reminded us all of how truly beautiful and fragile our time here on Earth really is. I thank God everyday... many, MANY times everyday... for these 3 incredible children he has blessed me with. They are my joy. =*)
My main purpose in having a Myspace page is to help spread information about Congenital Heart Defects. Before our daughter was born with CHD, we really had very little knowledge of them. We certainly did not realize how common they are, or that it would be possible to be sent home with an undiagnosed, critically ill infant! I hope by putting this information out there... that some little life, somewhere, will be affected in a positive way!
Another reason I run this page is to put as much information about Shone's Complex/Anomaly that I can find all in one place. As the parent of a child with this diagnosis, I completely understand what it's like to search for info on Shone's..... there's isn't much, and what is out there is all very discouraging! I have a friends catagory devoted specifically to my "Shone's Complex Friends", this is there for those who are searching and are feeling alone..... here are about 12 other families affected by Shone's Complex for you to meet!!
Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are a potentially lethal constellation of birth defects of the heart that affect millions of newborn infants and children worldwide; a killer that claims thousands of lives every year. Eight of every 1000 children born alive will have some form of congenital heart defect.
Of the children born with CHD, 1 in 10 have a fatal defect.
CHD is the # 1 birth defect and is the leading cause of birth-defect related deaths… While it is the most common birth defect, it is also the least publicized.
All too often, children born with a CHD show no signs of their defect until after they are sent home from the hospital. And all too often, new parents do not recognize the signs of a CHD. These symptoms can occur days, weeks, months or even years after birth. Sadly, too many children are not diagnosed until after death.
PARENTS SHOULD BE ALERT TO THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS IN INFANCY:
Tires easily (especially during feeding), Sweating around the head (especially during feeding), Fast breathing when at rest or sleeping, Pale or bluish skin color (especially when crying or agitated; during diaper changing, bathing), Poor weight gain, Sleeps a lot - not playful or curious for any length of time, Puffy face, hands, and/or feet, Irritable & difficult to console
SOME CHILDREN MAY NOT HAVE SYMPTOMS UNTIL LATER IN CHILDHOOD. PARENTS SHOULD BE ALERT TO THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:
Gets out of breath during play, Difficulty keeping up with playmates, Tires easily, Sleeps a lot, Change in color during active play, Looks pale or has a bluish tint around mouth/nose, Frequent colds and respiratory illnesses, Slow growth and weight gain, poor appetite, Complains of chest pain/heart pounding
Currently, there are no known causes, cures or preventions for CHDs. ANYONE, regardless of race or religion can have a baby with CHD. If you don't already know someone who has CHD... YOU WILL!!
Spread CHD Awareness!
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If CHDs are SO common, why isn't there more thorough routine testing of newborns?
Why doesn't every newborn get an echocardiogram?
Why isn't there more prenatal education for parents-to-be on the signs and symptoms of CHD?
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