I was 27 years old and on my first pregnancy. I had my first ultrasound when I was 7 weeks. Everything looked good. Then I had my second ultra-sound around 22 weeks and we found out the my child had an abdominal wall defect called Gastroschisis.
Wow that was scary. I had never even heard of that. The Doctor that I was seeing told me that I should abort.
We were devastated. We did not understand what was going on. The doctor told us that if we were to continue on with this pregnancy that we were setting up our child up for death. He would have muliple surgeries, eating problems, mental deficiencies. I mean she made it sound like there was no hope for a recovery. We went home and cried, told our families and basically told her for her word. I made an appointment to see another doctor that specialized in late-term abortions. This doctor said that there was no reason to terminate and I did not. It was the happiest day of my life. All I needed was a glimmer of hope.
I continued on with the first doctor just for the bi-weekly ultrasounds and she told me that my son was not growing properly, his head was too big compared to the rest of his body and we just could not take her negativity any longer. We had to transfer my care to the gastroschisis specialists in Westchester Medical Center which was one hour away from our home. It was long trips and expensive gasoline bills but it was worth it in the long run.
I was due on the 4th of July 2004. I delivered Kyler on June 15th, 2005. I had an enduced labor and had a natural delivery. He weighed 6 pounds and 7 ounces. He had a full head of black hair and all his fingers and toes. He was also perfectly perprtioned.
He was put into surgery and the doctors put all of his bowels inside on the first try. The put him on a respirator because his body was not used to having his bowels on the inside and it put pressure on his lungs. I have to tell you that he was feisty. He did not like the tubes in his nose, he was constantly pulling them out. I was happy that he was fighting to stay with us. A more perfect sight I have never seen. He was in the hospital for 14 days and then he came home with us.
He had severe acid reflux and he was on special formula that was pre-digested. We had several scares with him but he has not needed another surgery and he can handle any food. He goes to the bathroom normally and he smart, funny and so healthy.
He just turned 3 and I cannot imagine my life without my son. Kyler is 3 feet 2.5 inches tall and weighs 41 pounds. He is in the top 2 percentile for his age. He is wonderful. Most people when they see him they don’t believe that he was born with a defect and had surgery. His belly button looks a little different than everyone else’s but I am more than happy to see it because that means he is special.
I am a lucky lady and I have my wonderful boyfriend to thank and my family. They were my backbone and my support system through my ordeal. I really think that we mom’s need to surround ourselves with positive people. We have enough to worry about without others not giving us any faith in our circumstances.
I hope that when other mothers read my story it brings them hope. I wish you all the best of luck and continued success for all of the children being born or diagnosed with Gastroschisis.
