Right Side Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
My son Parker Alan was born June 5, 2009 at UAB West in Bessemer, AL. Doctor Francois Bladeau performed the c-section delivery, not knowing the complications to come. Parker was having a very hard time breathing. At first they thought maybe he had a little fluid on his lungs, which does happen with c-section babies because the fluid is not pushed out through the birth canal, but after trying to calm his breathing the doctor ordered an X-ray of Parker's chest. Everything happened so quickly, which I am thankful for because my son's life depended on it. Next thing I know, Dr. Georgeson is in my room telling me that my son was being transported to Children's Hospital in Birmingham with what he suspected was a herniated diaphragm. Three days went by and I was finally able to leave UAB West and we went directly to Children's to see my son for the first time since the quick glimpse I had in the operating room. He was in the NICU. The nurses taking care of him filled us in on his condition. He was not stable enough to perform surgery yet but the doctor's had an idea of what needed to be done. My son was diagnosed with right sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. His lower intestine and his liver both moved up into his chest cavity and completely covered his right lung, so much so that the lung was hardly even developed. This was his 3rd day in the NICU, and it was looking like he may have to be there for quite a while. As the week progressed so did Parker's stability. By the end of the first week the surgeon's decided it was time for surgery. Dr. Muensterer was my son's pediatric surgeon. We were all so nervous. It was the longest 3 hours of my life. The team of anesthesiologists and surgeons were so professional and very prepared. It was very comforting to know Parker was in good hands. After three hours of impatiently waiting for good news, Dr. Muensterer greeted us in the lobby. He had a slight smile on his face, and I knew then that my son was going to be just fine. I am convinced that the team of doctors and nurses that worked on my son performed miracles. I am so thankful for them and for everything they were capable of doing with such a tiny little person. Honestly amazing! My son spent the next 3 weeks in the NICU recovering slowly but surely. All of the nurses that took care of my son were absolutely amazing, God sent. They were professional and at times when Parker was having a "bad" day they had to be honest with me, as much as it scared me and devastated me every time, I had to remind myself that they knew what they were talking about and they were just as much concerned for Parker's well being as I was. That was very comforting. My son will be 9 months old in a few days, and I am so thankful for Children's Hospital and Dr. Muensterer and his team for doing God's work and saving my son's life. If it wasn't for their amazing knowledge and passion, my son would not be here with me today. Thank you Children's Hospital for all of your hard work and dedication.
