A    story    of    Hope...... TRANPOSTION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES Please be patient it takes a minute to load! Hello everyone welcome to my heart page about my son and his heart condition he had at birth. This condition is called "transpostion of the great arteries". He is doing well and we wanted to create this page to offer support to those in similar circumstance. He is currently a very active and beautiful little four old guy. When he was 6 days old he had surgery to correct this condition. He was in the hospital for 9 days and it was a very difficult time. It was very emotionally draining that our son had to go through this. He was born blue and his oxygen level were very low and his surgery was is chance for a normal life. It did just that! And we are here to discuss information on his birth and surgery, as well as links. Please stay awhile and visit our guestbook, message board, chat room or please email me! Site updated on April 30/01 This is how many hearty vistors have been here FastCounter by bCentral Shearal Black Back This Congenital Heart Disease webring site is owned by Shearal Black | Next Page | Skip Next Page | Previous Page | | List Next 5 Pages | List All Pages | Random Page | Next Disclaimer:This site is not a medical site. This site is for information purposes only. We will gladly remove any graphics at any request.Thank you!

TRANPOSTION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES Photo courtesy of Heart page What is it? In normals, one artery takes blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs for oxygen. A second artery takes oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart to the body. In tranpositon, these two major arteries are reversed, so that oxygen-rich blood goes to the lungs. Why does it happen? Cause usually unknown. Generally not inherited from parents and definitely not fault of parents. What does it do to the heart? Blood from the right side of the heart that should go to the lungs to pick up oxygen goes instead to the body. How does it affect the child? It causes blueness due to the lack of oxygen. It may also cause shortness of breath, and the child may tire easily. Can it be fixed? Yes. Operation usually required in infancy. Dakota had this surgery. What can the child do? Before repair, child will usually determine own level of actvity. After repair, should be able to play and work normally. What should parents do? Follow doctor's advice on? 1-giving medcines 2-return visits to doctor 3-special tests 4-extreme care with dental procedures. Tell the dentist about the problem BEFORE he fixes child's teeth to avoid infection in the heart. Something my husband and I are very cautious about. Text taken from BC HEART FOUNDATION UPDATED INFORMATION it is recommended that all patients with heart defects have THE FLU SHOT. Including family members residing in the same house. Please see your doctor for more information. Dakota's links Birth information: His surgery and his newborn stage are discussed Medical Links:Medical Links