Kyson's story really begins when he was born March 14th, 2008. We were so excited to have him join our family. He looked great when he was born, and we came home from the hospital the next day. The first week was wonderful and I really enjoyed taking care of him, even though I was exhausted! When he was about a week old he started getting quite fussy and over the next two months it gradually got worse and worse. I didn't know how to console him and it was a very trying time.
The day after Kyson turned two months old (May 15th 2008) we took him in for a visit to his pediatrician. While we were there I expressed some of my concerns with him. He was very fussy and he always seemed to breathe fast and hard. The doctor decided to check his oxygen saturation and it was in the 40's. Well, for any who don't know that is VERY low and it was amazing he was alive. We were immediately sent to Banner Desert Hospital where they ran many tests on him. It was found that he had HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) as well as DORV (Double Outlet Right Ventricle). Every doctor was just amazed that we didn't find out about this until he was two months old...and that he was still alive! To say the least it was heartbreaking to find out how much our son was suffering without us even knowing it!
After finding out his diagnosis we were air evaced that afternoon to Phoenix Children's Hospital to prepare for his first open heart surgery the following morning. His recovery from this surgery was nothing short of miraculous. We ended up being in the hospital for ten days and we returned home May 27th. Kyson did great at home and although we worried about every single thing he did, we felt blessed to have him home.
Kyson's next procedure was Aug. 14th when he went in for a heart catheterization to know how to proceed for the second surgery. Everything seemed ok, so he ended up going to surgery on Aug. 29th. The days leading up to the surgery were very difficult as he seemed to be happy and doing great, but we knew the surgery was necessary so we wanted to get it overwith.
Again Kyson's surgery was a success and he recovered quite fast. He was very fussy as his body adjusted to the new flow of blood, but other than that he did very well. Friday, Sept. 5th we were again able to come home. This time he came home on oxygen, but we were just grateful to be HOME!!!
As I write this, Kyson is coming up on his Glenn-i-versary. One year ago Saturday was his second surgery (the Glenn). We have been extremely blessed throughout this year. Kyson has thrived and he is doing great! He is doing everything a toddler should do, talking, walking around, throwing fits:), gaining weight, and more. Always in the back of our minds is the third surgery he will definitely have to endure. We still have a couple of years as this surgery will be when he is three or four.
As I sit here he is playing Thomas the Train with his brother, Caleb, and they are laughing and having a great time together. It just doesn't get any better then that! Kyson has taught us so much this past year. More than anything I have learned to enjoy every single minute and not take time with my children for granted. My children bless my life every day and I love them so much!
