I would like to introduce my daughter Kerstan. Kerstan is a very active 3 year old. Kerstan wasn't always so active. Kerstan was born with pulmonary atresia. Her right ventricle wasn't fully developed.

At the age of 8 days old, she had her first surgery (a B-T shunt). The surgery went very well with no complications. Kerstan was home in 16 days. During a routine follow-up appointment, her cardiologist said it was time for the second surgery. I wasn't prepared for it and practically ran out of the office crying. After reassurance from her cardiologist, surgery was scheduled.

At 8 months, Kerstan had her second surgery (bi-directional Glenn shunt). The second surgery went extremely well and she was home in 6 days. From the time she was 8 months old until she was 3 years old, Kerstan was growing normally with very few complications. She did suffer frequent colds, but nothing too serious.

A little after her third birthday, her cardiologist said it was getting very close for the third surgery, which was the Fontan. I was again very scared but this time I was very well prepared. We set up appointments with the surgeon, took Kerstan to the hospital for a tour (she is a toddler now).

When the day came for surgery I was very calm. I thought I was going to have a hard time, but didn't. Kerstan did very well through the surgery. Once again, no complications thank God. This time her hospital stay was a little more difficult as she was older now. She had a very hard time taking her oral medications (to this day still) but she managed to get enough and surprise all the doctors. She was released after only 7 days. Her cardiologist expected her to be in the hospital for a month.

Kerstan is a very strong and feisty girl and we love her so much. It has been 2 months since her surgery and she is doing wonderfully. You wouldn't even know, except she loves to show off her scar.

Update (July 11, 2002)

Kerstan just had an follow up with her cardiologist, Dr. Roge. He was just so amazed as to how well she is doing. He said that her echocardiogram showed no signs any problems and the Fontan is working the way it should be. Her oxygen sats were at 92 which is just wonderful for her. I remember way back when they were at 67.

Kerstan is still very active, for which I am so glad for her. Dr. Roge said that since she is doing so great that he doesn't need to see her for a full year. Yeah a full year. After her last surgery, we were going every month, then 3 months, then 6 months. Of course, we'll make an appointment sooner if needed.

Kerstan started preschool the beginning of this year (2002) and is doing very well. It was a little difficult for her at first since she wasn't used to being around other kids and of course, picking up every cold that the kids might have had. Its just wonderful seeing my little girl work her way across the monkey bars and jumping and playing with the other kids.

Kerstan always has a smile on her face.