"Why Is Your Baby Blue?" Complicated Questions Easily Handled With Proper Cardiology Care
Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare disorder of the heart. The disease is difficult to explain, but it can be even more difficult to explain why your child looks blue. As a parent, you may find that you have to answer several difficult questions about your child when strangers notice something is not right. You may even have to defend yourself against accusations that you abuse your child. Read the following for suggestions on how to handle these situations and answer difficult questions.
Diagnosis at Birth
Most congenital heart defects are caught at birth, if not beforehand. Ultrasound technology has come so far that most parents are able to prepare in advance for lifelong complications that their unborn children have and will have. Even if you choose not to have an ultrasound because of personal or religious reasons, getting your baby diagnosed at birth is vital to finding immediate and specialized care. The records that show your baby had and has a condition stops government agencies from stepping in and removing your child from your care.
Treatment for Congenital Heart Defects
Almost all heart defects diagnosed at birth are now treated with surgery shortly after the babies are born. When your baby has Tetralogy of Fallot, it is imperative that surgery be scheduled right away because your baby's heart cannot get enough oxygen into the blood to sustain him or her. This is why your baby's fingers, toes and lips frequently turn blue or look blue more often than a rosy pink. The pediatric cardiologist assigned to your case will advise and inform you of the procedures necessary to correct the defects and help your baby live longer.
Making a Choice for Surgery
The idea of open heart surgery on an infant is terrifying. Yet, if you choose not to have surgery on your baby, you are not only taking risks with his or her health, but some well-meaning individuals might also call child protective services. There have been cases where parents chose to avoid life-saving procedures for their children only to be sued by the state for child endangerment or abuse. Having public records that show you are doing all you can for your child but have chosen to delay surgery proves that you are still a good parent.
Keeping Excellent Records
In the event that anyone does not trust or understand what you tell him or her, you have the medical records from the hospital and the cardiologist to show that your child has a condition. If you know your baby only turns blue when he or she is sleeping or crying, then you can inform those involved with your baby's care that these symptoms are part of the condition and it is nothing to be afraid of. You can also share with them ways they can help your child and monitor the baby's heart condition when you are away.
For more help with cardiology questions and care, contact a clinic, like ICE, Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence.
Share