I've been lurking and not posting for a long time, but I had to post about this. I am absolutely sending thoughts and well wishes out to her!
My daughter, who is 6 now, was born with only half of a heart. This was not diagnosed in utero and she almost died 4 days after she was born. Luckily, modern medicine is awesome and after 3 open heart bypass surgeries she is the happiest, liveliest, child you'll ever meet. These things are so terrifying when you are in the midst of them, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm sure it is horrible to find these things out while pregnant, but coming from someone who did not (the Naval hospital here still bends over backwards for me and I'm sure it is because I didn't sue them!) - it would have been good information to have. It means that she'll spend the rest of her pregnancy worrying and that sucks, but the alternative is something horrible happening after the child is born because no one knew (Ryleigh literally was within an hour of death and had to be put in an induced coma to stabilize her prior to her first surgery because her system had gone into shock). Make sure she has a good support system! And just remind her that she was given this special little bundle because she is one of the rare people who are strong enough to cope with it. Also, make sure she meets - and is comfortable with - any surgeons who will be working with her child. A good bedside manner is PARAMOUNT to her stress level staying down and not everyone has this gift. Where is she located if you don't mind me asking? I'll be happy to talk with Ry's cardiologist and see if she has any info on the CT surgeons in the area. I don't have any information about the club foot, but the cardiac stuff I can maybe find some info on.
I'm posting this picture of Ryleigh that was taken last weekend. The worst really does pass:nod:
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Ronnie
