Luke Miller’s Story
Luke’s heart condition was discovered at my 20 week scan. That day things looked very grim and there was talk of termination. 6 days later we had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Dr D’Orsogna who advised us that Luke had a working Right Ventricle and that something could be done to give him a good quality of life although it would be short (20’s). As time went on more scans were done. Closer to his birth Dr D’Orsogna advised us that it appeared Luke had a Left Ventricle on the right hand side but we’d be unsure until birth. If this was the case the prognosis was a lot better (30’s/40’s).
Luke was born via natural birth at 41 weeks and weighed a healthy 3 ½ kg’s. Further echo’s where done and it was at this time we discovered that Luke did in fact have a Left Ventricle (on the right hand side) and, as he was doing so well, would not require immediate surgery.
Luke came home from the hospital after 3 days and was a wonderful baby.
Two months later Luke underwent surgery for Pulmonary Artery Banding and a Balloon Atrial Septectomy All went really well and we were home within 6 days. For the next 9 months we enjoyed watching Luke grow into a very happy, healthy and sociable little boy who reached all his milestones without any problems.
At 11 months (after numerous delays due to a cold) he underwent his second surgery – Bidirectional Cavopulmonary Shunt. Again Luke recovered quickly and we took him home within 5 days. However, the following day Luke was back in the hospital with Rotavirus (Gastro). Believe me that was more horrifying than the post op period!!
Anyway, Luke returned home once again and not long after that celebrated his 1st birthday on the 10th June.
Luke is an amazing child. His oxygen saturation levels are now in the high 80’s so his colour is good, he is highly active, affectionate and friendly. He has an infectious smile. He is a hero to his family and we are so very proud of him.
We are also so privileged to be part of the Perth Paediatric Cardiac Family. We are indebted to the likes of Dr D’Orsogna, Dr Andrews, Mary, Beth and the rest of the team. They are the most incredible people and we are blessed to have and know them.
Luke has one more surgery, somewhere from the age of 4 and then hopefully after that all will go well. Like all other heart kid parents we are hoping for advancements in science to enable Luke to have a long, happy and healthy life.
As Dr D’Orsogna says……”he’s a champ!!”