Kayleigh’s story
Kayleigh was born with a heart condition that wasn’t detected until after she had been discharged from hospital. Here is her story, as told by mum Susie.

Our new-baby-bubble began to crumble. Admitted into the local hospital, Kayleigh was attached to machines, there were tubes up her nose and all over her tiny body and she was placed in a chamber to keep her warm. For three days, they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Then on the fourth day, she deteriorated and she was blue-lighted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
In Birmingham, we were hit with the worse news of my life. Kayleigh had Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection, a severe heart defect that meant that her blood and oxygen was mixing. She would need surgery immediately and there was a real possibility that she would not survive.
The surgery lasted six hours – but she kept fighting – and the doctors were able to close her chest. She had survived the surgery.

Gradually, Kayleigh regained her strength and we were medicine free! Her checks have became less regular.
Kayleigh is now six years old. She has learning difficulties, dyspraxia, and developmental delay. But she’s still a bubbly girl – she always has been. She’s a remarkable little girl, loved by everyone who comes in contact with her and we are very, very proud of her.
Heart problems in babies are more common than most people realise and Tiny Tickers is working really hard to raise awareness and understanding. I’m glad to help.

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