Experience Journal: Coping with a child ’s congenital heart disease

At 16 months old, Avery was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect — a hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chambers that required open-heart surgery to repair. ​ Shock, fear and pride were just a few of the emotions Avery’s parents Jessica and Andrew experienced throughout their journey coping with their daughter’s congenital heart defect (CHD). The couple found it helpful to talk through their questions and feelings with other parents of children with a CHD, as well as with Avery’s caregivers from the Heart Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. Now with two years of recovery behind them, Jessica and Andrew generously pay it forward by sharing their experience and offering guidance to other families coping with pediatric heart disease.   The Experience Journals are collections of stories, videos and personal experiences from families about what it has been like to live with their children’s illnesses. This video is part of the Heart Experience Journal, created by the Department of Psychiatry and the Heart Center. The post Experience Journal: Coping with a child’s congenital heart disease appeared first on Thriving Blog.
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & Conditions Our Patients’ Stories atrial septal defect Dr. Pedro del Nido Experience Journal Heart Center Source Type: news