Severe Pulmonary Stenosis

Updated on April 10, 2008
J.C. asks from Mogadore, OH
13 answers

I am 26 weeks pregnant, and had to have a fetal echocardiogram done on my sons heart due to an abnormality seen on my regular 20 weeks scan. My OB told me not to worry that he just thought it might be calcium deposits which in most cases are not serious. The Cardiologist gave me news that just about knocked me off my seat. He said that my son has severe pulmonary stenosis. A condition that does not allow proper blood flow, and oxygen from the right ventricle to the lungs. He told me that my son would have to have open heart surgery right after he is born. Worst of all he said my baby could die. My husband and I are obviously devastated, but have decided that we are going to do whatever it takes to give him a fighting chance at life, and we are now leaving this in God's hands. However my OB called me 3 days ago and said that my case is too high risk for him, that he doesn't have the means, the equipment, or the man power to handle such a high risk case. He said he was referring me to a level 3 Dr, and that he would have his nurse forward all my files to his office. That was 3 days ago and I have heard nothing from no one. I don't know anything about this DR except his name, and now feel like I have no Dr at all. The Cardiologist wants an Amnio done, but my OB refused to do it. He said that this new DR could do it, but I haven't heard anything from either DR. I am at a loss, and don't know what to do anymore. Can a DR discharge your care without seeing another DR first? I am in a bad situation because my son even in utero is critical, and if something happens during this period of being doctorless I have no idea what hospital to go to or who to turn to for help at this point. I have called my old OB to get the new DRs info and I have not received a return phone call in 2 days. I am scared and don't know what to do. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions please I am desperate, and need some help on this one. Thank you.

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for your responses. I finally got an appt with my new Internal Fetal Medicine Dr. this Tues. I am so relieved. I have also only heard great things about him. I also heard that he's not that nice, but very good at what he does. I don't need nice at this point I need good so that works out in my favor:). I also have to have an amnio done per my cardiologists request because if it comes back with any chromosomal defects then he will not do the surgery. Please continue to keep my family, and my Baby in your prayers. I believe in miracles.

More Answers

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K.R.

answers from Columbus on

Wow--that is scary. If I were you, since you know the name of the new doctor, call his office and get an appt. set up. Sometimes they have extensions for nurse questions ("push 5 to talk to a nurse about medical questions" or something like that) and you could leave a message with the nurse about your concerns. You might be able to get a human response that way. Just in case you got lost in the shuffle between doctors, you should probably take the initiative to contact the new doctor. After this is over, you might even want to file a complaint with the medical board about the old doctor. That is just horrible that he left you hanging like that. Take care and good luck!!!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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W.S.

answers from Cleveland on

Dont wait for your doctor, take care of yourself and find a high risk OB on your own if you need to. You do not have to wait for your OB to respond. But I bet if you mention "malpractice" in your message he'll hop to it LOL (this is why he is saying he can't take care of you anyway, he's covering himself). I don't know where you live to recommend anyone.
As for the Amnio, I'd say NO WAY!!!! What good would it do? You already know about the stenosis, is there anything they could do differently right now anyway? An amnio is risky, so it shouldn't be done unless absolutely necessary. Again, what would the cardiologist do differently if you got an amnio? Many people get the amnio in order to decide whether to abort, and it doesn't sound like an option to you (and one I definitely wouldn't recommend, there is certainly much to hope for in your case!).
I know it's hard but try not to think about the risks, and look at the good possibilities instead. THere is a very good probability you will have a happy healthy baby boy when all is said and done. Not trying to minimize your feelings on this, I hope that's not what it sounds like. I would be upset and worried too. But just saying it's not a doomed situation, there is plenty to hope for that all will be well. Some doctors just like to say the worst in order to cover themselves, again. Instead of getting your hopes up. KWIM?
Blessings,
Lynn

1 mom found this helpful
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K.I.

answers from Cincinnati on

J.,
I am sure you are quite worried right now. You have my sympathy. I would not have an amnio for anything--there is something like a 10% chance of spontaneous abortion just from that. Since your baby is already stressed, it just doesn't sound like a good idea to me.
Get an appointment with your new doctor as soon as you can, as that will help you feel more confident. Specialists are busy, but write a list of your questions for your visit, so you don't forget any of them.
Be well, and write again soon to keep us up to date.
K.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.S.

answers from Toledo on

I know you must be terrified! The only advice I can offer is to become a pest. Call your old OB's office 1 or more times a day until they give you the info you need. In my opinion they should set up an appointment at the high risk OB for you. I would also call the new office and tell them your situation and ask if they need further information, or what you need to do to be seen. I had to do that when I needed to see a high risk doc. Also follow with your insurance company to make sure they will pay for the new doc. My doc set me up with a group that my insurance did not cover, so I had to do the research and find someone on my own. On top of having a sick baby, you don't want to get any surprise bills. I want to wish you good luck with everything, you'll be in my prayers.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Columbus on

Hi J.,
I am so sorry about the news you received. I will be praying for you and your family. I have never heard of this condition so I looked up some info online. I am sure you might have already done so yourself, and you might end up with information overload after meeting with the specialist, but I have attached the link to a pretty good article I found. http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-encyclope...

I would definately call your insurance to see if they can give you the name of another specialist, but in the meantime keep calling both your current doctor and the new one, if you have his information. You need answers and don't settle for being treated like just a number.

I hope everything works out well and please know that God will handle this. Blessings!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

I would become their receptionists' worst enemy. I would be calling every day if not more than once a day. I would be stopping at either OB's office and demanding info, instructions on what to do in an emer. etc. I would become so annoying that they'll help you asap if nothing else to get you off their phones. LOL Usually, I'm a very timid person, and I HATE confrontations, but this is my child I'm talking about, and the fierce mother comes out and I get aggressive. You HAVE to stand up and become that way, because your child can't. He needs you....and I'm sure you stressing over things can't be helping his situation either. For you and your son's safety, become agressive to get what you need.
My sister-in-law had a special needs baby about 3 yrs. ago, at Good Sam in the Level 3 nursery, and she would have a whole list of doctors, surgeons, etc. that I'm sure she'd love to discuss with you. If you want to email me off this site, feel free to and I'll connect you with her.
Hope that helps! -A. ____@____.com ###-###-####

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Columbus on

Do yourself and son a favor, call your old doctor and have him refer you to OSU Medical. They have the BEST doctors in the country for high risk pregancies, high risk infant care, etc. Yes, it is a little bit of a hassle making the drive for your appointments, but worth it. Not only can they give specialized care during your pregnancy, they have the best team onsite to care for your son when you deliver. It's a scary time for you right now, the unknown always is, but hang in there and take charge of your situation yourself. Best wishes and our prayers.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.

answers from Cincinnati on

J.,
God Bless you your family and your precious little baby. I have read the other responses and I love the idea of walking into the old dr office and standing there until you are give the inforamtion. Google the other Dr to get his or her phone number and address and go to that office if you need to. Cincinnati Childrens Hospital has a great neonatal specialist I hope you are in the cincinnati area and are going to one of them. We had to go for 2 of our 4 children and they were wonderfully supportive in both cases.
Please keep us posted and know that you are in my prayers. God bless you and yours,
J.

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B.R.

answers from Columbus on

J.,

Keep calling new doctor! In the meantime, call your insurance and get another specialist recommendation or call your old doctor and get another referral.

I can't imagine the stress and fear you are going through now, but someone how you must find a way to be calm and relax for your baby's sake. Stress can only make things worse.

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K.E.

answers from Cincinnati on

May God bless you with all you need as you have been obedient to Him by not giving up!!!!!!! I know it is hard to go through this, but stay faithful to Him and He will stay faithful to you!!!!! Stay strong....you have a whole army of women at Mamasource supporting you and praying for you!! Please keep us informed.

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C.

answers from Dayton on

You need to physically go to the old doctor office and stand there until they give you answers. Only you can push for the safety of you and your unborn child. Do not take no for an answer. Then go to the new doctor and get an appointment. Phone calls are not working so take action. Make them protect you and your child. Also, call your insurance and appraise them of the situation. They may be able to guide you on the right path. Good luck and god bless.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi, I'm sorry you have so much to deal with right now, but I went to a high risk Dr. and he was absolutely wonderful, his name is Dr. Bruce Banias. He is very knowledgable and knows his stuff. I highly reccomend him to anyone facing problems. Good luck and God bless

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A.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Dear J.,
I know this is an old post, I saw it for the first time just now. I am praying so hard your son is okay. I know as an older Mom, they wanted me to have an amnio, we went for it and everything, almost an hours drive, when we got there I said no, I am having this baby no matter what. Our Daughter ended up being perfect, however, she died at 75 days of age to SIDS, so I guess I am writing to let you know I truly pray your son is a healthy, active little boy, but you also have support if not. I will keep you, your family and son in prayer. God Bless, A.

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