Our Oldest Son..............GS

Ours oldest son was born in 2001with two unfortunate conditions medially known as tracheoesophageal fistula and imperforate anus, resulting in requirement for major corrective surgery at birth and two subsequent operations a few years later.

Resultant complications from his birth conditions dictate regular monthly to 3monthly reviews and investigations of his progress by specialist surgical consultants, which is expected to progress until he is in his mid to late teens.

Also, due to the resultant complications, his daily routine includes self-catheterization 4 to 5 times a day, self administered bowel-wash once a day, and taking urinary track and bowel management medications.

Due to a knock-on effects from his birth complications, at the age of 5 our son was also diagnosed with a Tethered Spinal Cord and Scoliosis affecting his spine. At the age of 6 he had to undergo neurosurgery in an attempt to un-tether his spinal cord and the operation had only 50% success. However, he recovered well. These are another series of issues that require regular monitoring and corrective surgery as he progresses into his teens.

At the time of writing he is a 7year old “happy-go-lucky” boy who displays an amazing appreciation of life in whole, with an amazing resilience to all his issues, and a constant positive outlook in all his endeavors. His studious and athletic prowess holds him in high stead with his fellow pupils, educators and peers alike.

In summary he one truly amazing little man, who without the splendid skills and dedicated care of his surgical team and associated consultants, may have not graced us all with his presence today.