When Isaac was hospitalised at just 6 weeks old we told ourselves that he would be fine and he would be out in no time. Never did we imagine that we would be taking him to Great Ormond Street Hospital at 7 months old for life saving surgery.  

Isaac had severe Tracheomalacia and his airway was thought to be 80% closed. This was due to inominate artery compression. His artery had grown in the wrong position and was sat in front of his windpipe.  The plan was to move his artery and attach this to his chest wall, and pin his trachea to his spinal column to open it. 

On August 17th 2021 Isaac was operated on and after being in theatre for 7 hours he returned to Intensive care at about 7 in the evening.  They explained to us that they had completed the planned procedures, but that Isaacs condition was much worse than previously thought and they had also pinned his trachea to his chest wall to open it further and stented his airway externally with a splint. 

Shortly after Isaac took a turn for the worse and despite the fixes they made we were told that he may be dependent on oxygen and ventilation for the foreseeable future. 

After a rollercoaster of 7 weeks in intensive care, 6 weeks on Leopard Ward, amazing care from numerous consultants, specialists, doctors and nurses, Isaac was finally discharged!

Isaac continues to thrive despite a few challenges but myself, Becky, Elliott and Toby will be forever grateful for all the Great Ormond Street did for Isaac.  At the time we never considered ourselves to be lucky; much the opposite. But since retuning for one of Isaac’s many follow up appointments we now realise how lucky we are to have Isaac fighting fit! 

During this period we were able to stay in accommodation provided by GOSH Charity.  This meant we had a place to stay close by where we could recharge, but also meant we were close by or by Isaac’s bedside whenever we needed to be.  By aiming to raise as much as possible we hope that another family or families can benefit from the charities support just like we did. 

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