The parents of a baby boy born with a heart defect are preparing to spend his first Christmas at a London children’s hospital while he recovers from major surgery.
Little Kayden John Thursby was born in Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on December 8 after being diagnosed with unbalanced AVSD at mum Shannon’s 20-week scan.
The tiny newborn was flown to Great Ormond Street Hospital days after his birth for open heart surgery, which was due to take place yesterday for up to eight hours.
It’s been an agonising time for Shannon, 27, and dad Christopher, 28, who are preparing to spend his first Christmas at the London hospital, where big brother Kian, seven, insisted his little brother’s cot was decorated with fairy lights while he recovers.
Speaking to the Lennox Herald, mum Shannon told how the situation has been “heartbreaking”, with the family desperate to be back at their Brucehill home together.
She said: “Kayden was diagnosed when I was pregnant at my 20-week scan. It was such a stressful time as I had never heard of the condition before.
“We went to all of the appointments and there was so much information each time, and we were told that London would be a possible place for treatment.
“It has been a long journey with multiple scans at fetal medicine in Glasgow QEUH where there was loads of discussion about what surgeries will be done to get our boy well.
“On Thursday, December 8, Kayden was born by c-section at 11.15am weighing 7lb 6oz and was taken straight to NICU in QEUH.
“He was put straight onto a medication to help keep a valve open that usually closes on new born babies but Kayden needs his open to help with the blood flow.
“He had a small procedure done in theatre to help fix the line for his blood and medication. It went well and he was back in my arms. He loves his snuggles.”
Unbalanced AVSD is a congenital heart defect affecting the valves, and Kayden will undergo surgery and then return to the hospital for a second operation before he is six months old, and then another before he reaches the age of five.
Shannon told how Kayden was due to be flown to Great Ormond Street Hospital the day after his birth, but the family faced a stressful wait, with bad weather and train strikes causing problems.
She explained: “On Sunday, December 11, Kayden was allocated a bed in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, however with the bad weather down there it was cancelled as it was unsafe to fly.
“Then on Monday, December 12, the transport arrived to take Kayden to London but the bed space was gone.
“It has been such a worry for our whole family as it’s so close to Christmas.”
Transport was re-booked for the following day but Shannon and Chris, who had to make their own way to London, faced a 12-hour wait to be reunited with their son.
Shannon added: “Kayden’s flight was booked for 12pm. Myself and his dad had to get the train and with the strike and a problem with the line at Carlisle it took us more than 12 hours to be back with our son.
“We left at 12pm and never arrived in London until 1.30am. We were exhausted.
“It has been so hard for us both as we have had to leave Kian behind at home with our family. We miss him terribly and it’s hurting us so much knowing we won’t be back to celebrate Christmas with him.
“However, we know that he will be well loved and looked after and absolutely spoiled.
“My heart is being ripped apart but hopefully we can get back home soon.”
The couple will spend Christmas Day by their son’s bedside, and will video call Kian while he opens his presents with Shannon’s parents.
She said: “Kian absolutely adores his brother and was excited to be able to hold him for the first time on my birthday, which was the 10th of December. It was the best birthday present ever.
“Kian wanted him to have lights and a tree so we went out to Oxford Street to find decorations.”
Kayden will spend some time recovering at the London hospital before being flown back to the QEUH.
Shannon added: “We are expected to be in Great Ormond Street for a couple of weeks before returning back to Glasgow hospital, all depending on how Kayden is coping after surgery.
“We are hoping for a positive outcome and he will be a happy and healthy boy with follow-up appointments with cardiologist specialist.”
