From heart op trauma
continued.
“But it was still hard when we knew it definitely had to go ahead. The condition of the valve had deteriorated to such an extent there was no option.”
At the beginning of March Jack underwent The Ross Procedure at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
Jack’s diseased aortic valve was replaced with his own pulmonary valve.
Claire said: “It was much more difficult this time round.
“Jack is football-daft but he had to stop any strenuous exercise, including his football, as it would put too much pressure on his heart and could be dangerous.
“He is such an active wee boy. This wasn’t an easy task and he found it tough not being allowed to do very much.”
However, once again Jack showed his grit and determination by being back on the ward less than a week after surgery.
“For an adult to make it through what Jack has would be a big ask so for him to be out of intensive care in a couple of days was just unbelievable,” Claire went on. “I don’t think the doctors or ourselves could believe it.”
Claire said she and her family couldn’t have made it through everything without the support of the staff at the Glasgow hospital.
She continued: “The hospital was absolutely fantastic in preparing him this time round and helping reduce his anxiety.
“The staff did so many small things, from visiting the ward with him beforehand to the play specialists going into the anaesthetist’s room with him.
“They couldn’t have treated us any better and we will be eternally grateful.
“And his five-year-old sister, Sophie, was also included in everything by the play specialists to make it easier for her.”
Claire added: “A big thank you also goes to the Beavers. It was great they chose to support the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity this year after they treated Jack – they work so hard for every child who goes through the doors.”