ELLA IS OUR BRAVE BATTLER
Parents salute miracle tot
A brave Blantyre tot is now facing her fourth open-heart surgery.
Ella Rose Gilbertson was born on March 17 last year with a rare congenital heart defect.
Her parents, Charlene and Mark, had no warning about their baby’s condition. From the moment she was born, the child was critically ill and needed specialised help to give her a chance of survival.
She was transferred from the University Hospital Wishaw to Glasgow Children’s Hospital where she underwent open-heart surgery when just two days old – and it was at that point she began to prove to her parents and doctors that she was a real fighter.
Mum Charlene explained: “Ella Rose had two major operations, the first when she was two days old and the second just days later.
“She then spent a total of 11 weeks in an intensive care unit battling some complications. She was eventually moved to a different ward for a further few weeks to continue her recovery before being allowed home.
“Her stay at home was eventful at times, and she had to go back into hospital because she was picking up so many infections.”
Ella Rose ended up back in hospital, needing the second part of her open heart operation sooner than expected.
Charlene said: “We didn’t have much time to be a normal family.
“When Ella Rose was in theatre they came across a major complication. The surgery she was originally going to have had to be abandoned.”
Ella Rose was left fighting for her life as a small abscess was found in her aorta, making it crumble.
The next few hours were going to be critical for the youngster once again.
Charlene continued: “Ella Rose proved us all wrong and once again showed us how strong she is.
“After doctors told us to prepare for the worst, she managed to come off her life support and was managing well on high-flow oxygen along with all her medication to keep her comfortable.
“Slowly, and day-by-day, machines and medication disappeared as she got that little bit stronger.
“She still had a long road ahead of her and needed six weeks of intense anti-biotics before she had to go back to theatre again for surgeons to try to repair her heart.”
Ella Rose underwent a third operation which saw her in theatre for 22 hours.
She ran into further complications, resulting in a cardiac arrest.
Charlene said: “Ella Rose had a very rocky road and it was unsure if she would make it back into the intensive care unit. Luckily, my little miracle did.
“It was a rollercoaster of a recovery. Having suffered so much trauma, there was doubts to whether she could see, hear and even move.
“Having been starved of oxygen, there was a high risk of brain damage.
“Ella Rose spent three months in hospital recovering before finally being allowed home for her first Christmas.
“I’m glad to report that Ella Rose is now doing well. She has her sight and can also hear.
“It just took a while to come back after going through so much trauma.
“She is now playing catch-up and learning how to roll over and sit up but it will take time for her to build up her tummy muscles.
“She receives weekly physio to help with this.
“Ella Rose is also very vocal and is now saying a few words with no sign of any significant brain damage.
“She will continue to be monitored every three months, but unfortunately after our recent appointment, it’s looking like she will be going back in for her fourth open heart surgery in around six months time.
“Mark and myself have had the most eventful 17 months and think we have experienced every emotion possible.
“We dread this next operation but know it needs to be done – and we believe Ella Rose will have the strength and determination to fight like she has done before.”
Ella Rose’s parents and friends held a successful fundraiser at the weekend in Blantyre’s Parkville Hotel.
The event (see the story on the top left) raised £10,000 for the cardiac unit at Glasgow Children’s Hospital as a thank you to the staff who have cared for Ella Rose during her time in hospital.