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Boston, MA 02115
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Clinical Services (Cardiovascular Program):
Dominic's Story: Transposition of the Great Arteries
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Dominic
Dominic today
Dominic was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) in utero at our 20-week scan. It was bombshell and we were completely devastated.

We very quickly spoke to people we knew in the profession and found out how lucky we were that it was fixable and has a high success rate. We were especially lucky that the best of the best were in our own backyard. The pioneers of TGA corrective surgery were based at Children's Hospital Boston.

Other success stories
We got the most comfort from success stories, in particular a dear friend's child who was treated at Children's six years ago for a very rare heart disorder. As we thought of what we had ahead, we kept picturing this vibrant, active boy who was believed to have had little chance of survival when he was born. He is living proof of what those at Children's are capable of.
Meeting with the surgeon
We met with the surgeon a few weeks after we found out about Dominic's condition, and toured the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) to help prepare us for what was to come. The professional team at Children's put us at ease immediately, with how they explained the procedure and what would come once Dominic was born. This prepared us and allowed us to have confidence that the best that could be done by our child would be done, and we were able to enjoy the remainder of the pregnancy.
After Dominic's birth
Once Dominic was born, it all started to happen. He was taken at birth to the neighboring Brigham and Women's Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and then to Children's CICU. From the day we walked into Children's until the day we left, we knew that Dominic was in the best possible hands.
The nursing staff put us at ease
The nurses kept us informed about how Dominic was doing, what was going on, what they were doing and why, and what was going to happen next. They spoke to us in layman's terms, so we could understand everything. They also showed us they loved their jobs and loved the children they cared for. Even the youngest of the nurses made us feel instantly at ease, demonstrating that they had the knowledge and experience to handle every situation with confidence. The nurses are what got us through after surgery, and for that we are eternally grateful.
The surgery
Image The day of the surgery was perhaps the hardest day of them all, the hours of sitting in the waiting room. We were extremely grateful for the regular updates that came from the operating room, and the prompt meeting with the surgeon once he was done. Preparing yourselves to see your child after surgery is very important, as it can be extremely distressing: so many bruises, tubes and machines. Children are resilient, however, and it is amazing the difference that days and even hours can make.
Recovery and going home
When Dominic was strong enough to move to the inpatient unit (6 East) it was sad to say goodbye to those that had helped us through the hardest days of our lives, but the relief and gratitude was overwhelming. We then went to meet another group of professionals who we came to trust and rely on until we left.

We will never forget the professionalism, dedication, commitment and love of those at Children's Hospital Boston.

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