William and his family will join the HeartKids community at the Albany Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk this October.
William was diagnosed with a large Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) at just six weeks old. What followed was a challenging journey involving a Royal Flying Doctor flight, specialist care and two attempts at open-heart surgery.
Along the way, William’s diagnosis also led to the unexpected discovery that his dad, Wayne, had an ASD too. William’s mum, Megan, shares their family’s heart journey and their connection to HeartKids.
Can you tell us about William’s heart journey?
William was born naturally in King Edward Hospital in September 2015 and we were all back in Albany the next day.
As the weeks went by, I noticed that whenever I changed his nappy, he became upset and had an esophageal tug, which I mentioned when we went for William’s six week check up. The Doctor, and our friend, Carly Roxborough, tried an oxygen meter on his little fingers but could not get a reading.
Four machines at the doctor’s surgery later, still no reading. So off to the Albany hospital we went, where they managed to get a blood oxygen reading of 73%.
Within two hours, William and I were on the Royal Flying Doctor to Princess Margaret Hospital, with nothing but the clothes we were wearing. William was sick, very sick.
After a week of tests, it was revealed that he had both RSV and a large Atrial Septal defect (ASD). After more specialist appointments, it was decided that William could wait for open-heart surgery until he was bigger and stronger, at around two years old.
In the following May, William’s father, Wayne, went to a doctor for something minor. On the way out the door, he asked in passing if there was anything congenital with William’s condition. The doctor said there shouldn’t be, but sent him for a scan anyway. Consequently, after numerous further tests, Wayne too had an ASD, measuring 3.5 centimetres, and his blood oxygen level was down to 83%. Wayne had open-heart Surgery in June 2016. He was 41 and his cardiologist said he probably would not have made 50- he’s now 51.Â
Now back to William. After one failed attempt at open-heart surgery in June 2017, due to William having a fever, we had another go in November 2017. This proved successful.
That brings us here to today, both proud members of the ‘Zipper Club’ and supporters of everything HeartKids.
To support families like William’s, register to attend your local Two Feet & A Heartbeat walk today.
