Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 02, 2016 News
It would perhaps be one of the toughest decisions for any parent to agree to have his or her newborn undergo a major operation, even if it could be life-saving. After all, medical officials usually make it clear that such surgeries
could be risky.
It was therefore no surprise that Vunita and Rabindra Kissoon, of Alexander Village, Georgetown repeatedly questioned themselves when they decided to make such a major decision. Their newborn baby girl – Naiyah Kissoon – was just 20 days old when she went under the knife to correct a troubling heart condition she was born with.
According to Vunita, she gave birth to her second child at a private hospital where the heart murmur was detected. She was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC’)s Paediatric Surgery Unit which has been offering free heart surgeries over the past few years at no cost to patients.
Surgeries are performed by cardiac experts attached to the United States-based International Children’s Heart Foundation which is known as the Baby Heart Foundation. The Foundation’s lead Surgeon is a very reputable Paediatric Surgeon, Dr. Rodrigo Soto, who is supported by a team including a number of experts who volunteer their time to the cause.
Baby Heart has already been introduced to more than 30 countries around the world. The programme is one that not only offers paediatric cardiac care but also training to local medical personnel in an attempt to develop a skilled paediatric surgery team.
According to Vunita, her baby girl was only 16 days old when she was registered to gain the expert attention of the Baby Heart Foundation team. Her condition was deemed an emergency.
Vunita stressed that although it was difficult to accept that her newborn needed the urgent medical care she felt comfortable enough with the Baby Heart Foundation experts to grant them permission to operate.
“She is doing well,” said an elated Vunita of her baby daughter yesterday as she proclaimed, “at this moment I know we made the right decision.”
But immediately after surgery, Vunita said that she became very emotional when she saw her tiny baby attached to many tubes. “It was devastating at first to see her like that…but I am happy because I know my baby got the help she needed…now we know for sure she is getting better. We are very happy and blessed,” Vunita asserted yesterday.
Naiyah Kissoon was able to undergo open heart surgery at the GPHC and is arguably the youngest patient to undergo such an operation here in Guyana.
Meanwhile, the oldest patient that the team has operated on is 39-year-old Kendra Johnson. Johnson during an interview with this publication yesterday revealed that she was just about eight years old when doctors observed a hole in her heart. The discovery was made after she developed a fever that seemed to persist with no explanation.
Johnson recalled that by the age of 13 her mother was able to raise money to have her travel overseas for medical attention. But her woes were not over. Her life was characterised by visiting the hospital regularly and taking medication constantly. In fact it persisted until March when she was attended to by the Baby Heart Foundation team.
According to Johnson, ever since she underwent open heart surgery her quality of life has improved immensely. In fact she is confident that her decision to take advantage of the Baby Heart Foundation expertise has put her in a position to enjoy life with her three children.
“At first I couldn’t walk certain distance without getting shortness of breath and having to take a seat. Now I am doing better…”
She revealed how her nine-year-old daughter who had plans to become a doctor to “cure me” has now decided she will be a lawyer instead since I am much better. “This service is free of cost and the doctors are so very professional…They treat you like a human being who has worth.
“They are always at your side…even the team at the GPHC they are just as nice,” related Johnson as she recommended that anyone with a heart condition opt to take advantage of the Baby Heart Foundation supported service at the GPHC.
“Anybody with a heart condition I am saying give them (GPHC) a chance. I think Government should continue to work with them because they are good…I had no fear; I had complete confidence in them,” Johnson added.
LISTEN HOW JAGDEO WILL MAKE ALL GUYANESE RICH!!!
Apr 24, 2024
Round 2 GFF Women’s League Division One Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Police Force FC on Saturday last demolished Pakuri Jaguars FC with a 17 – 0 goal blitz at the Guyana Football...Kaieteur News – Just recently, the PPC determined that it does not have the authority to vitiate a contract which was... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]