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Little Camden James Roell didn’t start out his life in a hospital. In fact, he was born at home, the youngest of five children.
But he learned soon enough about hospitals. From the inside, as a patient. For, you see, right after his birth, problems developed with his little lungs and Camden was rushed by transport to Wolfson. Turns out his respiratory problems were caused by a diaphragmatic hernia.
Diaphragmatic hernias are described as a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm which allows part of the abdominal organs to move into the chest area. This is important because the diaphragm is the muscle that helps you breathe. With this hernia, severe breathing difficulty usually develops shortly after a baby is born. The crowding of the other abdominal organs causes the lung tissue to collapse.
That something was wrong was immediately apparent. Little Camden turned blue and his breathing became very rapid and erratic. Additionally, his heart rate accelerated dangerously.
The good news is that a diaphragmatic hernia is treatable. In Camden’s case, however, it required emergency surgery for the abdominal organs must be relocated to their proper places and the opening in the diaphragm must be repaired. Danielle Walsh, MD, went to work right away but things didn’t go easily and it would be some time before Camden would be doing well.
Camden is now eight months old and although not out of the woods, is a very happy and beautiful little boy. But signs of his rough beginning are still present: a trach, a ventilator and gastric feeding tube. His favorite surgeon, Dr. Walsh, will perform any future surgeries and has her own special sign: the surgical bandages she wraps that protect the incision may be in the shape of a bunny, mermaid, turtle or whatever corresponds to the season or the patient’s personality! Here is a doctor who knows well that her patients are children who have their own special needs. It is the Wolfson trademark; indeed, the only reason Wolfson exists!
Amazingly, there can be joy and even laughter in situations like Camden’s. Just ask the Roells. |
