Nicholas Anthony LaBella
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Nicholas Anthony LaBella was born on October 4, 2001. We should have known that very day that Nicky wasn't going to follow any of the "normal" rules! Upon arriving at the hospital in labor, we were told by the attending that I still had at least three hours of labor to go. Needless to say, the minute the doctor and nurse left the room, Nicholas made his arrival. No doctor, no nurse, no drugs. That is Nicky!
At a week old, we brought him to the doctor complaining about the way his chest heaved. She couldn't find anything wrong. At his first check up, she discovered a heart murmur. At a cardiology appointment the next morning, Nicholas was admitted to the hospital, diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect. After beginning drug therapy, we were home again. Two weeks later, we were in the doctor's office complaining again, but were reassured that nothing was wrong. At the follow up appointment with the cardiologist a few days later, we were admitted once again. This time for congestive heart failure. Nicholas had open heart surgery on December 5th. Follow up tests the next day showed a continuing problem, but before a second surgery could take place, Nicholas contracted a blood infection. Waiting for the antibiotics to finish, the infection to clear, and the surgery (where more holes in his heart were discovered!) Nicholas was on a respirator for 40 days. On the 50th day, we came home.
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Hanging tough at 3 months old
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Christening
Two weeks later, we were in the ER, where we were again told there was nothing wrong. Finally, Nicholas was admitted. At the end of a week long stay, it was discovered that Nicholas was breathing through an "airway smaller than the tip of a ball point pen". Laser surgery was conducted, but two weeks later, we were back in the ER. February 28, 2002, Nicholas was trached and diagnosed with subglottic stenosis.
Having Nicky come and go so often, and for varying lengths of time, was confusing enough for his 2 year old brother, Michael. But this time, not only did Nicky come home, but so did a ton of equipment, machines, 3 therapists, and night nurses! Our world, and our home, were turned totally upside down!
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First Birthday with his Big Brother Michael
The ENT said he wouldn't even consider scoping Nicholas until he was 4 years old. We found a new ENT, and at 18 months, March 25, 2003, Nicky was DECANNULATED! Everyone had told us to expect him to need reconstructive surgery, but Nicholas had other plans. Sitting on mommy's lap, watching a Wiggles video, the trach was removed!
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Trach Free!
June 2003
Nicky is now 21 months old, and Mikey is almost 4 years old. They are totally inseparable, and we don't know what sound is more beautiful than their constant laughter. Mikey is extremely overprotective of his little brother, and also a very helpful therapist!
Nicholas' medical journey has been an amazing one! He still has some issues to resolve, but overall, he has come so far, so fast. We have all seen so much, learned so much, dealt with so much, and we love each other so much!
And for all of you out there who took the time to read our very long story...Always trust your instincts, always seek second opinions, and never give up hope!
Daniela LaBella - JustDani24@aol.com
