Matthew’s Story

     Matthew Carter Myles was born on September 9, 2017 at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana. Right after birth Matthew had a tear in both lungs that were sealed and to this day are still going strong. He was in the NICU at Union for about 4 days. On the 3^rd day he had an ultrasound done on his kidneys and the doctors could tell right away his kidneys were not right.

     The next day he went to Riley Children’s Hospital for the first time. Within an hour of him being admitted into the NICU we had an answer of what had happened. Matthew’s kidneys were not formed fully. We stayed at Riley for about a week and then we were able to go home for about two weeks with the knowledge that he would most likely need kidney dialysis.

     After two weeks Matthews’s blood work came back with elevated levels of potassium. We took him to Riley and he underwent his first surgery to have his Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter placed. Over the next 35 days he had 2 more surgeries and Matthew’s Grandma and Mother were trained on how to do his dialysis at home.

     The next few months were very challenging with him growing and flu season we made many trips to Riley.  We are so thankful for the Doctors and Nurses who took care of our lil Matthew. In January of 2018 we almost lost our lil boy. He had a temperature of 107.7, blood pressure of 45, and a heart rate of 266. He suffered from a seizure and was sedated and put in the PICU at Riley.  The doctors and nurses did not expect him to make it through the night, but God had other plans. Just as the doctors were about ready to have the family called Matthew suddenly started getting better.

     After 2 weeks we were able to go home. Matthew’s MRI showed that he had scattered brain damage, but he has overcome that damage. He shows no sign of the brain damage to this day. Although we had no idea that all this was going to happen and that Matthew would need a new kidney we thank God for him every day.

     Matthew is doing very well on his dialysis today. He has grown so much that he even needed a new peritoneal dialysis Catheter placed because he out grew the old one. For everything he has had to endure he remains happy and joyful. He is curious about everything and loves his family. We can’t wait to the day he receives his new kidney.

     We would like to thank everyone who has prayed for us or donated to COTA in honor of Matthew. We greatly appreciate all your support!

Love,

The Myles Family