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<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen Hadley was born jaundiced, it seemed like a common issue that could be resolved with a few days under bili lights. However, her lab levels didn’t go down, sparking concern. After a few days in the NICU and numerous outpatient appointments and lab tests, her parents suspected Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease. The initial diagnosis was a whirlwind of emotions and fear as they tried to grasp the severity of her condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A liver biopsy ruled out Biliary Atresia, but her lab levels kept climbing. A cholangiogram confirmed the diagnosis and a Kasai procedure was performed to buy her time. However, the procedure didn’t work as hoped. By the following Sunday, her liver was dying and immediate intervention was needed. They opted for Cleveland Clinic due to a storm preventing transport to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. There, the transplant team met them and began testing for a living-related donor liver transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Getting the news<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When they learned Hadley needed a transplant, her parents’ immediate response was to immerse themselves in the medical side of her care. They had anticipated this possibility and ensured a blood type match. The urgency of the situation left little room for processing emotions. They focused on the necessary steps to prepare for the transplant, both emotionally and practically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The day of the transplant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The day of the transplant was a blur of medical staff and specialists filling the hallway. They were never alone with Hadley. Her condition had worsened; her liver and part of her bowel were dying. The uncertainty was overwhelming. As they waited to be taken for surgery, they didn’t know if the procedure would even proceed. The surgeon spent 30 minutes assessing Hadley’s condition before deciding to go ahead. Their emotions swung from a sense of calm to hysteria as they faced the possibility of losing her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was an eerie sense of calm as her parents focused on what needed to be done. Michele Krider, her mother, stated, \u201cI tend to bury myself in the medical side of Hadley. When we were told she might have biliary atresia I knew the end result might be a liver transplant. It was then I made sure I was a blood type match and accepted it may come to that because when we got to that point I didn’t want to have to think. I didn’t have time to think she needed a transplant so urgently we didn’t really process any of it.\u201d The day of the surgery felt both fast and endless. Finally, the moment came and they were both taken into the operating room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The news of success and challenges in recovery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When the surgeon told them the transplant was successful, it was bittersweet. Hadley was alive, but her abdomen couldn’t be closed and she was left with a cellophane-like covering. Seeing her two hours post-op was a mixture of relief and continued worry. Her survival felt like a miracle, but they knew the battle wasn’t over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hadley’s recovery was fraught with challenges. She spent 51 days in the hospital, undergoing ten additional procedures to address various issues and close her stomach. Setback after setback tested their resilience. She was intubated, unable to eat and survived on IV fluids for weeks. Through it all, Hadley’s strength and spirit shone through. She is a miracle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advice for other families<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking back, her parents advise other families facing similar experiences to find support. They initially pushed people away, choosing to stay in their own bubble. However, there are resources available that can provide much-needed help. Be an advocate for your child, ask questions and don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Take time for yourself, even in the midst of the chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hadley’s liver transplant journey was a testament to the power of medical science, the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of a family’s love. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, her parents held onto hope and fought for her life. Today, Hadley is a living miracle, a beacon of hope and inspiration for others facing similar battles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When Hadley was born jaundiced, it seemed like a common issue that could be resolved with a few days under bili lights. However, her lab levels didn’t go down, sparking concern. After a few days in the NICU and numerous outpatient appointments and lab tests, her parents suspected Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1979,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-81","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n