Real Hope for CDH
Affectionately known as "KAYS' KIDS"
Learn about a 92%
survival rate for CDH babies born here at Shands
Learn about a 92%
survival rate for CDH babies born here at Shands
Dr. Kays' Team Has a 92% Survival Rate for CDH babies born at Shands
CDH baby under the watchful
eye of Dr. David Kays
Bethany Fields (Jamie & Rene Fields):
When we went to the specialist’s office they confirmed the
diagnosis, a left-sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. My husband
and I were then ushered into the doctor’s personal office where
we were overwhelmed with every possible negative scenario our
daughter could experience. After waiting a couple minutes for us to
process the information, they strongly suggested that we consider
aborting our baby. My husband looked at me for a decision and I
chose to put my faith in God for the outcome rather than controlling
it.
I tried to find information
about CDH but at that time there was little to nothing. Through a
friend, I found out about a doctor in California doing experimental
surgery on CDH babies and insisted that my ultrasounds be sent to
him. We were invited to California to see if surgery was an option
for us. Although we were denied, I remember hearing the first
positive statement about the chances of our baby, now named
Bethany’s
survival. I planned to travel to California to have Bethany when she
was due.
My
brother-in-law, a doctor himself, did not like the idea that I would
be traveling so far away from my home and family in Florida so he did
some research to find a doctor who specialized in CDH babies closer
to home. That is how my first appointment with Dr. Kays was set up.
I did not care about the travel; I wanted the best doctor for
Bethany. Honestly, I walked into my appointment with the idea that I
was doing my brother-in-law, Ed a favor. After spending the
afternoon with Dr. Kays and seeing what an unbelievable success rate
he had we decided to have Bethany at Shands Hospital.
I was scheduled to be induced in my 38th week but I began to
experience preterm labor in my 36th week. After my local
doctor tried to stop the process with drug therapy she finally
decided to have me life-flighted to Shands believing that Bethany was
on her way. To make matters worse, Dr. Kays was away at a
convention. Thankfully, the contractions eventually subsided and I
was released. I stayed in the Gainesville area to rest until the
date I was to be induced because I kept experiencing contractions. I
knew how important it was that Bethany’s lungs be fully
developed before she was born and did not want to take any chances.
I held out until I was to be induced and remember appreciating Dr. Kays
confidence as he waited to receive Bethany. He gave me an
opportunity to kiss her before she was taken to the NICU. After
three days she underwent surgery. Dr. Kays told us she had two
spleens with extra spleen and liver tissue in addition to the hernia
but, she was doing well. We were told to expect to be in the
hospital for a while because they did not know how Bethany would
progress in regard to being weaned off the ventilator and how she would
deal with being fed orally. I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House during
the time that Bethany was in the hospital and visited her every chance I
had.
I was surprised to hear that she was to be released on April 3
with only two medications. She had just been born on March 11
so I was nervous to be on my own with her. She did well till August
when the cold and flu season hit. We were in and out of hospitals
about 6 or 7 times until she was 2 years old due to colds. She even
caught RSV but recovered each time.
Bethany is now a very happy and healthy 7 year old. This is the first year
we have not even had to use a nebulizer for her colds. She does well
in school, takes gymnastics classes and loves animals, her favorite
is the cheetah. Although her goals in life may change many times,
right now she wants to help injured animals in the future. Her best
friend is her sister Allura.
We are so grateful to have Bethany as a healthy member of our family.
Thanks to God and the work of Dr. Kays and his team, she has her whole
life ahead of her. Our family is very proud to be a member of
Real Hope for CDH.
We look forward to being a support to others who may find themselves
facing a similar situation.
Rene Fields jamieandrene@myexcel.com
Are you a parent carrying a child with CDH? Click here to
contact Dr. Kays and his staff