PDA

I just found out my twins still have their PDA's. They are 3 months old now and were born at 27 weeks. Their cardiologist said if they don't close on their own by 18 months they will need surgery. Has anyone else been through this with a baby requiring surgery?

Quoting tcupp:“ I just found out my twins still have their PDA's. They are 3 months old now and were born at 27 weeks. ... [snip!] ... don't close on their own by 18 months they will need surgery. Has anyone else been through this with a baby requiring surgery?”

I feel stupid asking but what are PDA?

Patent ductus arteriosis. It's when a duct in the heart - open in the womb - does not close when the child is born, Common in preemies, even some term babies still havea PDA when they are born.

Were your babies medicated for the PDA when they were first born? My daughter's had trouble closing but they were able to fix it with a few rounds of medication. Surgery was mentioned but we decided to try the medication one more time. Will your doc not consider medicating it now?

Quoting Jessica [Slvrmoon]:“ Patent uctus arteriosis. It's when a duct in the heart - open in the womb - does not close when the child ... [snip!] ... Surgery was mentioned but we decided to try the medication one more time. Will your doc not consider medicating it now?”

The boys were not medicated. The cardiologist told us they can only be medicated until they are around 4 weeks.

Quoting tcupp:“ The boys were not medicated. The cardiologist told us they can only be medicated until they are around 4 weeks.”

It seems absurd that they weren't medicated in the hospital! Well, hopefully your baby's duct will close and surgery won't be necessary. Good luck!

Don't they check for PDA right away? Did they misdiagnose it?