Cooper’s Story - Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

Cooper was diagnosed with left-sided CDH at my 20-week ultrasound. We were quickly informed of the situation and transferred care to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. After a day full of tests and scans, we found out that Cooper’s liver was up, and his left lung was substantially smaller than his right. We were told he was considered a severe case, and we qualified for the FETO procedure but ultimately chose not to do it. At about 36 weeks, Cooper surprised us all by coming earlier than expected. He was born weighing 6lbs 13oz, and he immediately opened his eyes and began breathing on his own! He was intubated and rushed to level 4 NICU right away. He had his repair surgery at four days old and came off the ventilator at ten days. He immediately defied the odds and made huge improvements almost daily. About a week and a half after starting CPAP, he was breathing 100% room air. He seemed to be making such huge strides, and even the doctors were shocked at his progress.

We were discharged from the hospital on day 42 with only an NG tube - no oxygen support or medicine. We are so grateful for everyone at TCH and know our lives wouldn’t be the same without them. Cooper is our miracle and our CDH warrior! He is currently 8 months old, fully weaned from the NG tube, and doing so well!