A Scots family faced a double tragedy after both of their children were both with different life-threatening conditions – two years apart.
Abby and Gary Robertson, from Kirkintilloch, welcomed their son Jack during the Covid pandemic in 2020. At just 10 days old Jack was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, after he was unable to keep food down.
The newborn was diagnosed with Pyloric Stenosis – a condition which causes the passage between the stomach and small bowel to narrow. While it is common in babies – Jack needed life-saving surgery.
Abby, 26, told the Record: “When Jack was born he was sick quite a lot but the doctors and nurses weren’t sure what was wrong.
“We soon found out he was born with Pyloric Stenosis. During the pandemic I was the only person allowed in hospital with him. It was so daunting as we were first time parents.
“Jack had pyloric stenosis surgery to cut the muscle at the bottom of the stomach which would stop the vomiting. After the surgery he was unwell for another two years before his symptoms disappeared.”
Despite Jack’s worrying start, Abby and Gary were over the moon when they discovered they were pregnant with a little girl in October 2021.
Abby continued: “We were ecstatic about having another baby. However the worry began to creep in that she might have the same condition as Jack.”
They welcomed their daughter Sophia in July 2022 – but she quickly suffered a number of choking episodes. At three months old, her worried parents took her to see a GP where they discovered a heart murmur.
Further tests found Sophia also had a number of heart defects including VSD – more commonly known as a hole in the heart.
Abby recalled her heartbreak as their baby needed open heart surgery. She said: “I couldn’t believe my second child was now also unwell.
“Their conditions weren’t hereditary. It’s just been bad luck that both kids had health issues so young.
“Sophia was on a waiting list for open heart surgery for almost two years.
“She’s coming up for three months post op and she’s doing amazing.
“She will be turning 3 in July this year and we can see her personality starting to come out. She’s brilliant.”
The siblings are now thriving every day after life-saving treatment from staff at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Parents Abby and Gary said they can’t thank medics enough for the care their children have received.
Abby added: “The staff at the kid’s hospital have been amazing.
“We will be forever grateful for everything the hospital has done for both our children. The staff in the PICU and Ward 1E looked after our daughter. We can’t thank them enough for getting us through a really scary time.”
The family now hope to host a fundraiser for the hospital and will be taking part in the Kiltwalk this April to raise cash.
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