Tristan was born on 10 April 2015 at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Tristan’s mum:
“We knew that there was something wrong with Tristan’s heart from his 20 week scan, but it was not until after he was born that they could see the full extent of the defects. Tristan was born with heterotaxy – right atrial isomerism. He had mirror image dextrocardia, complete AVSD, DORV, TAPVD and more. He effectively had half a heart. And no spleen. He was a real Picasso of creation.”
Tristan was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, UK, where he had his first surgery at 7 days old – a TAPVD repair and Norwood procedure. His story soon spread on social media, and many folk of different faiths, and none, posted their thoughts and prayers.
Prayers for Tristan
Chanters, prayers,
Soothing sayers,
Psalm singers,
Crossers of fingers,
Angels’ tongue,
Church bells rung,
Hopers, kissers,
Concerned well-wishers…
All sweet perfume
In Heaven’s throne room,
God’s Spirit infused,
Man’s will enthused:
A holy alliance
Of belief and science
To mend a broken heart.
(Grandjohn, 23 April 2015)
Tristan’s second surgery was when he was 5 months old – a cavopulmonary anastomosis (Glenn shunt).
His third surgery should have been the Fontan procedure, but his common atrioventricular (AV) valve was leaking. A repair was attempted at 2 years 9 months.
Tristan did not recover from the procedure and died on 30 January 2018 at Alder Hey in the Park Children’s Hospital, despite the heroic efforts of his surgeons, doctors and nurses.
Tristan’s Angels
New life began,
20 week scan.
Where shall we start?
Hole in the heart –
CAVSD,
TAPVD,
Atresia,
Asplenia –
Diagnosis,
Prognosis…
Cardiologist,
Neurologist,
Anaesthetist,
Intensivist,
Angels all
From Heaven’s Hall:
Return him there
To God’s own care.
(Grandjohn, 4 Feb 2018)
Eternity Lies Waiting 