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It took 111 days and two heart surgeries before baby Josh could finally go home

David and Sharon Chalmers with son Joshua
It took almost 4 months before Joshua could come home. Photo: Supplied/David Chalmers

New parents Sharon and David Chalmers had to wait an agonising 111 days before they were finally able to bring their baby boy Joshua home from hospital after he was born.

In that time, little Josh went through more than most adults would in a lifetime, leaving his parents overjoyed, after nearly four months very difficult months.

“Joshua has come such a long way but we know his (and our) journey is just beginning,” David tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

A heartbreaking diagnosis

David and Sharon, from Victoria, found out 23 weeks into the pregnancy that something wasn’t quit right.

“We were taken into a room where the doctor showed us a piece of paper and began to explain ‘This is what a normal heart looks like, but this is what your baby’s heart looks like’,” David tells us.

Sharon Chalmers with son Joshua
Sharon and Joshua in hospital. Photo: Supplied/David and Sharon Chalmers

“It was clear our baby had a serious condition and would begin his life critically ill.”

Joshua, who was born on January 3, was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Unbalanced Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), and Aortic Valve Atresia.

His parents were told that he would likely seem quick healthy after he was born, but in an serious turn of events, the opposite actually occurred.

Serious complications

David says they got the “fright of their lives” when Josh was actually born a purple-blue colour, silent, and virtually lifeless.

“We will never forget the sight of it,” he recalls.

“He was quickly whisked away, a code blue was called and he was intubated within five minutes.”

heartkid Joshua chalmers
Josh had two open-heart surgeries before he was six months old. Photo: Supplied/David and Sharon Chalmers

In the lead-up to Joshua’s birth doctors warned both Sharon and David that the little tot would likely face surgery within 72 hours. Given the circumstances however, he faced his first heart surgery at just 17 hours old.

“We hadn’t quite prepared ourselves for it to happen pretty much straight away,” David says.

“This was undoubtedly one of the hardest moments in my life, being told that he had gone in for a surgery that could potentially take his life. I was scared. I cried.”

His parents were overjoyed when they received a phone call - ten hours later - that he had pulled through.

Not out of the woods just yet

Having already proven he is a little fighter, Joshua faced multiple hurdles in his first few weeks of life - from pneumonia and issues with his lungs, kidney, stomach and diaphragm.

“But continues to jump every hurdle put in front of him,” his proud dad says. “We know our boy is strong and courageous.”

josh chalmers melbourne royal childrens hospital
The little fighter. Photo: Supplied/David and Sharon Chalmers

Josh moved out of NICU and into the Koala Ward at the Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital at four weeks old, after which the family were able to experience a few ‘normal’ moments, like his first proper bath, short walks around the ward, and watching TV together.

By April however, Josh had to undergo his second open-heart surgery, known as the BCPC or ‘Glenn’ (bidirectional cavopulmonary connection), and while the surgery went well, he ended up spending a long week in intensive care fighting an infection.

Finally going home

Even though at times it may have seemed impossible they would be able to bring their baby boy home, on the Wednesday just after Easter it finally happened.

Now six months old, Joshua’s parents say he is “thriving”, but know there is still a long road ahead.

David and Sharon Chalmers with son Joshua heartkids
His parents are so proud of Joshua's strength. Photo: Supplied/David and Sharon Chalmers

“His condition is lifelong and despite how well he might be doing at any given moment we can’t take anything for granted,” David says.

“We are committed to raising awareness for Congenital Heart Disease and are super thankful for our family and friends, HeartKids and all the doctors and nurses at the Royal Children’s Hospital.”

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