The Parent's Guide to Children's Congenital Heart Defects: What They Are, How to Treat Them, How to Cope with Them
This is a wonderfully reassuring book for parents whose child  has been recently diagnosed with a congenital heart defect  (CHD). CHDs vary in complexity, and the authors, both parents of  CHD children, note that treatment will be as individualized as  each child's defect(s). But with the assistance of more than 30  medical experts, they clearly outline the most common scenarios  parents are likely to face. The authors knowledgeably discuss  both the medical and the emotional issues to be addressed, from  diagnosis through surgery (if needed) to recovery on to  adulthood. An illustrated overview of 16 of the most common  defects covers name, definition and anatomy, symptoms,  prognosis, treatment and surgical options, surgical timing,  medications and postoperative medical care, possible  restrictions, long-term concerns, and medical advances on the  horizon. Other chapters walk parents through daily coping, what  to expect during hospital stays, and life after surgery. Salted  throughout each chapter are frank comments and helpful  suggestions from parents who have "been there, done that." This  title nicely updates the best-known book, Catherine Neill's The  Heart of a Child: What Families Need To Know About Heart  Disorders in Children (LJ 2/1/93). Resources, a glossary, and a  reading list are appended. Recommended for children's health  collections. (Index not seen.) Anne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial  Hosp. Lib., NYCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.