Chapter 1739: Chapter 1743: “Some People’s Starting Line Isn’t Even in This World!
“Some people’s starting lines are not even in this world!”
…
Is congenital heart disease hereditary?
This question may seem strange but has become a mainstream topic in current research!
The root of congenital diseases certainly relates to genetics.
In numerous clinical cases, patients with a family history have been found to have a higher probability of developing the disease, so congenital heart disease may have a hereditary potential.
Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea, Gangnam Health Examination Center.
This is one of South Korea’s best public hospitals.
However, this hospital has recently gained fame due to a particular mother.
She is a 37-year-old older woman giving birth!
Pregnancy 7, births 5, miscarriages 2.
Such a string of numbers, to be honest, can be quite shocking in this era.
But…
Behind any numbers you don’t understand, there may be a heartwarming or frightening tale that’s known only to the person involved.
The patient’s name is Mei Zhen, and she herself was born with congenital heart disease.
To not affect her life, she opted for surgery at the age of 23.
With the help and collaboration of Doctor Kim Yi Eun, the top thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon in South Korea, the patient’s congenital heart disease was successfully treated.
She then went on to lead a life like any other normal person, able to marry and have children…
However, sometimes, what surgical interventions can treat is only the heart of the patient.
Kim Yi Eun could not change this woman’s genetics or fate.
Pregnancy 7, births 5, miscarriages 2!
It was this disease that nearly drove the mother to collapse!
In over ten years, this mother had been pregnant with 7 children!
One voluntarily aborted.
One was stillborn.
Out of the five that were born… only now does Zhong Shuo survive past one year.
Life can sometimes feel more terrifying than a novel.
It might even make you doubt if this is life!
Anyone, having experienced as much, would question one’s existence, and even if not schizophrenic, would feel the unfairness and despair of fate!
In truth, survival is indeed tough for some, but getting this far might already mean surpassing many others.
Because…
“Some people’s starting lines are not even in this world!”
They have already lost even before coming to this world!
What fairness can this world speak of?
Only cherishing the present moment is the only path forward.
Over ten years, this once-beautiful and charming woman has now grown haggard and weary.
Her eyes are filled with despair and discontent.
Perhaps many people may ask.
After having so many children and still unable to have a healthy one, why continue?
Isn’t this clearly fighting against her genes?
But, don’t assume everyone’s beliefs align with yours.
In Korea, the status of women is lower than what you might know.
In fact, in most families, women’s mindset still leans towards the feudal, and this is not an exaggeration.
Some even believe it’s a disgrace if a woman can’t continue the family’s bloodline!
Mei Zhen and Zhong Shuo’s situation seems to have become a fuse for the development of women’s rights in Korea.
Even “The Lancet” magazine has taken Mei Zhen’s situation to express various opinions about congenital heart disease intervention in mothers.
Sometimes, “The Lancet” also enjoys riding the wave of trending topics.
This trend can originate from many global issues, whether human rights, war, plague, or disaster!
Mei Zhen’s case is gaining more and more attention in Korea.
The media have also begun to extensively publicize this issue.
As a result, Seoul National University Hospital has become even more renowned!
No matter how fiercely the outside world argues about rights.
The fundamental issue of this matter remains: how to protect Mei Zhen’s last child!
This ordinary yet great mother has truly given her all for this child.
Perhaps many people will again ask.
Isn’t congenital heart disease something that can be screened for?
Indeed, testing can screen for most heart diseases.
Mei Zhen’s first child was voluntarily aborted through such a screening.
However, not all conditions can be detected!
In fact, many heart diseases can heal naturally after birth, so there is no need to abort the fetus.
Unless dealing with more complex congenital abnormalities, like a single ventricle or transposition of the great arteries, where the specifics will determine the decision.
Of course, with conditions like malignant cardiac tumors or malignant arrhythmias, it’s generally not advisable to carry the fetus to term.
Primarily because these children might be challenging to heal, and many congenital patients also have other genetic disorders, like trisomy 21, the so-called Down syndrome, or mentally challenged at birth.
For families, such children are a heavy burden, and for the children themselves, it’s irresponsible!
Such children, unfortunately, mean pain will accompany them once they’re born.
Generally, these patients are advised to abort.
Obstetrics has always been a significant department.
It is directly related to the next generation of humanity.
Currently, antenatal screening is effective, so expectant mothers should consult with the relevant departments after screening, irrespective of a congenital anomaly, and should not make decisions independently. It is best to perform all prenatal checks and screenings.
…
…
After Zhong Shuo was born, he was found to have congenital heart defects.
By this time, Mei Zhen was already in no condition to bear more children.
So the discourse surrounding this matter in all of South Korea is continuously escalating, but the main point remains in saving Zhong Shuo!
Experts from Seoul National University Hospital and other top hospitals have begun intense research on this issue.
However!
With the worsening of Zhong Shuo’s condition, these experts still have not found a solution.
In fact, they’re not even daring to commence surgery!
After all, having as many as six heart defects among congenital heart disease patients seems almost record-setting.
The key issue is that abnormal heart development is incredibly peculiar and complex.
Total anomalous pulmonary venous return, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hypertension, and mitral insufficiency!
This patient has survived until today, showcasing the greatest efforts of Seoul National University Hospital!
Doctor Kim Yi Eun was shocked to discover small openings between the left and right atria and ventricles.
Thus, she thought of a method whereby arterial blood, normally not destined for systemic circulation, could, with the heart’s pulsation, flow through the small openings of the atrial septal defect to reach the rest of the body, allowing the child to survive.
Perhaps this is the miracle of life!
However, this approach is undeniably a temporary measure, and as the child grows older, the heart’s pressure and load increase.
Now, it’s at a point where it must be addressed!