Hole in heart baby fights it out
THE chances of a full recovery for baby Matthew Marshall remain uncertain after he became unresponsive on Friday afternoon.
Matthew, who was born with a hole in his heart and an undeveloped artery to his lung, has gone through operations to correct his artery, but so far none have proven successful.
Matthew's father Darryl Marshall spoke to the Bulletin yesterday and said another procedure was planned to take place today which would hopefully reset the rhythm of his heart.
Darryl said the other ongoing issue affecting Matthew's treatment was an infection in his chest.
"The operation tomorrow really depends on how Matthew is going with the infection around his chest. That's been a big issue for the doctors."
Darryl said that while Matthew remained in a stable condition at the moment, it was a concern that he had not been progressing.
"We just have to wait and see how he goes. He's not getting any better, but he's toughing it out. He's a little trooper," Darryl said.
"We're just hoping for some good news tomorrow."
The situation has been made all the more difficult for the Marshall family to deal with as other commitments have meant that the family has been in Rockhampton while Matthew has been receiving treatment in the last week.
"We really want him to get well enough to come back home. Even if he's still in hospital, it'll mean that we can be there with him through it all."
Matthew's Story
Born a month ago with a hole in his heart and an undeveloped artery to his lung
Matthew is also believed to have a form of Down Syndrome
He has been undergoing treatment at Brisbane Mater Hospital, where he has had a number of operations to correct his condition.
