Angel -

I know this is a very difficult decision to make.  Like yourself we too had never heard of this condition when my daughter was born.  We were told that they weren’t sure if she was a girl or boy and that they would like to take her to Children’s Hospital to verify.  Nothing like having people call you at the hospital asking what you had...  Little did we know this was just the tip of the ice burg for CAH.

My daughter is now almost 6 and a wonderful, energetic blessing and now we have been blessed with a little boy also with SWCAH and just as wonderful.  We chose to have the surgery after many sleepless nights of worry.  Our doctor suggested that the surgery be performed before 6 months so I guess there are some different timing opinions.  I was fortunate enough to see the results of anothers surgery by the same doctor prior to my daughters and this was very helpful in making the decision.  We did not have to dialate and our doctor doesn’t believe there will be a need for another surgery but only time will tell.  Also they never said anything about the time of year (hers was done Dec. 13th).  The surgery lasted about an hour and a half and the recovery was very speedy.  We went home from the hospital the next day with a cathiter(sp?) and we double diapered to keep it clean.  It was was removed within a week.  We have not had any other concerns.  I know that when she gets older this could change but we can only take it one day at a time.

I hope this is helpful, please feel free to e-mail me anytime with questions.  I know this is very difficult however things will calm down and get much easier.  These are wonderful children and we are so blessed to have them as ours to protect and care for.

Stacy