Elie returns home after successful surgery

THE parents of miracle toddler Elie Madden were on cloud nine last week on their return home to Ireland after her life-changing surgery in America.

The Northside twin, who was born with a rare medical condition, had spent five months in Boston after surgery to extend her oesophagus.

The 18-month-old from Santry Cross was unable to breathe or swallow unaided when she left Ireland late last year and had to spend 38 days in an induced coma as part of the treatment to

‘grow’ her oesophagus to meet her stomach.

Thankfully, the operation was a success and the Air Corps flew Elie, her family and a medical team back home last Tuesday night, April 24.

Speaking to Northside People on their arrival, delighted mum Esti Madden said she felt on top of the world and was looking forward to having a

“normal, boring and uneventful life

? now with her husband Eddie and twin girls Elie and Emie.

Elie had spent almost five months in Boston where she was treated by world experts.

“Elie’s been amazing and we are just so, so proud of her,

? Esti said.

“She’s been a little tired and had to recover from the long flight so we had to spend two nights in Crumlin Children’s Hospital so that they could ensure she had no ill effects from the trip.

“We just can’t wait to get her home and we’re looking forward to a having a normal, boring, uneventful life hopefully like everyone else where we can go for walks and eat and sleep together in our own home. We’re dreaming of normality.

?

It’s been a long, emotional rollercoaster for the family since Elie’s medical condition was first identified during Esti’s pregnancy.

Elie was born with a rare digestive disorder known as severe posterior tracheomalacia and long gap oesophageal atresia and has spent all of her life until now in Crumlin Hospital.

“The last two years have been very hard on us but at least now there’s light at the end of the tunnel,

? Esti explained.

“We’ll be busy for another six months with doctor’s appointments and tests but it’s nothing compared to all the machines she was hooked up to before.

?

The Madden family is relishing major milestones in Elie’s development such as watching her eat and using her vocal cords, which would not have been possible without the operation.

“She ate for the first time in mid April,

? Esti said proudly.

“She had vanilla pudding and just loved it. She’s loving her food and is having two jars at a time. She’s such a special little girl. She’s had fruit, yoghurt and loads of other foods. It’s like she always ate.

?

Esti added:

“We can actually hear her now as well. She’s like a newborn with her voice. When she cries I know I should feel concern and sad but I’m just thrilled to hear her. It’s so great and so beautiful.

?

Elie will need considerable speech and language support as a result of being unable to communicate verbally until now.

She will also need support to bring her motor skills up to the level of children her age but Esti is confident , as always, Elie will defy the odds and make up lost time.

Elie is also unable to drink fluids for the foreseeable future but is kept hydrated by a G-Tube, which has been attached to her stomach since she was born. Her return home last Tuesday came a day after another Northside twin, Sergio O’ Connor, who suffers from the same condition, flew to Boston for the same operation.

The Madden and the O’Connor families have been in regular contact over the last year.

“The medical team in Boston were absolutely outstanding and I have no doubt that Sergio’s operation will be as successful as Elie’s,

? Esti said.

“In one instance we’re sad knowing what lies ahead of them but happy that they’ve got to this stage. It’ll all hopefully pay off and work out really well for Sergio and his family.

?

The Madden family is still continuing to fundraise for Elie’s after care and speech and language support. To donate, visit www.eliemadden.com