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The following is an interview that was done on zoom call with Nick and Laurel. Nick is an Electrician who has his own business, and Laurel is a full-time mother, (also an RN).
Their newborn baby born, Anthony – is the third child. They have two daughters, and had medical issues with the first baby, who needed open heart surgery at 3 months old. Thank God the second was healthy. Now they’re facing another medical issue with the newborn, called *Hypospadias, a congenital disorder.
May this bring insight into those parents who are facing this, and may it serve to educate and bring awareness to others, but mainly how blessed to have a child that is healthy. Of course, all children are blessings irrespective – and God always will provide and bring resolution or provisions in His plan and His timing to all parties concerned. Even if there is no “grasp” of understanding-somewhere in His plan it makes sense somehow.
Without further ado – let’s get to the interview. Little Baby Anthony was born just three days ago. I’d like to express my thanks to the parents for sharing with TBL and to Dr. Patel for briefly offering his expertise on this condition during the call.
A little introduction: Hypospadias is a congenital condition affecting approximately 1 in 150 boys. It occurs when the urethra does not fully develop to the tip of the penis, resulting in an opening on the underside of the penis. The severity can vary, with the opening located anywhere from just below the tip to the scrotum. This condition can affect the way a boy urinates and, later in life, can impact sexual function.
Interview:
CD: Hello, and congratulations on your newest family member! Thank you both for joining me today. Nick and Laurel, I can’t imagine how busy the two of you are, with two girls under 4 yrs of age and now with the newborn. So, thank you. We’re here to talk about your newborn son’s diagnosis of Hypospadias. How are you both feeling about this news?
NICK: It’s definitely a lot to take in. We’re trying to stay positive and focus on the fact that it’s treatable.
LAUREL: It’s been overwhelming, but we’re grateful for the support from our family and friends. This is our third child we’ve been blessed with. Our firstborn had open-heart surgery at nine months old. Our second-born was perfectly normal, thank the LORD—healthy. We have two girls and now our beloved son. I tell you this, if not for our faith, we don’t know where we would be right now. We’re just trying to learn as much as we can about the condition and the treatment options.
CD: What was your initial reaction when you first heard about the diagnosis?
NICK: I was shocked, honestly. It’s not something you expect to hear when you’re holding your newborn for the first time.
LAUREL: I felt a mix of emotions—sadness, worry, but also determination to do whatever it takes to help our son. Being a registered nurse, I have heard of this before – but didn’t make it any easier knowing about it. In fact, quite the opposite.
CD: Yes – that can be a hindrance having medical knowledge. I know speaking for myself, medical knowledge is a two-edged sword at times.
LAUREL: Yes! Correct!
CD: As people of faith, how has this experience impacted your outlook and your relationship with God?
LAUREL: It’s definitely strengthened our faith. We believe that this is part of a bigger plan and that we’re being guided through this journey.
NICK: It’s reminded us to trust in God’s plan and to lean on our faith during difficult times. We’re finding comfort in prayer and in the support of our church community. This is not the first time we’ve been tested, nor the last I suppose.
CD: Can you tell us a bit about what you’ve learned about Hypospadias and the treatment options?
LAUREL: Well surgery is usually required to correct the condition, and it is typically done between 6 and 12 months of age. The surgery involves repositioning the urethral opening to the tip of the penis.
NICK: We’ve also learned that the prognosis is generally very good, with most boys leading normal lives after the surgery. So, we thank God it is something that is doable. Something that can be dealt with successfully and resolved.
CD: How have you been preparing for the upcoming surgery?
LAUREL: We’ve been meeting with our pediatrician surgeon and a pediatric urologist surgeon to understand the procedure and what to expect. We’re also making sure we have a strong support system in place.
NICK: We’re trying to stay informed and ask all the questions we can to feel more prepared.
CD: Let’s bring in Dr. Patel, a pediatric urologist, to provide more medical insight into Hypospadias and the treatment process. Hello Doctor, thank you so much for briefly coming by to offer your comments.
Dr. Patel: Thank you for having me. They both know about this defect. And Hypospadias is a condition where the urethra opens on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip. Surgery is typically performed between 6 and 12 months of age to correct the position of the urethra. The procedure is usually successful, and most boys lead normal lives afterward. It is an operation that is done under full anesthesia, and the infant will have to be wearing a catheter for a good duration.
CD: What can parents expect in terms of recovery and long-term prognosis?
Dr. Patel: Recovery from the surgery is generally smooth, with follow-up visits to monitor healing. Long-term prognosis is excellent, with most boys having no issues with urination or sexual function. So, a long life and all good to go after all is done and said, he will be fine. After the initial follow ups and monitoring, he will be good to go on to live a long and healthy life.
CD: Thank you, Dr. Patel. Nick and Laurel, do you have any final thoughts or messages for other parents who might be going through a similar experience?
LAUREL: Just stay strong and lean on your support system. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed but know that there’s hope and help available.
NICK: Trust in the process and in the medical professionals who are there to help. And don’t forget to lean on your faith—it can provide a lot of comfort during challenging times.
CD: Thank you both for sharing your story with us. We wish you and your son all the best on this journey. May God bless you all and guide the surgeons’ hands in the procedure. We will follow up with you to update the readers if that’s okay.
LAUREL: Absolutely! Thank you, we just want other parents to know it’s okay. And whatever you’re facing with your spouse, know that God is working on it, and that is the best prognosis we could ever want!
CD: Amen.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
*Hypospadias is a congenital condition affecting approximately 1 in 150 boys. It occurs when the urethra does not fully develop to the tip of the penis, resulting in an opening on the underside of the penis. The severity can vary, with the opening located anywhere from just below the tip to the scrotum. This condition can affect the way a boy urinates and, later in life, can impact sexual function.
The exact cause of Hypospadias is not known, but it is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors. It is commonly diagnosed at birth during the newborn physical examination. Treatment typically involves surgery to correct the position of the urethral opening, which is usually performed between 6 and 12 months of age.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Mayo Clinic:
We are blessed to live in an age where a procedure can be performed to correct such a problem. This family has the blessing of living in a country where they can pursue the help they need to get the necessary help as well. Thus it has to bring relief to them.
Even so, it is good for them to share their faith for nothing is a sure thing outside of God. We can rest in Him no matter how things turn out.
Placing difficulties into His hands gives us comfort within our being instead of the stresses that situations can bring into our lives. Such matters can damage our bodies if we don’t have faith in the One who loves us and does all things well.
Thanks for sharing this couples experience.
Hello Cora,
yes, so true – thank God they have insurance and the means to have this done, Others as you’ve said not so fortunate. But God is the One and only One that provides, and this couple is filled with the spirit and have a love for the LORD that is on fire!
I will follow up with them about 5 months from now after the surgery to see how it went.
Thank you for your encouragement and light Cora – you’re such a blessing.
God Bless you
Thanks for sharing this interview. I have never heard of Hypospadias before. It sounds like the parents are trusting the Lord in this crisis and have their support group lined up. I will be praying for Nick and Laurel as they navigate thru this trial. May God bless that little boy and his parents in an abundant way in the days and years ahead.
WONDERFUL TESTIMONY..PRAYING FOR YOU ALL