"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
--Jeremiah 29:11

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Surprise Visit

You know Connie. He can't ever seem to go the full amount of time between appointments without throwing us for a loop. The last couple of weeks or so he's been showing some signs of tiring more easily and we were just keeping an eye on him. Well, his school has called the last two days reporting that he's been laying down and complaining of a headache and chest pains. Dr. Bromberg had a cancellation today so we got him in. Nothing seems different on exam, his sat's are high and BP, HR and RR are all normal for him too. His conclusion is that it is possible that the conduit that connects the pulmonary artery and right ventricle is narrowing and more stenotic even than it was in September, when the echo showed it was narrowing more. He said it's time to get some better numbers and measurements to see what the hemodynamics look like in there and unfortunately, that means a cardiac cath is necessary. I really have mixed feelings about this test. I'm anxious to get a clear picture of what's going on in there and see if it is indeed time to intervene with that conduit. At the same time, it's much harder to subject him to such an invasive diagnostic tool when he isn't in heart failure. In the summer of 2009, the last time he was cathed, we handed him over so easily because he was so sick and it was obvious that his little heart needed help. This time it's so much harder. Yeah, we're noticing some changes in him, but it's not like he's laying on the floor all day watching iPod movies and vomiting everything he eats either.

The cath will be scheduled for some time in January-hopefully with Dr. Balzer, the cardiologist that cathed him in April, 2008 at St. Louis Children's Hospital. If the conduit is showing the blockage to be significant, then he may attempt to stent it open. That could buy us more time before another open heart surgery is necessary to replace the conduit. Dr. Bromberg isn't sure that stenting it would be successful since it's made of gortex and not native tissue, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Please continue to keep Connie in your prayers. Ask God to give him relief from these headaches that he's always complaining of and that he remains pain-free, especially so that he can enjoy these upcoming holidays.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi guys! I'm sorry to hear of your latest post. I understand each and everyone of those feelings. I just wanted to over my virtual hug and tell you that if you need ANYTHING I am here for you.

Sending heart hugs!

Heather Norman

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear of this development, Erin. Really, Connie (and you and Greg) have suffered so much, for so long. I will be praying very hard that this all goes well, and that you and Connie can enjoy a wonderful Christmas full of joy and happiness! Prayers are with you always. Love, Sr Josephine

Karin @ 6ByHisDesign said...

Erin, What an amazing little boy who is so fully aware of his body and has such a solid grasp of language skills that he is able to communicate these concerns to you all! He is a gift ~ I do pray things go smoothly and what needs to be done is done quickly and cleanly! Onward Christian Soldiers!

Many Blessings, Karin

stove said...

Oh Erin I'm sorry! I completely agree that it's hard handing over a pretty healthy kid for a cath. That's what we were worried about this summer but luckily we avoided it. I'm glad they are waiting until the holidays are over and doing it close by will be much less stress for Connie. It's great that his teachers know to watch him. I would feel comforted by that! Have a great holiday! Sending you prayers and <3 hugs!

Steph & Lily

stove said...

Oh Erin I'm sorry! I completely understand what you mean when you say it's hard handing over a pretty healthy kid for a cath. I'm glad they are waiting until after the holidays and having it done close will be less stress on you and Connie. It's great that his teacher's know to keep an eye on him! Have a great holiday! Sending prayers and <3 hugs!

Steph & Lily

Emmett Joseph said...

Erin, I hate to hear this. Please know that Connie will always be in our prayers, especially right now as you are going through this. Keep us posted!

Missy and Emmett