"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

Monday, March 15, 2010

Better than Expected

was the title of the email I just got from the cardiologist. If you weren't confused enough after reading the previous post with the appt. update, this will for sure confuse you! Basically, the doctor looked again at all of Connie's echo angles from the last two echos side by side and does note an incredible improvement in the last two months. He is attributing this to the adjustment made to the pacemaker and said that in 2-3 years Connie's heart rate will naturally decrease as a function of age and at that time we can resume dual chambered pacing. For now, the benefits that one reaps from dual chambered pacing do not outweigh the improved LV function we are seeing by pacing him disconcordantly.
Here are the specifics:
Biplane ejection fraction* (January 44% vs. March 60%)
A4C single plane ejection fraction (January 55% vs. March 70%)
A2C single plane ejection fraction (January 34% vs. March 47%)

*composite of A4C and A2C, and considered best measure of overall function.

All we have to say is WOO HOO! We are so blessed to have such a diligent, thorough doctor. We are still proceeding with the new drug-Aldactazide-rather than stopping a diuretic completely, but we'll reassess this in two more months. Praise God!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah! Always great to hear things are better than expected. Connie is always in my prayers. ~Angie Montgomery

IL Whitelaw's said...

I am so happy to see that things are going great with Conway. How exciting for him to be so healthy and having such a great time in school!

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful news! I am so grateful to the Lord. Now you take care of yourself, too, Erin, and know we are praying for you and the whole family, present, and on the way. Love and prayers, Sister Josephine