Today we had another fetal echo to take another look at how everything in the heart is growing. We were hoping to have some more definitive information about how delivery is going to go and whether or not the 1st surgery will be necessary. Unfortunately, we didn't come away with the decisions we hoped for, but we didn't come away with bad news either, so it was kind of a mixed bag of emotions for us.
The blood flow through the pulmonary valve and arteries is the indicator as to whether or not the 1st surgery (the BT Shunt) will be necessary. Right now both the valve and arteries are measuring on the smaller side but not tiny. If they continue to grow at a good pace between now and birth, they might allow enough blood to flow to the lungs that the BT shunt wouldn't be necessary. The doctor seemed to think it could go either way at this point, so we'll have another appointment in about 5 weeks to see if he's able to see any difference one way or the other. Right now, we're pretty much counting on not knowing for sure about surgery until after the baby is born and they can do tests that will be much clearer than while he is in utero.
It also seemed apparent today that delivering in Colorado Springs might be more of a possibility than we thought. It sounds like the first few days after birth will be a lot of testing whether it is in CS or Denver, and if transport to Denver is necessary for surgery, it is unlikely it would create a critical situation. We're still struggling with what to do as far as that goes. The doctor had confidence that going to Denver for delivery is not really necessary but said that if we really wanted to do that then we could. He did recommend that if I deliver in the Springs, that I do so at Memorial Main Hospital- my OB doesn't deliver there, so I'd have to find a new OB for delivery (yet another doc to add to the mix!)
So no specific plan quite yet, but we're very glad to hear that there's still a possibility of skipping the first surgery all together! Thanks for your prayers!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Appointment Today
Today we have an appointment to do another fetal echo. This appointment could give us a better indication if Baby Walenga can skip the first surgery and deliver in Colorado Springs. More detail will be posted later to update you.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Vacation in Georgia with a Bum Ankle
We've been pretty busy the last few weeks, which is why we haven't posted anything for a while. We've spent the last several days at Tybee Island in Georgia with my (Allison's) family and we've had some great R&R! It's always fun to be with family and a vacation at the beach is a great last hurrah before we have a baby to add to the family dynamic. We've been able to have a few fun days in Savannah exploring the city and a few days at the beach. It is certainly hotter and more humid than we are used to in Colorado, but it sounds like this week is just as brutal there!
Unfortunately Gary has had a little more R&R than he intended since he sprained his foot pretty badly the day before we left for vacation. He's in a walking boot, and we've been able to get him down to the beach and around town some, but he's taken it easier than normal this week. The doctor at the urgent care said it would be an 8-12 week recovery so he's trying to rest, elevate, compress and ice as much as possible so he's almost back to normal by my due date!
I'm at 30 weeks now, which means we're only 10 weeks away (maybe less?!) from having a baby! It's getting more real, exciting and terrifying every day! My parents graciously gave us a crib and mattress for the baby's room so we're feeling a little more ready to bring this little man home.
There is still no definitely plan as to where and when I'll deliver. We have another fetal echo with the pediatric cardiologist in the Springs on Monday, so we're hoping that the doctors will be able to come to a conclusion of what would be best after that appointment. Please keep us in your prayers on Monday that things would continue to be looking good and that we'll be confident in whatever the docs decide.
We are so grateful for all of the family and friends (and family of friends and friends of family) who have shown their support so far and given us encouragement through kind words, thoughts and prayers. In a time of such uncertainty, we are certain that God will be faithful through everything and that we will not be in this alone. Thanks for your love and support!
Unfortunately Gary has had a little more R&R than he intended since he sprained his foot pretty badly the day before we left for vacation. He's in a walking boot, and we've been able to get him down to the beach and around town some, but he's taken it easier than normal this week. The doctor at the urgent care said it would be an 8-12 week recovery so he's trying to rest, elevate, compress and ice as much as possible so he's almost back to normal by my due date!
I'm at 30 weeks now, which means we're only 10 weeks away (maybe less?!) from having a baby! It's getting more real, exciting and terrifying every day! My parents graciously gave us a crib and mattress for the baby's room so we're feeling a little more ready to bring this little man home.
There is still no definitely plan as to where and when I'll deliver. We have another fetal echo with the pediatric cardiologist in the Springs on Monday, so we're hoping that the doctors will be able to come to a conclusion of what would be best after that appointment. Please keep us in your prayers on Monday that things would continue to be looking good and that we'll be confident in whatever the docs decide.
We are so grateful for all of the family and friends (and family of friends and friends of family) who have shown their support so far and given us encouragement through kind words, thoughts and prayers. In a time of such uncertainty, we are certain that God will be faithful through everything and that we will not be in this alone. Thanks for your love and support!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
December 2012