Zach was such a brave little man today! We are so proud of him. He was in the cath lab for over 3 hours today and Dr. Bandisode said everything looked great. All his pressures were right where they want them to be. She placed a device (a stopper of sorts) in the fenestration and they coiled a couple of co-lateral vessels while they were at it. Co-lateral vessels form as the body tries to compensate for itself.
She said that we can expect those co-lateral vessels to open up from time to time throughout his life. They serve no purpose and actually cause his heart to work harder. Hopefully, we won't see MUSC for a few years before he needs another cath done. I can truly say that, as much as we owe to the great folks at MUSC, we will not miss coming down here.
Zach is resting peacefully here in the hotel, watching Toy Story 3. We will be ready for bed soon since we are all wiped out. The next 3 days will be filled with lots of couch-potato activities. Please pray that we will be able to keep the little man on the couch!
Also pray for some new heart friends that we met this morning in the waiting room. Harrison (2 months old) is in PCICU right now. He went to the pedi on Tuesday for upper respiratory symptoms, was admitted to the hospital for tachycardia, and was finally transferred (flown in) last night. His mom and dad, Paige and Kyle, are really having a tough time as they watch their son suffer. As of this morning, Harrison's heart rate is still as high as 220. Please pray that the doctors will be able to find a drug therapy to bring his heart rate down and as they try to figure out the cause of these issues. I feel blessed to know that God used us to reach out to them in their time of need.
Thank you to everyone for all your prayers for us! God is an amazing God!
Yay Zach! So glad the cath went well. I have always wondered what collateral vessels are, but I did some research and now I understand. Good to know that we should expect those in the next few years. Zach is such a rock star! I will definitely pray for Harrison and his mommy and daddy. It is so easy for us to sympathize and we really know what that feels like. It's so scary, but you are so right, God is an amazing God!!! Heart hugs to your sweet family!
ReplyDeleteHi there! I came across your blog from Aly Jean's and am always happy to "meet" fellow MUSC families! We were just there for a pre-Fontan cath for our son Chase on Monday. Glad to hear it went well and hope you won't see the lovely walls of MUSC anytime soon. We're hopeful to have about a year until we have to return for Chase's Fontan. God bless you and your sweet family!
ReplyDelete((Heart hugs))
Kathy
So glad to hear that Zach did great and that the cath went well. Zach is a wonderful little boy and I am greatful that I got to meet him. I am gonna miss you at the meeting. Praying still for your family and praying for traveling Grace and Mercy. Will pray for Harrison and his parents.
ReplyDeleteHeart Hugs,
Kristie
Praising God for Zach's good report! I will be praying that your "wild man" will calmly (hopefully!) rest for you this weekend. :) LOTS of prayers for good couch potato time!!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
Jenn
I was so happy to read the good report, Pam! Did Zach's sats jump up after they closed the fenestration?
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that Zach did great ... and so thankful for your family!
I am happy that all went well and that you are relaxing at home. Looking forward to seeing you next month!
ReplyDeleteLaura