Getting Answers

Gabe has his cardiac cath yesterday. The procedure was supposed to last an hour, but it ended up lasting three hours. They had a hard time getting the wire around his shunt. We have decided that when they give us a time frame, we just need to multiply it by three. That seems to be the formula so far. We were at the hospital for eleven hours and we were all so tired when we got home. Gabe has been a little cranky today, which is to be expected. The worst part of the whole thing is that he has to lay flat and he can't move his leg for six hours after the procedure. If anyone has any ideas for how to keep a toddler still that long, I am all ears.

The doctor said that the pulmonary artery has grown, but he doesn't expect it to get any bigger with this shunt. That leaves us with a couple options; the first is that they put in a bigger shunt and way for the artery to grow or they go ahead and do the repairs. He thinks that the repairs will allow more blood flow to the right PA, which will encourage growth, although, they will never be equal. He thinks the larger shunt won't make much difference and it will, obviously, add another surgery. The team conferences on Monday morning, so they will discuss it and call us. I am really hoping for just one more surgery for now, but I also want to do what is best for Gabe. It is looking like January for the procedure. I thought I was ready, but after seeing him yesterday, I don't know. He was more upset than I have EVER seen him during recovery. It was really hard to watch. It was even harder to hand him off to a the nurses this time. I just keep thinking about how much better he will be when this is all over. The doc said that we can expect NO blueness and we shouldn't see him getting so out of breath anymore. I completely trust the doctors and I feel that he is in great hands.

All in all, there is so much to be thankful for this year. Gabe still has a tough road, but he is going to be ok. We are so blessed that he is our son. We are also so blessed to have so many family and friends supporting us and loving our family. Thanks to all! Enjoy the holiday!!!!

Ludlums