Sunday, December 7, 2008
Update
We had an ultrasound and fetal echo this week and also met with the new high risk OB and pediatric cardiologist this week. There wasn't much that had changed. She is still growing normally. The cardiologist told us that there is a chance that we can have surgeries with sinusoids, so that gave us a lot of hope. They also looked at her mitral valve, which allows the two chambers of the heart to mix blood. Sometimes, this valve closes or gets really small, which can also cause problems with the surgeries. Thankfully, the valve is still open and not causing a problem. Erik and I are still keeping our spirits up. We are so thankful for everyone's thoughts and prayers. We have an amazing group of friends, family, and co-workers!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
HLHS
We found out on Wednesday that our baby has what is called HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome). This is a defect of the heart where the left ventricle is very tiny. It is so small that it is non functional. This is the most complicated and hardest to treat congenital heart defect. I am very lucky that we found out prenatally because some babies go home with no symptoms of anything, and end up in the ER a few days later when certain blood vessels close. If anyone wants more info on this condition, here is a website that explains it pretty well.
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-encyclopedia/anomalies/hlhs.htm
There are two options with this condition: a series of 3 surgeries or a transplant. There are benefits and risks to both. So far, my doctor believes that my child would not be a candidate for the surgeries, so when she is born, she will go on the list for a transplant.
Erik and I were totally blind sided by this info. We went in for a routine utrasound on Mon. They wanted us to go in to Barnes for a better one so they could see more. We didn't think much because the dr told us not to worry yet. The sonographer at Barnes told us what was going on. We are doing all right and just trying to keep in mind that miracles happen every day.
If anyone has any questions or anything, I would be glad to talk about this. Thanks!
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-encyclopedia/anomalies/hlhs.htm
There are two options with this condition: a series of 3 surgeries or a transplant. There are benefits and risks to both. So far, my doctor believes that my child would not be a candidate for the surgeries, so when she is born, she will go on the list for a transplant.
Erik and I were totally blind sided by this info. We went in for a routine utrasound on Mon. They wanted us to go in to Barnes for a better one so they could see more. We didn't think much because the dr told us not to worry yet. The sonographer at Barnes told us what was going on. We are doing all right and just trying to keep in mind that miracles happen every day.
If anyone has any questions or anything, I would be glad to talk about this. Thanks!
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