Well, here we go. We met with the cardiologist today. He was very pleased with how Alex is doing. He weighs 8 lbs. 8 oz. and is 21 1/4 in long (he was 7 lbs 11 oz and 20 1/2 " at birth), so he is growing well. The sort of bummer about the appointment is that we heard the word that we didn't want to hear-SURGERY! We knew it was coming, but it's hard to actually have it planned. It's a very bitter-sweet thing. We know that it is something that will improve his health, but we don't look forward to handing him over to the surgeons!
Surgery is planned for this coming Tuesday, June 3rd. The planned procedure is to place a band around his pulmonary artery (PA Banding). This will decrease the blood flow to his lungs which in turn will help him to breathe easier, and allow more blood flow out to his body. The expected hospital stay is 3-5 days after surgery, which we all know can change.
The Docs are wanting to do this procedure now, since he is eating well and gaining weight, instead of waiting until he really decompensates and stops eating well. The better they eat before surgery tends to play a role in how well they eat after surgery.
We appreciate your prayers and hope that they will continue for sweet little Alex and our family!
2 comments:
My daughter just had her PA band removed last month. It was placed when she was 17 days old when she had surgery to repair her aorta. This "temporary fix" allowed her to grow well beyond what they normally see with heart kids and she was "fat and healthy" when it came time for her most recent repair.
Alex is doing so well right now that I'm sure he will sail through this surgery and continue to thrive! We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Heart Hugs,
Michele Kingsford - IHH
(mom to Taryn)
Thinking about you as you prepare for tomorrow. Prayers are headed your way!
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