Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Another Echocardiogram

We met with our cardiologist again....I like him more and more each time I see him! Found out today, he lives in Park City, goes to the same pediatrician as I do already! He said during our scanning that when we see you more than 2 times, you become family, we treat you well. This is our 3rd appt. with him and I feel much more comfortable each time.


He said that he is delighted that I have gone this far along in my pregnancy and that the fluid is very minimal, there are no valves leaking, the heart functions well and nothing looks different or concerning right now. I asked him to draw me a picture of what Avery's heart looks like and what they are going to do right after she is born. Encouraging new, he said that when she is born, they will try NOT to have to intubate her(breathing tubes) as they want her to breathe on her own, as they are finding now that it really helps them in the long run with feedings, gaining weight, infections, etc. Interesting, I thought and Steve said well that makes sense if you enable a system that can make it on its own then the body just says oh well don't need to work hard there and goes into a lazy state..then when it does need to work it won't do it as hard as it needs too! Makes sense to me now!



He also said, that they will probably do the surgery on Friday, most likely, and the Dr. mentioned that since its one of the more complex surgery that it will be done by the chief surgeon, Dr. Hawkins, with an assistant, which is comforting to know. Essentially what it is that they will do is merge her Aorta and pulmonary artery together and then put in a shunt from her right ventricle to the new merged arteries. This is very complex surgery but if she can do well through this surgery then her chances of success increase drastically. I am thankful today that there are people out there that sacrifice years and years of their lives studying and going to school to improve peoples lives...what a blessing.



I feel much better every time I go there, as the time is vastly approaching its only 18 days away before we get to meet our sweet little girl, Avery. I have a ton of emotions, good, bad, indifferent, I am not sure how I really feel about having her naturally (no meds), being induced, leaving my boys for a long time, having visitors, my husband being gone from work for a while....ugh there is a lot to think about and prepare for, but the one thing that has not changed is that I feel still very positive that all is well and Avery will come out of this strong and as healthy as healthy and strong can be for her. I know nothing, as my friend Marcy always says.


I have another appt. with the OB on Feb. 26th to check her growth...I am certain that is happening well and good trust me! I will post again then.

6 comments:

  1. I was thinking that very same thing the other day...how grateful I am for the people who dedicate their lives to help & save others. Your news is very uplifting as there are many very skilled people to care for Avery and you; and for you and Steve to know what is going on and to understand it is truly amazing. All IS well and the things you are troubled about will work themselves out. Remember your body is designed by Heavenly Father to have children and you will have this baby easily; keep that affirmation in the fore front of your thoughts. Avery is strong and will have perfect health and I will deliver her naturally and easily with miminim pain and stress. I love you and Steve..you are both doing so well;

    Love, Mom

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  2. I am glad she is doing so well. I am sure Heavenly Father is watching over Avery. My prayers are with your whole family.

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  3. Leah, I know what you might be feeling, you do have so many emotions but you are so strong and I look up to you for going through it all with such a positive outlook. You have so many people who love you and we will continue to pray. It is comforting to me that you have such a loving husband.
    Take care I love you very much!

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  4. Such good news! So glad things are going well. Hang on! The roller coaster is about to begin. We send so much love and hope your way.

    Mindi and McKay

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  5. I like how your cardiologist thinks! I think he is the one that we have not met yet, but it is good to feel like family since you will spend so much time with them! Good luck with the emotions... I am right along with you!

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  6. Thanks for sending me your blog. I have thought of you often and continue to keep you in our prayers. You are such an example to all with your positive attitude. I know you and Avery will be blessed!

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