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October 11, 2007

Tuesday, October 9th, was a LONGGGGG day. We got Sarah to the hospital at 7:30am and she was in such a good mood. Even without breakfast...she never complained. They gave her some pre-procedure meds just before taking her back and that was pretty funny. She was grinning at everyone and everything. She was definitely relaxed. The procedure lasted from 10am until nearly 4pm. The testing had been expected to take a while but, while doing it they gave her too much heparin. For those who may not know, heparin thins out the body's blood. Sarah's complex vasculature makes her more susceptible to clots and stroke when invasive procedures are being done and they needed to greatly reduce that risk. Well, the wash they used contained heparin and then a dose of heparin was administered. Consequently, when the catheters were withdrawn, the staff had great trouble getting the insertion sites to stop bleeding. It took just over an hour and a double dose of protamine (reverses the effect of heparin) to get it to stop. Then, there was a delay in getting her up to her room from recovery. Now, keep in mind, Brian and I had not seen her since they took her just before 10am. Finally at about 5:15pm they brought her up to her room on the pediatric floor. What fantastic relief to finally have her back in front of me. She was pretty sad and didn't like when anyone but mom and dad got near her. Because of her poor perfusion to her fingertips and toes they had quite the time trying to get an accurate reading on her pulse oxymetry (amount of oxygen perfusing through your tissues). But, she rebounded quickly out of the effect of anesthesia and we were permitted to go home at 8pm. Her catheter site looks kind of yucky with big dark bruising around the site and I know it is tender to her. Each time we change her diaper we have to be careful to not bother the leg too much. But, she doesn't complain too much.

So as far as what we know...........a lot and not much really. Her cardiac anatomy is different from yours and mine (called heterotaxy). But, for her, the system is working to balance her body very well right now. For each thing that the doctors could attempt to correct, there is another thing suggesting that maybe that is not the most prudent course. We will not know what her surgical course will be over the next few years until her dr. has an opportunity to fully review all of the information he gathered during the procedure and has a chance to discuss it with some of his colleagues. He is wanting to be very sure that he is considering everything and not jumping to any conclusions. It is truly a miracle that she is doing so well with the complexity of everything. For every hiccup that occurred during the formation of her heart, her body compensated for. As the doctor said to us....."surely by the grace of God". We are so grateful for a doctor who believes in God and the power of faith. I, personally, was taken somewhat off-guard by the whole thing. I think, even knowing everything we knew beforehand, that I had believed that once she came home, it would be clear cut what the dr.'s would do and then we could just "fix it". For those of you who don’t know - l like a PLAN. But, throughout the long day, I was strongly impressed upon that NO MATTER WHAT the course may be, that we are not forgotten by Him. That Sarah is HOME, here and now, for a reason. That whatever difficulties may lie ahead that Sarah is loved and that we can endure well.

We are so thankful and our hearts are full. We are thankful for a wise and prudent pediatric cardiologist, dear family and treasured friends. Thank you for the prayers and for your love and support. We will keep you posted…………….

With lots of love,

Anna and Brian

Isn't she cute - sticky face and all

Mandi and Sarah w/ their awesome big brother Eric at the Pumpkin Patch playgroup (and it was COLD!)

"Doesn't everyone get this messy when they eat?"

Waiting to be called back to pre-op

Mama and Sarah playing before it's time to go

It's been a VERY long day but Sarah is back in mama's arms
(and still feeling the effects of the anesthesia)

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