24 Week Echocardiogram

Last Wednesday, January 21, Greg and I went down to St. Louis Children's Hospital for a repeat ultrasound and echocardiogram. We also met with my new OB, as I have to unfortunately get a new doctor since the baby will need to be born at Barnes. The ultrasound showed that the baby's growth is right on track. The echocardiogram confirmed again the left hypoplastic heart, but revealed no other problems. This is very good news, as there are certain progressions of the defect that would make surgical outcomes less favorable. Essentially, all the functioning valves are not leaking, the fetal connection called the foramen ovale is flowing properly, and the aorta is even a little larger than they usually see! All very good news. The pediatric cardiologist again was extremely nice and helpful, answering numerous questions. She even gave me some hope that some of these children do actually suceed at breastfeeding.

We will have another repeat ultrasound and echocardiogram in one month. At that time, we will also meet with the cardiothoracic surgeon, tour the NICU and the CICU. It is our understanding that the majority of the time, the babies stay in the hospital for about three weeks, barring complications. We will have the opportunity to ask about the details of the surgeries at this appointment. We do know a little about the process just from research on our own. The palliative surgery (since this is not a cure) involves three open heart surgeries, the first being called the Norwood. This is done typically within the first 3-5 days of the baby's life. The second surgery is performed around 3-5 months, and the third somewhere between 2-4 years. The end result of these three surgeries, is to make the heart function with only 1 ventricle, through various shunts. The most critical time, and the most dangerous for the baby, is the time between the two first surgeries. This is the time of the highest mortality. Approximately 75% of babies survive. Babies with good risk factors (as our echo shows right now) do the best. So, continue to pray for the heart to remain as it is; at present, everything is extremely favorable for a good outcome!

I'll try to do this Laura

So, after spending way too much time on the internet lately, I have decided that I should try my hand at "blogging." This comes after learning that our baby (a boy!), who is due May 15th, has a hypoplastic left heart. I thought that a blog might be a good way to keep all of our family up to date in these upcoming months concerning the numerous doctor visits, echocardiograms, and ultrasounds. I will try my best to update it with new info as we receive it, especially as we approach May and the time for surgery. This should be fun - bear with me!