Step Two of our Journey: May 28, Cardiology Visit

Well, we got good news today!

First of all, after weighing Ella Cate, we learned that she now weighs 6 lbs. 10 oz. and is 19 in. long! She's growing! This was great news at the beginning of our visit.

Our next bit of good news was that upon looking at the results of the echo done today, our doctor informed us that he thinks that the coarctation is no longer a serious issue. He believes that the turbulence of blood around the area where the coarctation of the aorta was is actually turbulence caused by the two defective valves within her heart (Aortic Stenosis and Pulmonary Stenosis). WHAT AN ANSWER TO PRAYER!

Further, our doctor has decided to wait on doing a heart cath at this point to give Ella Cate more time to grow. He believes that she is at very little risk to have heart complications at this time. We are scheduled to go back for another echo in two weeks to make sure that her condition is not worsening. As long as her conditions do not worsen, we will not have the heart cath until she has gained at least another two pounds. We are, however, still looking at having the heart cath within the next month or two. When they do the cath, they will then be able to accurately determine her valve conditions and will be able to balloon both valves if necessary. Our doctor informed us that the pulmonary valve is not as critical as the aortic valve, but he would repair both at the time of the cath. The aortic valve is more complicated, and therefore more risky. He feels certain though that he can repair both valves with the ballooning procedure with no complications. The main risk is that the valve will stick open and the blood will regurgitate back into the heart. If this complication does arise in the repair of the aortic valve, surgery would be necessary to correct this issue.

What an encouraging and uplifting visit today! It is obvious to us that our prayers, and the prayers of our friends and families are being answered. We are still praying for complete healing of our Ella Cate. We know that God is the Great Physician and is fully capable of repairing her little heart. We can't help but think how awesome it would be for her to continue to improve and no procedures would be needed!