We saw Dr. Geiger today, Grace's local cardiologist, for a sedated echocardiogram and a full look at her post-operative heart. We were looking forward to the appointment, but also a little nervous. We have been going to Dr. Geiger since I was pregnant. While we love and trust her, she's delivered some tough news and we were hoping this wasn't another one of those days.
They did a full work up of Grace's heart - EKG, blood pressure, pulse ox, and sedated echo. They took her height and weight - which is moving on up! She was even complimented on her chunky thighs (gratefully, I was not). The result of all these tests....Grace's heart looks good! Her heart is contracting strongly and is working very well. Her mitral valve leakage is a solid MILD! She still has the 2 residual ventricular septal defects, both small and not overly concerning. While it sounds like there are still quite a few leaks and overflows, she rated the whole thing as mild and just said we'll need to follow it. She said it was possible we'd need to do a catheritization sometime next year to check the pressures in her heart to be sure she doesn't develop pulmonary hypertension, and she'll likely remain on the 2 drugs she's currently on for a while. We get 3 months off from cardiology appointments, so we are all very happy about that. Grace was her usual trooper self today, smiling groggily as she came out of her sedation.
(note aforementioned chunk)
So glad to hear she is looking good! Aubrey kept her lasix until 9 months and another one til 1 year for leaking. She is on the edge with the leakage. We go every 6 months now and they always do and echo to check on it. If it changes in any way, she will have to go back on meds, but we have been off now for 2 years so that is a great sign. We hope Grace holds steady too:)
ReplyDeleteJust look at Grace touch her toes! I wish I could do that. Good news - things are looking up - she is progressing right along. Lots of love, hugs and kisses....xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteGracie, chubby thighs are the new fashion this season!!!! Don't let anyone tell you differently.
ReplyDeleteLove you kiddo.
A.J.
Great news Grace! Enjoy those chunky legs while you can get away with it ... not cute at this age! So glad to hear that things are progressing well. Thinking you all often!
ReplyDeleteAimee :)
Great news!! Love the chunk too.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Barb
Hooray, for "chunky thighs" Gracer!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are so delighted to hear this news! We are praying for you, Grace, and for all your friends you met in the hospital... Keep your faith strong, Greenie and Darren. You so deserve this 3 month "break"! Cannot wait to see you again. God bless you three!
xo. familia duran
I'm very glad to hear the good news. The first thing I said when seeing this post was, "Wow, she's getting big!" I'm so glad she's doing so well.
ReplyDeleteHugs and love from Connecticut.