Cardiac All-Star

Zachy came out of his cath around 2:30 p.m. just as expected. He did FABULOUS and there were no surprises; the doctor said he is a spectacular candidate for surgery tomorrow. One of the most critical measurements taken in the cath lab is pulmonary pressures. As you will remember, the goal of the Fontan procedure is to bypass the heart and bring all blue blood passively back to the lungs. If pressure in the pulmonary arteries is too high, then, the surgery will not be successful. Zachy's PA pressures were very low, and the arteries were wide open with no obstruction. They found no menacing pop-off veins and his left ventricle is pumping good and strong. Dr. Crowley (post-op cardiac ICU attending) saw his cath results and even mentioned "He'll be our easiest patient all week!" Now THAT kind of optimism makes a mommy and daddy smile big. Still, a very critical day lies ahead and we appreciate your continued prayers and support for our little man. We only have good things to say about this hospital, but we hope to never, never again return.

When we met Zachy in recovery, he was lying awake and watching Nickelodeon. When he heard our voices, he nearly jumped out of his crib! Nurses came running to flip him back onto his back and hold him still to control the bleeding in his groin (arterial entry point for the catheter.) He just wouldn't have it... he wanted us. So I got to hold my little big bundle and he quickly settled back into a peaceful sleep.

Later we were moved up to the "penthouse" room on 5E where he is being monitored until 6:30. He gets to go back to the RMH with us on pass this evening, and we return at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, as he is second case for surgery. We'll keep you posted tomorrow as we receive updates.

God bless,

Michelle

Comments

  1. The mom of 4 monkeys!June 29, 2010 at 6:08 PM

    I have been praying for Zachy since the day he was born, but tomorrow I will kick it up a few notches!! God bless you all...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carolina CartersJune 29, 2010 at 7:24 PM

    I'm so glad Zachy is a perfect candidate for surgery tomorrow! What a relief! We'll definitely be praying for all of you. I hope you're able to get some rest tonight, although I know it will be difficult.

    We'll be praying extra hard tomorrow for your sweet man and anxiously awaiting great updates.

    Big heart hugs and lots of prayers,
    Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElizabethJune 29, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    Our prayers are with you and Zachy's doctors tomorrow - God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 29, 2010 at 11:04 PM

    Prayers and winds of peace to help settle your nerves tomorrow! Love you guys and I'm sure Zachy will continue to impress all the staff and all of us :)
    Sydney

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJune 30, 2010 at 3:29 AM

    Michelle & Steve,
    be sure of our continous prayers for Zachy. We put up a candle this morning and will keep it burning until we know that everything went out fine. May He watch Zachy and guide the surgeons`hands.

    All the best,
    Susan, Michael and Niklas Beckmann, Berlin, Germany

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jenny LincolnJune 30, 2010 at 4:06 AM

    Such wonderful news!! Will be praying for Zachy today and the wonderful team at U of M.. will be watching for updates!
    Heart hugs,
    Jenny

    ReplyDelete

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