We're Outta Here!

Hi!  I am so excited to say that Rebekah's cath went so well and so quickly yesterday that I never had a chance to get my laptop out and post an update! :)

Rebekah was second case yesterday which meant that she didn't get taken back to the cath lab until about 12:30.  Since she couldn't have anything to eat or drink after midnight, we were a little nervous about how the morning would go.  I have to say, Rebekah couldn't have been more pleasant!  She asked for food and a drink a few times and told us that she was hungry, but she never cried or got upset.  We just told her she could have something to eat or drink after Dr. Baker finished taking pictures of her heart.

So her morning started out with vital signs, and EKG and an echocardiogram.  Rebekah sailed through all of that like the pro she is!  :)  Then we just hung out in the same day unit and waited for the cath lab to be ready.  Rebekah did some coloring, some sticker crafts, made a bead necklace, played with her baby brother and watched a movie.  She also did lots of talking with the nurses and giving hugs. :)

Once Rebekah headed to the cath lab, we went to get some lunch and a bit of fresh air and sunshine outside.  Two hours later Rebekah's nurse called to say that she was done and heading back to the recovery room.

We had a chance to talk to Dr. Baker and Dr. Do late yesterday afternoon.  Both of them were very pleased with their findings in the cath lab.  Rebekah's heart had no scar tissue buildup and no narrowing of any areas that needed ballooning or stenting.  Even more exciting, Rebekah's heart pressures are the best they have ever looked!

Of course, we are so very thankful and pleased with yesterday's findings.  The current plan is to continue the medications that Rebekah is currently on and come back to Charleston in about a year for a CT angiogram just to make sure that scar tissue hasn't developed around any of her conduits or shunts.  If Rebekah's cardiologist feels that she can wean off of the Viagra that she takes, they would do another heart cath at that time to determine her pressures.  But that's a big "IF" and not something we would consider for at least a year.

So Rebekah was discharged around 7:00 last night and we left the hospital, got some supper and crashed in our hotel room.  Rebekah was somewhat restless through the night, but she woke up this morning and has been playing quietly.  About the only lingering effect I have seen are a little bit of a hoarse voice from the breathing tube and a persistent bloody nose, presumably from the oxygen.

The plan for today is to get packed up and have some breakfast, then head for home shortly after that.  We'll probably take a couple of breaks just to let Rebekah out of her car seat to stretch her legs a little.  Tonight her pressure bandages can come off and I'm sure she'll feel much better after that.

Thank you all for your prayers and a huge thank you to our friends who have been keeping our boys.  We really appreciate your willingness to help out with the munchkins.  :)

Nancy

Hello Again!

Well, it's been a while since we've been here.  We've been a little busy with some of this and a little of that.  You know, starting school, having a new baby, the usual around here.  :)

Slowly things are beginning to fall into a bit of a routine and I hope to be able to get back to blogging on a somewhat regular basis again.  I hope to post updates soon on all of the kids, including our newest!

But for now, I wanted to let you know (if you haven't heard already) that Rebekah is going back to MUSC for a heart catheterization in a week.  We will be heading down on Thursday and have to check in at the hospital on Friday morning.  This is supposed to be a "routine" catheterization, but it still comes with it's risks.  We would certainly appreciate your prayers!

 A doctor in training!

Hmmm....maybe not?!

Because Rebekah's heart has several artificial parts (the conduits that were placed last year in December), there is a high risk of scar tissue building up in and around these parts. Rebekah's surgeon wants to make sure that the scar tissue is ballooned or stented to keep the conduits from closing up.  Also, it is likely that Dr. Baker will coil off some of Rebekah's extra collaterals during the cath.

Right now we are planning on Rebekah staying overnight in the hospital on Friday night.  Usually if there is any work done in the cath lab (besides just taking measurements and pictures), the doctors like for the patient to spend one night for observation just to make sure that things are fine.

For the first time ever the boys will be spending the time we are gone with friends.  The two oldest boys will be with one family and the younger two with another family.  They are very excited about their "sleep overs!"  We will be taking the baby with us.  Please pray for safety for the boys while we are away.

Our cute little pumpkin!

Thank you all for your prayers for our family.  We will be updating from the hospital with Rebekah's progress in the cath lab.

Nancy