Tue 30 Sep 2008
Onward and Inward
Posted by Jane under Updates
[9] Comments
We’ve heard from cardiology. They are recommending that Ramona undergo a cath in the next few weeks.
They determined with the MRI that the double angioplasty performed in April yielded a good result. They feel that her right BPA is “progressing well” so they would like to focus their energy for this next surgery on her left BPA. The cardiologist described this artery as anomalous, meaning that instead of one straight artery it branches of into a few arteries and then reconvenes somewhere down the line.
At the last cath they ballooned the largest branch of this anomalous area. This next surgery will focus on the lesser branches, hopefully removing any stenotic areas and encouraging growth. They seem to feel that a cath/angioplasty will be required every 6 months for an undetermined amount of time, until she qualifies for a repair or some other open procedure is required.
So, we are relieved that there is no big problem, that they feel they can do something to help her arteries grow and that they do, in fact, seem to be growing. On the other hand, it is still very hard to hear that your child needs another surgery. Andy and I feel sad that she has to go through all of this. As she gets older and understands more, it just gets harder and harder in some ways.
Here’s a shot of our big girl, just TCB. Thanks for continuing to check on us. I believe surgery will be scheduled sometime this week for sometime in the next few weeks. I’ll keep you posted…
Love, Jane.
i am so pleased to hear of the noted progress and hear you as well on the frustrating “ugh” feeling of yet another surgery(ies) still to come. let me know if there is anything i can do. in the meantime, we’ll be sending positive vibes in hopes ramona qualifies for the repair shortly so that she may be able to be surgery-free in good time. peaces. sp/al/ll
does the hospital have child life services? if so they can help plan ways to help Ramona though some steps with a little more ease. We have them help with Izabell and it makes a big difference. We will of course be keeping you in our thoughts She is getting so big and is soo very adorable!
Yay! Arteries are growing…that’s great news!
Way to go Mona Mae.
I am sorry Ramona needs a cath but the plan sounds constructive. Next few weeks is quite soon… I hope they find a time that works for all of you.
By the way, have you been given any thresholds or guidelines about where she needs to be to qualify for a repair? What kind of growth are the waiting for and what would be the next step?
Not sure Shannon. That’s a good question though. I think the requirement changes as she grows. So the size they would need to be right now is probably different from what they would need to be when she’s bigger. I think they’re hoping her BPA’s will somehow “catch up” with her overall growth. I think. Whenever I ask for hard numbers her cardiologist always says “much bigger” or “significantly larger”. Helpful, huh?
Haha, shes such a cutie!
I can’t believe how tall she has grown since the beginning of the summer. God bless you Ramona Mae.
With love and continued prayer,
Jackie
I’ve noticed the same. The older they get, the more difficult everything seems to be. I want to hug that sweet little girl of yours and make everything go away. I’m very happy to hear that nothing huge is happening inside her heart and that everything can be taken care of. Caths every six months…yucky, but necessary for now if that’s what the doctors say.
Look at what a big girl she is! Pushing that stroller along…xxoxo
Yay Ramona! Growing arteries! Good job!
The 6 month catheter schedule is tough to hear about. But there is progress and things that can be done and that is AWESOME!