Tuesday, November 25, 2008

With Flying Colors

The surgeon had spoonfuls of good news about McKay's surgery. He came off bypass like a champ. His pressures looked great. The anatomy was what they expected from the MRI and echo--with one puzzling exception. The PDA or developmental hole in McKay's heart; the one that all babies have in utero but closes very quickly after birth; the one they worked so quickly and hard to keep open with special drugs when he was born in order to maintain some sort of blood flow to the lungs; the one they were sure had closed shortly following his first surgery--that PDA was still open.

It is puzzling first because everything says it should be closed and second because if it was open McKay's sats should have been much higher. The fact that they were still so low with the shunt and the PDA open means that it probably bought him some much needed time to grow. I think it's an absolute miracle.

The surgeon also went over some of the finer details about some unexpected tweaks he took the opportunity to make to McKay's heart anatomy. He closed the surprise PDA, he enlarged McKay's ASD (a hole between the upper chambers of the heart--another defect that is actually helping him at this point), and began thinking ahead to some modifications he's going to have to make to McKay's next surgery due to Mac's dextrocardia --Am I making you sorry you asked yet?

All in all it was a good report for our miracle. He is swollen and aching, but well medicated and resting. The nurse let us know this is also called the "grouchy" surgery because the kids go home very ornery as they adjust to new pressures throughout their body. Think huge migraine for a few weeks.

We'll post pictures soon. We couldn't be more proud and relieved. Here's to a slew of far more boring days to cuddle and recover. We appreciate your prayers. He listens. He blesses. He loves. And we feel Him through you. Thank you.

13 comments:

wylie said...

oh yea! thank you for taking the time to keep us all posted--we've all been watching your blog all day for updates. Of course we'll continue saying many prayers and add gratitude for this first milestone.

Jennifer Duncan said...

That's wonderful news!

Anonymous said...

Whew, a sigh of great relief! We will think of you through the night.

Lynn - Quinn's mom

Meredith said...

I'm so happy for you. I'm proud of your little man.

jaci said...

Wow Mind..it is a miracle! He is truly a miracle! I'm so glad he is doing well! My thoughts have been with you all day. I'm going to run by your house tomorrow to drop something off, if no one is there I will just leave it on the door. If there is anything you need me to do for you while I'm out your way will you please call. Anything!! I'm just so happy things went well. It is so amazing how these doctors can work on such a little person, and know exactly what needs to be done to help him now, and in the future! Definitely God's hands at work! Love you and try to get some rest!
Jaci

Lisanne said...

We wish you a speedy recovery so that you can get home and enjoy your Holidays as a family!
The Peppers

Christina said...

Amazing how it all "works out". What a blessing and miracle!

Hugs & Prayers,
Christina
Heart momma to Jacob

Me said...

I am so glad that everything went well. We will be up at primarys tomorrow. I hope you don't mind if we stop by and say hello. We will definatly keep Mckay and your sweet family in our prayers. Much love, Hilary Cook-Daxtons mommy

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that he came through the surgery with good results and he is done with that. I hope you have a restful day and that this miracle baby continues to amaze everyone around him. Like mother, like son! Hang in there and thanks for the update! Love, Marshelle

Anonymous said...

Sachiko and I worked in the Temple Tuesday. We made sure that his name was on the prayer list and our prayers and thoughts were with him all day. Don't you just love those little miracles. Larry and Sachiko!

Sabrina said...

YES! My internet has been spotty the last few days, so this is the first time I'm able to log-on!
SO happy to hear the surgery went well! Looking forward to hearing his latest progress.
GO MCKAY! we're routing for you!

Tawn said...

I'm with you Mindi! A MIRACLE he truly is! And a darn cute little miracle! I just want to squeeze his chunky little cheeks! I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! I don't need to tell you how blessed you all are, I'm sure you already know that! :) I myself will pray that McKay keeps getting well and stays strong! GOD BLESS!

Kristi said...

Mindi, you sound like a heart surgeon yourself. I bet you never would have thought you could know the anatomy of the heart so well. I am just wishing I would have paid more attention in high school science class. I am so happy that the little guy came through all right. I look forward to photos.

Thank you so much for posting these updates to those of us who would not get any word otherwise. I know that you must feel exhausted and just plain not in the mood sometimes, so thank you.