May 27, 2010

No News Is Good News...Right?




As I had expected, we did not hear from the Cardiologist today.

He did stop by Carter's bed early this morning, and discussed the scans with the Attending doctor. It sounds as though they both agree that a surgery could be helpful, but he needed to pass the case on to a Cardio-Thoracic surgeon. As a test to see if taking the pressure off of Carter's airway would help, they put him on his tummy. Amazingly enough, his pressures and breathing were instantly better. We think that's a good sign.

The surgery involves tacking Carter's Aorta to his chest wall. We didn't hear too many details about it, but do know that it is risky....but not quite as risky as open-heart surgery since they will not need to put him on bypass. In our opinion, it is our only choice so we are hopeful that the surgeons are willing to try.
Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to talk to the surgeons, but until then Carter will be sleeping peacefully on his tummy.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

This post made me cry. I don't know you personally but I read your blog often and keep a close update on Carter.
It brought me back to the days in the PICU with my daughter. I hate that feeling of unknowning. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. He is a beautiful boy!

Lacey said...

How cute are those marks on his face! It sounds like its worth a shot. Even open heart surgery with bypass is done so often that its considered routine! Cheerleading for my little man!

Junior said...

Prayers that the surgeons will be willing to give the surgery a try.

Junior has tracheal malacia and we have found putting him on his tummy always gets his oxygen levels higher.

Hugs

kat said...

Like the first post, I don't know you, but ran across your blog from a friend who also reads it. Since then I have found myself praying several times a day for your sweet little Carter and the rest of your family, something I have gotten out of the habit of doing. Thank you for sharing your story, it reminds me to put things into perspective and thank you for being such wonderful parents to your children, someday they will understand the sacrifices you have made for them and they will thank you. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
~Katherine
Lenore, Idaho

Rachael said...

Heather and Mike. We love you and pray for your family often. We cant imagine being put in your shoes right now and the decisions you have to make but know that what you decide will be right, you have to make it right. Carter is a fighter, always has been and always will be. Keep fighting for him. Never give up hope. We love you guys and if you need anything we are here. Carter, Gav is waiting to play so get better and get home soon so we can make that happen!!

Sherry C said...

I hope time and surgery will ease things for those airways. Hang Tough little Carter we are praying for you! Heather big hugs to your whole family.

Bits and Pieces of Me...Emily! said...

I hope that the Doctors are able to help your little guy and that he will be able to come home. The worst thing in the world is to have to leave your baby in the hospital! I know what it's like to face those kind of tough choices. If you need anything, please let Jeni Smith know, and she'll tell me! (I'm her sister) our thoughts, love and prayers are with you guys!

Christine said...

Sweet sweet Carter - rest well little guy, saying lots of prayers for you. Breaks my heart to read all that is going on. ((HUGS))