Wren’s cardiologist appointment

I went to the pediatric cardiologist with Wren today hoping for some good news. We found out three months ago that she has pulmonary stenosis, but possibly it was going to be mild enough to not require surgery.

Well, the outcome was not what we expected. Apparently the narrowing in her pulmonary valve has gotten worse, not better. And the doctor said that it would get worse as she gets older, and eventually the right side of her heart is going to be working too hard to compensate. (To all my readers with MDs, I hope I’m explaining this correctly). Eventually, she will need surgery to correct this. Probably using a patch instead of a catheter.

I am so grateful for modern medicine to be able to correct this heart defect for her, but I can’t help but be alarmed and upset. I don’t want my baby to have to have surgery. I know, I am a total wimp. I spoke to my dear friend who is a PA in the PICU at a nearby children’s hospital, and she really put it into perspective for me. She said, “I see kids die in my ward, Sylvia. This is easily fixed with surgery. Do not fret, this is nothing.” I can’t help but fret, though. No one wants to kiss their baby good bye while they wheel her into the operating room. Here I am, being maudlin again.

Anyway, we have a follow up appointment when she turns a year old to assess how her heart is doing. The cardiologist wants to wait as long as he can to have to surgery. She has no symptoms now, but the older she gets, the harder that right side of her heart is going to have to work. If you’re a prayin’ man (or woman), prayers for her little heart would be much appreciated. She is a chubby little ball of joy, and we love her so.

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0 thoughts on “Wren’s cardiologist appointment

  1. Pingback: An Update on Wren’s Heart Defect | Tales from the Mommy Trenches

  2. Hannah @Supermommy!...Or Not.

    I’m praying for Wren and your family. It’s hard to watch your little one go through anything like this. My baby boy needed surgery for a g tube placement in May when he was 2 months old. I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest when i handed him to be taken back to surgery. But we moms are strong-we have to be for our kids. You’ll handle this as it comes and she will do great too. {{Hugs}}

    Reply
  3. rankin

    Its easy to say it will all be okay, but until you are on the other side of her surgery I know your heart will be heavy with worry. Hope you are able to find some peace over the next six months.

    Reply
  4. morgan

    I’ll cross my fingers and pray that everything will be allright with that little cutie of yours. and I also wish you a lot of strength, I cannot imagine how you must feel…

    Reply
  5. ReinventingSupermom.WordPress.Com

    I am so sorry to hear you all are going through this. My boys both has surgery the same day back in May (for much les serious issues- ENT related, tonsils tubes and adenoids) and it was very hard on my heart to hand them over. And I am a tough momma! You’ll be able to be there for her when she wakes up and love her. Lots of prayers for all of you!

    Reply
  6. rebeccavbishop

    I am the “praying type” & I WILL pray! The Lord can do ANYTHING! Also, the Lord brought you a friend who is a PA, & she clearly told you the facts that Wren’s little heart CAN be fixed! However, this does not take away the sting you still feel as a mom… & a compassionate one at that! It’s okay to “feel” & it’s good to have these worries… it’s all born out of love! You can push through Sylvia! You have certainly pushed through hard times before, & you will be given the love & support you need to push through again (if necessary)! *HUGS*

    Reply
    1. sylcell Post author

      You made me cry! I have been feeling so upset, and then guilty that I feel so upset because of all the mamas out there who deal with much worse. Thank you for your kind words!

      Reply
  7. Emily Chang

    Sylvia, you don’t know me, but I grew up with Scott and Michael and read your blogs frequently. Which, by the way, are amazing! Praying for Wren and for peace for you. We have a little boy that’s 2 and I can’t imagine what you must be feeling! Any parent in that situation would be concerned and upset 🙂

    Reply

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