Heart Cath

Doesn't our boy make hospital scrubs look stylish and hip! We think so!

Every so often as I am waiting for Mario to come to bed I start to read "heart blogs". These are blogs that families with children who have Heart defects write for the same reason I started our blog, to increase awareness, let family and friends know what happening and so forth. Tonight is such a night and I am amazed at some of the stories. Families can go through so much and still find time to write about their struggles and successes. I need to be better at keeping this updated!

Iraia had to have a heart catherization on Tuesday. Every Thursday the heart surgeons and cariologists meet to discuss the next weeks surgeries. When the discussed Iraia(his surgery was scheduled for Jan. 17th) they decided to postpone it for another 6 months to a year. They also decided to do a procedure called a heart catherization, which he had on Tuesday. The plan was to go in through his groin and neck arteries to reach the blood vessels going into his lungs. Part of his pulmonary artery was very narrow and they wanted to open it up and place a stint to keep it open. The idea was that this procedure would not only be easier for him than open heart but would cause less scar tissue to have to deal with later. Also, it will temporarily give him more oxygen going in to his lungs, which is always a good thing. A normal persons oxygen levels run in the high 90's to 100%. Iraia runs normally between 75 and 85.

So, we got up early and headed to the hospital for his heart cath. It took almost 4 hours and was very successful. The surgeon tried 3 different balloons to stretch out his artery. The first two were uncessesful because of all the scar tissue present form previous surgeries. He then had to use a barbed balloon to cut up his vein from the inside so he could inflate the balloon. Sounds scary doesn't it. His tiny vein being scorred by sharp metal peices, ughhh! It was difficult but ultimatley successful. He was able to place a stint and open the vein. He also discovered a vein filled with blood that wasn't supposed to be. He put in a few plugs to stop the leak and divert the blood to his lungs. When they beeped us to come talk to him the first words he uttered were, "It went perfectly". I can't tell you how awesome it was to hear those words. Perfectly, can't get better than that!

The reason those were were such a relief is that before the procedure started we had to sign a release to do the procedure. Before you sign the release they have to advise you of ALL the risks; such as Iria's vein tearing and he bleeds out on the table, or his heart goes into arrest and they can't revive him. The doctor told us that in any case a heart cath is risky but especially in Iraia's case. Nice huh. Actually I am glad they don't sugar coat it. I do better knowing all the facts. It doesn't make it easier but the truth is always the way to go.

Blessings be, that none of those things happened and Heavenly Father still has need for Iraia here on earth. Mario and I have talked a lot about the Plan of Salvation since becoming Iraia's parents and we know through the Holy Spirit that families really are forever and every day with Iraia is a gift that we savor and cherish.

This one was tough on him and he has been clingy and sore. His little neck and groin are all bruised and the worst part is changing the band-aids twice a day. He hates that! Man he is a tough little man. I love being his Mommy and wouldn't trade all the sleepless nights, the tube feedings, endless doc appointments, the hospital waiting rooms and so many other things for anything. It is our pleasure to care for him and Lily! I don't say these things lightly, we have it good!!!!!

Thank you for all your prayers and help. It means more than we can say to know so many are on our side. We have felt peace and reassurance coming form your prayers and thoughts and we are so grateful!

I will be better at keeping this updated and I have made it open for all to read because I have drawn strength from reading other heart blogs(of families I don't know) and hope that I can be of some small help to anyone who needs it!