Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Post Surgery


We could not be happier right now. He is quite stable. They tell us that tonight will probably not go as smooth. They say it takes the body 6-12 hours before the organs start manifesting distress from everything they have undergone today. And I have to take back the no surprises comment we made the day of birth. There was a big one in surgery today.


After opening his chest they realized he had a right sided vascular ring. That means the aorta was wrapped around the esophogus. So not only did they have to do rebuild his underdevelopped aortic arch, but they had to dissect his aorta and arteries that brach off the aorta to pull them in front of the esophogus. The team of surgeons and doctors here have personally never seen a vascular ring with HLHS. The ring is most commonly a defect all by itself and is not discovered until the child gets a little older and starts to have eating or breathing issues because the ring is beginning to put pressure on the esophogus or trachea. Wow! That was definately a surprise. They feel the surgery went really well considering the added details.

They also used a different shunt called the Sano Shunt. It shunts some blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. The pressures on his pulmonary valve are high right now and they feel it might suffer some significant damage if they do not relieve the pressure some before the next surgery. The next surgery, the Glenn, will relieve it even more. This was discussed as an option yesterday, and they decided in surgery to go with it. It will help relieve the pressure on his pulmonary valve. I know this might be too much info for some, but others want to know! I also have a picture of him in our room post op below. I kneeled down as to minimize the shot of Ethan. Some may not want to see him close up right now, but I wanted to show all the medications and machines that are helping him along! His is a fighter.

Again love and thanks to all!

Greg and Heidi

12 comments:

The Simmons Family said...

Horray for a great surgery and stable post op! We'll be praying for Ethan and your family. I got a feeling he's going to do great!

Heidi Ann said...

It's so relieving to hear everything went so well. I worried about you and little Ethan ALL day, it brings back so many emotions and feelings. What a long day you've had! Thank you for posting and PLEASE keep doing so, I check on you constantly!

jfbast said...

That picture of your tiny baby with all of the tubes and wiring is truly heartbreaking. What a tough little guy! Glad to hear the surgery went well. Hang in there! ♥

Kim said...

I am so glad to hear that everything went as well as it did! I just can't imagine going through this with any child, but especially with a newborn! You are amazing & I love you guys!

Lori said...

I have been thinking of you and your sweet baby Ethan. So glad to hear that things went well. You will remain in our prayers.

Shane Meredith Mason and Kendall said...

yeah! glad things went well. WOW all those machines for one little guy? crazy! Sounds like you have great Doctors.

Chunky Monkey said...

Yee haw.One hurdle down and a hundred more to go.Lets go Ethan!!we are praying for you and love all that dark hair!!!

Shannon said...

So glad the surgery went well. we will keep you all in our prayers and hope for a great night. thinking of you!

Molly Wright said...

Thank you for all the details. I've been wondering about that aorta all day. We couldn't think of anything but you guys today and we are so glad you made it through this long day. We will keep praying for you and waiting for updates!

Andrea Gunnell said...

I just wanted to leave a comment and say that even though you don't know me I have been thinking about you all day! I found your blog through Elizabeth Dennison's blog. I too have a son with HLHS. I am so happy to hear that the first surgery went well. I'll be praying for you.

Andrea Gunnell
www.ourgunnellfamily.blogspot.com

Frankie and Krista said...

We are so glad the surgery went well. We are praying for you!
Frankie and Krista

Caryn said...

I am so glad he did well in surgery! Celebrate the little victories as each of those lines come out and the drips are turned down and then off!