Monday, June 22, 2009

Stressed Out!

I should not be posting right now because I am a stress case. It seems everytime you dig deeper to find an answer to a problem, you discover other problems. Ethan went to cath lab today. It was pretty successful, but didn't answer ALL the questions. Our cardiologists is always so good to take us back in the cath lab and show us all the films from the procedures.

First, there was a LARGE collateral vein. The doctor put in two coils to collapse it. Done deal (unless new collaterals grow). Collaterals are kind of like varicose veins off the heart. Ethan had this collateral before surgery, but it was tiny. The pressure changes from the new circulation made it grow 4 times larger. Second, they did an angioplasty (balloon) to his left pulmonary artery (PA). The PA had scar tissue narrowing and a kink where the sano shunt had been attached to it from the first surgery. The balloon opened the artery wider, but didn't totally get rid of the kink/angle. But it definately looked better. Hopefully we won't have to go in later for a stent. The third issue (and one currently stressing me out) is blood clots. He has one large and two small clots in major veins going into his glenn circulation. The doc was able to do a thrombectomy on the largest one, and it is GONE. He could not get the two smaller ones though. The positioning wasn't working. Saturday they suspected one small clot and started blood thinners. So Ethan will stay on the blood thinners until they (hopefully) go away.

Removal of the large clot, opening the PA, and closing off the collateral should help oxygen saturations, and may help a little with the effusions. But there was no smoking gun for the large increase in his effusions this past week. The things they found were definately issues that needed to be resolved. But they were not causing really high pressures like one might think. And really high pressures would be a cause for large effusions. So he will remain intubated for a day or two more until we decide if we need to go to surgery to try a procedure to resolve his effusion. UGH! I feel so bad for him. I just wish he could be a BABY!

5 comments:

Ryan and Shannan Hoffman said...

I'm so sorry Heidi. I don't know how you have been so strong through all of this. You always have some positive thing to say and that amazes me. I hope you can get answers to all of your questions. It really does hurt to watch our children suffer. Keeping you in my prayers.

Life Unscripted said...

Oh boy, the twists and turns keep coming. I am so sorry he is going through all of that. By now I know you are tired of hearing sorry, but I can sympathize with what you are going through. Not all of it I understand, but I know how much you just want him to be a baby.

If you EVER...and I mean ever need to talk, you are more then welcomed to call me, (602)682-5134, that will be our number until we move on July 28th. I am uasaly up until at least 1 or 2, as you will be able to tell by my response time on this. And I get up around 8am. My ear and shoulder are here for you if you ever need it.

Our prayers shall continue for Ethan. Be strong mama, just as you are. You may not feel the strength, but our Heavanly Father imparts it to you daily, in your time of need.

Once again, give Mr. Ethan man, a kiss for us. If you wouldn't mind, I would love to come visit you on either Friday or Saturday...no Lily this time, she is a bit to much of a handful running around that room. If you need anything let me know.

Sending you our heart hugs, Love and blessings.

Jenna, Lilyana and the rest of the McLaughlin Clan over here!

Hot Diggity Daws said...

I know, I wish Ethan could just enjoy being a baby too!!! Hopefully the interventions performed yesterday will provide some improvements for Ethan. Each of our family of 5 takes turns praying for little Ethan every night. I hope you will feel His sustaining influence in this stressful time.

Lori said...

Heidi, You are an inspiration to me. Little Ethan is so lucky to have you for a Mom. We continue to pray for him and your sweet family.

francb53 said...

Just hang in there Heidi and Greg and keep the faith. Ethan is precious and all of you are doing awesome at fighting the fight for Ethan. Heavenly Father loves you all. He will give you strength even when you feel your strength is not there.
I pray for Ethan, for you, and for the doctors and nurses taking care of him to be strong and know the right paths to take so Ethan can just be the sweet "baby" boy you so love and enjoy.
Love to you,
Aunt Francie