We are so thankful to be at this point.
There were so many times we didn't think we'd be here.
So amazing to see all that God has done in just two weeks.
Jude has two heart defects.
We found out about the AV Canal Defect in May.
We found out about the Coarctation of the Aorta the day he was born.
Tonight, I wanted to explain a little more about the Coarctation.
Here is what a typical coarctation looks like:
Jude's heart looks different than the one in this image because he also has the AVCD. In the top right corner, you can see a narrowing of his aorta. That narrowing, the coarctation, prevents oxygenated blood from flowing to the lower extremities of his body. It is fatal without the surgery. In fact, if they hadn't done the echo to confirm the AVCD immediately after he was born, he would have died without this diagnosis. So, we're obviously grateful they found it.
When a baby is in utero, there is a ductus in the heart that is used until the baby begins to use his lungs. After birth, it closes. Jude's ductus, however, is being kept open until surgery by something called prostoglandin (PGE). His ductus is acting as a substitute for that part of the aorta until they can get in and fix it. Hopefully late this week.
You can learn more about what they'll do to fix it here. It is a brief explanation with a simple animation that was particularly helpful to us.
So, that is the next step. Have I mentioned that we're grateful to be here? :-)
Tonight's updates:
- They didn't remove the ventilator today because his blood gases weren't were they wanted them. Maybe tomorrow.
- His platelet count was up again. So grateful for that.
- His lung is still showing improvement. The respiratory therapist is doing his "percussion treatment" as I write this. She pounds his chest lightly hoping to free up all the mucus.
- His kidneys are still taking a beating. Please pray for increased kidney function and decreased creatnine levels.
THANK YOU once again
for walking through this with us.
What a blessing you all are to us!
:-)
7 comments:
Great news! Happy birthday! Sounds like Brandon made it special! Will keep praying for EVERYTHING and will continue to put Jude on as many prayer lists that I think of! Love you all !
I asked our homeschool group to be paying for Jude and your sweet family! We love you guys!
May today give you only happy results. I called Brandon's phone on Saturday to wish you a happy day. I am proud of your little man and his progress. I think your Mom and you both got really specially birthday wishes this year. Love Ya!
I was just showing our kids your blog as we were praying for you all. They all loved the pictures of Jude, of course. What really warmed my heart was how they remember Brandon staying with us. Ryan said "He's the one who taught us Beans Beans The Magical Fruit!" and Tony said "He brought us Tangled!" He made an impression, for sure. ;)
We continue to be thankful to our Great God for carrying you and all the ways he's at work in sweet little Jude's life. And we remain hopeful in the living, risen Christ to touch and heal your precious little boy and to give him a full, rich life! We continue to pray for your family every day! Evan and Sarah hear LOTS about "baby Jude, Miss Mandy, Mr. Brandon, and Caleb." :)
May you be especially blessed today!
love and Prayers,
Jen, Brian, Sarah, and Evan
Dear Mandy, We are praying for all of you and especially your precious little one. Your sweet, gentle spirit continues to shine through your posts about Jude. I am so thankful that you continue to place your peace and your trust in our great God and may He continue to sustain and uplift you all. What a beatiful testimony. I am sorry it's been so long since I've been in touch. Reading your posts, I see that you are just as gracious and loving as ever. Blessings, Paula Reed
Post a Comment