Back on Oxygen, Surgery to Come

Yesterday, we took Gracie in to her cardiologist, Dr. Su, for a check up. She weighed 12 lbs. 8 oz. and her sat's were around 75. We talked with Dr. Su about all of our concerns about feedings etc. He noticed that her fingers and toes looked a bit bluer than last time and said that it was time to go back on some oxygen. He ordered her to go on a 1/4 liter at night and periodically during the day if we were just hanging out. If we go somewhere then she does not have to be on it. Kind of a bummer but we knew that she would have to go back on before her next surgery.

We discussed surgery and decided that she should go in the first part of November. That is only in about 5 weeks!! She has to have a heart catheterization before surgery, that will be in 2-3 weeks.

For those of you wondering what a 'cath' is, here you go:

1. The doctor inserts a small flexible tube, called a catheter, through the femoral vein and/or artery in your child's groin. The catheter is then passed into various vessels and chambers of the heart.

2. As the catheter goes through different areas, the doctor obtains pressure measurements and takes very small blood samples to see how much oxygen is in the blood.

3. The doctor injects a dye that can be seen with x-ray through the catheter. Using very low-dose radiation, the doctor takes pictures of your child's heart. These pictures, together with the pressure and oxygen level measurements, will tell the doctor more about the defects of your child's heart and how they are affecting the child.

Gracie will be watched for about 6 hours after the cath to make sure everything is ok with her. If she is seen in the afternoon, she may have to stay overnight for observation.

Dr. Su said that this next surgery is supposed to be a lot better than the first. We are praying for that. I'm hoping that all the time Gracie spent in the 'pen' the first time will count for something the second time around!! Maybe they'll let her out early for good behavior!!

p.s. I wanted to add that I just tried to feed Gracie her rice cereal mixed with apple juice and she took about 15 spoonfuls!!! She did not cry and actually opened her mouth for the next bite!! It was by far the best she has ever done. Every one's prayers must be working AGAIN, thank you!!