Friday, February 15, 2008

Valley of decision

Following a brief conversation this morning with Dr. Mack, the cardiac surgeon, what is clear is that nothing is clear.

The bottom line is that Levi's heart problem is much more complicated than originally thought, both by the team that initially diagnosed him and by the doctors here. This is made even murkier by the fact that we have no records detailing his medical history, so they don't know what issues he was born with and what has developed over time. All the doctors know is the Levi has a complicated combination of major heart and lung problems that Dr. Mack said will probably require many medical minds to determine the best route to take.

Levi is still on the ventilator. They've added a new medication to keep his heart from pumping as strongly, because the patch they put in to cover the hole in his heart is actually serving as an obstruction when his heart contracts, meaning he can't yet breath on his own. Hopefully the esmolol will help take care of that and get him healthy enough for whatever happens next—whatever that might be.

Of course, we knew none of this going in. But maybe that was for the best. Now we take one day, one hour, one minute at a time. Please continue to remember us in your prayers.

2 comments:

kcself said...

So as he gets stronger, the decisions you have will most likely be discussed more with the doctors at CHOA? Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. ((hugs)) to you and gentle ones to Levi.
--the Selfs

Anonymous said...

We have been praying, and will continue to pray for Levi, his physicians and your family.
With love and prayers,
Milton & Ann Siepman, friends of your Mom & Dad