Cath Day

Well I can't sleep due to nerves (I should be a pro at sending my baby into a cath or surgery by now - but it never seems to get easier), so I wanted to give a more complete update on what's happening today.

Emma will be undergoing a heart catheterization and biopsy this morning. What that means is a catheter will be inserted into two main vessels (usually one in her groin and one in her neck) and threaded through those blood vessels to her heart. She will be intubated and put under anesthesia for this procedure. They will be looking at heart function and pressures. She's had some high blood pressure lately, but they are hoping to get some really good readings since she'll be asleep (it's really hard to get a good blood pressure on a squirmy toddler!) They will also be taking a tiny piece of her heart to do a biopsy which will check for rejection.

They will also be reevaluating the narrowing of her pulmonary veins and arteries which continues to show up on echoes as a potential concern.

They will also be looking to see if she has any reoccurring issues with pulmonary hypertension now that they've taken her off the medication that helped with that.

We would appreciate prayers for NO rejection and good results all around!

Emma won't be allowed to eat or nurse this morning which will likely make her very fussy...especially since she has to get a blood draw done before we even check in to the surgery center. Blood draws are always so hard for her anyways, since she has such tiny veins because of previously having HLHS. We are hoping they will be able to get the drug levels with a heel poke and then the rest can be done during the cath. Emma is scheduled for second case, so the cath should start about 10:15am.

After the procedure is over Emma has to lie still in recovery for at least four hours. We are bringing Mickey Mouse clubhouse and Frozen to keep her entertained, but would appreciate prayers for her peace and comfort also! Thank you for praying!!

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26