The Cardiologist Visit

I just wanted to let you know the latest on Victoria Jayne (the baby I'm expecting April 3rd).

Mark and I met with a pediatric cardiologist a few weeks ago. He said that he is seeing two problems with Victoria's heart right now. He said the septum (the wall that separates the left and right side of the heart) does not run completely across the heart vertically as it should. It is missing in the middle of the heart, which would allow the oxygenated and non-oxygenated blood to mix. Also, there should be two valves and he is seeing only one big valve.

He reminded us that he is looking at a sonogram that is trying to get a good image though my body and the baby's body ... trying to look at Victoria's little heart. So, he said that there is a chance he is wrong and we surely pray that way ... but, he is 95% sure he is right. But, after Victoria is born, he'd do another heart echo to see exactly what is going on.

He said that most babies having these types of defects are Downs babies, although the girl he saw right before in his office had the same two defects and she was not Downs or didn't have any other genetic disorders. So, he said we will have to wait until the baby is born to also find out about that.

When Victoria is 2 1/2 months old, he'd want her to have open heart surgery at UAB in Birmingham (if she actually does have these defects after she is born). He'd want me to carry her as long as I can to get her as fat as possible. Then, during those 2 1/2 months, he'd want me to try and continue to plump her up to prepare for her surgery. I'm sure she'd have some weight loss, but he didn't say how much.

Anyway, please continue to pray for Victoria's heart and also the looming genetic questions (Downs or Trisomy 13/18). I pray that she is born completely healthy, but also know that I have to accept whatever the Lord's will is. Thanks for your prayers. We will see our specialist again on January 7th, so the visits will start up again ... JOY!!! (I'm saying that very sarcastically!!!)

Take care and I'll make sure we keep you updated on everything. Happy holidays and New Year!