So this picture of Malachi is actually at 30 weeks. It was taken when we visited Pittsburgh. The detail of events were:We started off at 7:30 am at Magee Women's Center with an ultrasound. Everything (except his heart) looked good. He is measuring in the 29th percentile. (Which means he is smaller than average, but not abnormally small.)
We then headed over to see the Cardiologist Dr. Sherman. He told us he was going to look at Malachi's heart with fresh eyes. He determined the same results as our cardiologist with Malachi having a regular sized Aorta and a narrowed Pulmonary artery. He determined that the narrowed Pulmonary artery might be a good thing. The narrowing might help equalize the blood flow to the lungs and the body. After Malachi is born they may even have to narrow the artery even more, just to make sure the blood flow is controlled. He did tell us that when Malachi is in his 20s or 30s it is pretty likely that he would need to have a heart transplant, as the work of one ventricle can strain the heart after so many years, but that is down the road and not a concern as of now.
We then met with the surgeon over at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. We met Dr. Wearden, (Dr. Morrel also works along with.) We liked him the best. When he walked in the room he asked for Malachi's name, and referred to Malachi the whole time he was speaking. He showed us a drawing of what Malachi's heart looks like, and showed us the repairs they would do on it. He referred to how God designs our hearts, and how Malachi's was different. How encouraging is that! The very man who will be holding our son's heart in his hands referred to God! We don't know if he is a Christian, but we are certainly encouraged by his reference to God! He reexplained what the Cardiologist stated. He said that Malachi might not need any surgery when first born, if he does it would be minor. They would (if needed after first born) to put in a shunt connecting his Aorta and Pulmonary artery. They would also put a constrictor on his Pulmonary artery to equalize the blood flow. In either case, we will take him home with a monitor to check his blood oxygen levels. Then when he is two months old they would look into doing the Glen Procedure which we referred to in the past post: connecting the Superior Vena Cava to the lungs. Then when he is two or three years old, he would have the Fontan Procedure, routing the blood flow through the lungs by the Inferior Vena Cava. He said that Malachi is fortunate enough that they don't have to rebuild his Aorta, as is the case with most Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Thankfully the Lord has made his heart to function and be a little better off when first born.
After the surgeon we headed back over to Magee and we met with the high risk Obstetrician: Dr. Emery. He said that the plan is to induce me at 39 weeks (the week of November 5th). They want to make sure that we are both in Pittsburgh. He said the only need for a Cesarean would be if I wasn't progressing enough.
Then we finished our day with Dr. Vats. She is the neonatologist at Magee. She went through the plan of events after Malachi is born. She said that they will be in the room when Malachi is delivered, and will take him aside (in the room) and evaluate him. They will check his breathing and heart sounds. Then they will give him back to us to hold and get some pictures and let the family see. Then they will take him down to the Neonatal unit to have him on monitors until the surgeons are ready for him. (This will all take place within a few hours.) He will only be on an iv drip, incase he may need to go into surgery. Then he will be taken over to Children's to have the surgeons evaluate him. If he does not need surgery, then they will make sure he is feeding and monitor him for about a week. If he does need surgery he could be in the hospital for two weeks, or a month depending on how quickly he heals. Regardless, they will make sure Philip and I know what we're doing before we take him home.
It was a very long day, but very informative. I told Philip that as far as Malachi needing surgery, I feel confident and at peace. The thought of me being a new Mom, scares me to death! I know that it will all come together, but wow what a responsibility. I am honored that the Lord would choose Philip and I to be parents of such an incredible young boy. He truly is a miracle and made especially by our Lord. I can't wait to meet him in 7 WEEKS!
Here is another story about a little girl named Makenna living with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. She differs from Malachi, as she needed the first surgery, the Norwood, as Malachi does not. Here is the link: Makenna
Love,
April (for all three)
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9
