Surgery tomorrow - updating via blog

[Isfahan]

Hi
Thank you for remembering Wren (22mths) in his surgery tomorrow. We met with the PA today and apparently his case was fairly controversial. There was quite a bit of discussion before deciding whether to do a valve replacement, repair or even something drastic like a norwood (should the mitral valve fail).

We believe that the surgeon is going to try and repair the valve and do some patches above and below the valve. If that works it should allow Wren to grow larger before needing a valve replacement. However, if it looks too risky Dr Hanley will probably put in a mechanical valve.

Wren is second case in the morning, starting at 9am. With kids the not eating or drinking is one of the hardest things to face before surgery and they are very hard to get a line in, so we are really hoping there are no delays. BUT we have been told to expect one as there are often problems opening up beds for recovery in the CVICU.

We will be posting ot our blog when we hear any information on how things are going.

Shannon

http://echobaby.blogspot.com

 

[Freddie]

Thanks Shannon, try to get some sleep and look after yourself. Don't forget to eat!

Many thoughts and prayers going your wa.

 

[kfay]

Good luck to all of you tomorrow. He is in good hands and I'm sure he'll do well.

Try and get some rest tonight and while he is in ICU.

Kim

 

[Phyllis]

You all will be in our prayers tomorrow and we will check the blog for updates.

 

[lisou]

Good luck tomorrow, will keep you in my prayers.

 

[abbanabba]

Thinking of you.


A : )

 

[zipper2]

Good thoughts and prayers comming your way

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[Montrealer]

Good Luck and keep the happy thoughts......

 

[Cooker]

Wish all the best ... prayers coming your way ... Godspeed

 

[hensylee]

on your trek over the mountain, we wish you well and will wait for news. GODSPEED!

 

[Jkm7]

Shannon.... Best wishes all goes well. We'll be eager to hear how Wren is doing.

Godspeed.......

 

[Phyllis]

I'm watching the blog, Shannon and Wren and your family are in my heart and prayers.

 

[hall]

Wishing you the best of luck. Prayers for all.

 

[Jackie]

Thoughts and prayers along with a great big HUG being sent your way.

 

[WayneGM]

Best wishes to you all for a successful surgery and smooth, speedy, recovery.

 

[njean]

Sending my prayers and well wishes on a positive outcome for Wren. Keep us posted when you can & you take care of yourself too!

 

[Phyllis]

From the blog:

Friday, November 7, 2008
12 midday - Wren is in Surgery
Anne - Shannon rang - Wren is now in surgery. It's been a long wait for the goahead.
Shortly, while Wren is with the anaesthetist, Shannon & Josh will meet Dr Hanley, the surgeon.

Then another wait, we think the surgery will take about 6 hrs.
Wait and pray...

Posted by Shannon at 12:19 PM 0 comments



10.45 - the waiting game
by Anne....
Shannon phoned to say, that at 10.30, they were still waiting. They had been told that Wren would be taken into surgery at 10.

Meanwhile, Wren is very hungry since he has not eaten or drunk anything since 3am. He has fallen asleep on Joshua, so we hope he has a rest and that he will be admitted soon.

 

[Phyllis]

Very Good News!

Very Good News!

Here's the latest from the blog:

Friday, November 7, 2008
4pm. - Wren is OUT in recovery
Anne - Good news: Wren is in recovery, off bypass, and Shannon and Josh will be able to visit him in an hour. He will be strongly sedated for the next 24 hrs - and intubated. He will be "brought round" some time tomorrow afternoon.

The surgery went WELL. Dr Handley did the repair below and above the valve. (did not have to call for a replacement valve).

The coarctation below was "very tight" and they had to do a lot of cutting there as it was attached to the mitral valve. But he says that the mitral valve looks to be in good shape (VERY good news).

The aortic valve seems OK and there is NO regurgitation.
So Shannon and Josh and all of us who have been on tenterhooks are very relieved.

Posted by Shannon at 4:22 PM 2 comments



Waiting to hear more
We spoke with Dr Hanley earlier and I wrote a long post about it BUT THEN THE NETWORK CRASHED and it is now stuck. I have now discovered a library where there is another network.

So, quickly.

We are doing OK, waiting. We expect to hear how the surgery is going when Dr Hanley has done the planned repair (resection) of the sub and supra valvar obstruction.

IF NOT, he may tell us that he is going to have to do the valve replacement. He hopes that does not happen because it is a major - well, more major - surgery and would add hours to the procedure.

We hope the first approach is successful.

I have found a resource center, a library, some chairs you can sleep in and free coffee.

Thank you for all your emails.

The librarian says the internet service provider is going to "send a technician" but she doubts they come on the weekend. That means we will have to post a bit less frequently than I had hoped.

 

[zipper2]

Thank-you Phyllis and glad to have updates.

continue my good thoughts and prayers for both.

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[gijanet]

Thanks for keeping us updated, Phyllis.........

Thanks for keeping us updated, Phyllis.........

Great news so far. We are praying that things are still going well. Many hugs. Janet