Today we had our spring appointment to see how Brooklyns pressure and valve functions are doing. She was so excited to see Nurse Melissa and Dr. Wiggins. They make her feel so important there and her appointments, although stressful on us, are fun for Brooklyn. She even picked out a new movie to watch during her echo, Ice Age. As usual we started with the EKG and the regular doctors visit. In the echo room we got some answers to some of the questions that have been hanging over our heads.
Lindsay and I have a lot to figure out over the next month. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers and will be calling on several of you to help us out when we figure out what help is needed. Brooklyn knows her heart needs fixed and that we are going to Denver to get it fixed. However she does not understand exactly what that entails yet. We will tell her closer to the date of surgery.
Joshua and Lindsay
- Brooklyns pressure has not changed at her aorta valve.
- Her valve looks as though it has began to thicken due to prolonged exposure to the higher pressure caused by the stenosis. Again her valve is bicuspid so this is a concern. Your valve should look like a Mercedes symbol with 3 leaflets and hers only has 2.
- Dr. Wiggins believe he seen a very small "molecule" of leakage. This reassured him that the time for intervention is soon. If we wait the chance for valve damage is greatly increased.
- Dr. Wiggins offices will be contacting the Children's Hospital of Colorado to get Brooklyn scheduled for surgery in the first part of June.
- This defect can be reoccurring meaning she may need to have this surgery again. Dr. Wiggins said roughly 1/3 of children have to have it again. Once the heart is fully grown, around age 18, the tissue should stop growing as well and then it is a matter of ensuring the valve is functioning properly and not leaking. This will be a life long issue for her.
Lindsay and I have a lot to figure out over the next month. We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers and will be calling on several of you to help us out when we figure out what help is needed. Brooklyn knows her heart needs fixed and that we are going to Denver to get it fixed. However she does not understand exactly what that entails yet. We will tell her closer to the date of surgery.
Joshua and Lindsay