Hi everyone,
We wanted to give an update following our 2nd Level II ultrasound this morning. We saw a different Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician this time. He has twenty years experience and a much better bedside manner. :) Here is what we learned about our son:
First, what is most concerning is his heart. He has an overriding aorta with right ventricular overflow. What does this mean? The physician really doesn't know other than it is not typical to have that amount of dilation in that part of the heart. He referred us to a pediatric cardiologist, who specializes in fetal cardiology, for an echo cardiogram of the baby's heart within a week.
Second, the femur (leg) and humerus (arm) bones are short for his gestational age. They are measuring 6 weeks behind. Therefore his weight is only in the 17th percentile.
Third, the amniotic fluid is a little low.
Overall, the physician is not sure what's going on but he feels all of these add up to a more "global issue." He's thinking a genetic issue/syndrome however in all of his years of experience he's never seen this set of issues all together (club feet, short extremities, heart issue, etc.).
So, what we're looking at is a boy that will most likely need to be delivered somewhere downtown due to possibly needing more specialized cardiac care. But again, we won't know more until there is a diagnosis by the cardiac specialist.
Thank you to all who have prayed for us these last several weeks. Right now we're feeling pretty discouraged. We know God's in this and with us, it's just a lot to take in right now. So... please pray that we can get in to see a specialist this week preferably sooner than later. Also pray for us as we continue to try and parent our four girls who need our love and patience while continuing to have that nagging worry for our son in the back of our minds.
Thank you.
Steve & Joy
Steve I so appreciate your candidness and honesty. I don't think anyone has any right to "judge" whatever you may be "feeling" at this time unless they have gone through it themselves...and really, everyone processes information differently...My heart hurts for you and your wife...this is such hard news to swallow. We will pray..not just for healing, but for the strength to get through each day as it comes...~Colleen
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers to you both.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteSteve and Joy, your sweet boy has been in my prayers since I knew of his existence. We are praying so hard for him and for you each day. I pray you can see a specialist ASAP! Much love - we will do anything you need us to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update and all the info. the fungs will be praying for you and your family. Keep us posted with baby slates progress. An overriding aorta means presence of a VSD (ventricular septal defect). Please let us know if we can do anything (take the kids, meals, long medical talk, etc).
ReplyDeleteW&A
joy. We are praying for your family and for you to have strength. Although I have not been through this situation, I do have family that has. We have rallied as a familyband support on another. If you need someone who has a similar experience, I would be happy to put u in touch with my sister in law. She delivered at prentice northwestern and zach went immediately to childrens memorial who has saved his life and worked with the family in the most positive way for the last 9 years. Take each day as it comes. God bless and I will say a prayer tonight. Amy Weltin and family
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