Ticker Talk

(Originally posted on 11/15/12)

On Wednesday November 14^th we meet with a pediatric cardiologist (heart doctor).  Even though Jordan and I are not morning people it was nice having the appointment at 7:30 because I didn’t have enough time to feel nervous.

First an ultrasound tech studied our little Elliot for 45min. Unfortunately she wasn’t allowed to give us any information so we sat there in silence starring at a screen we didn’t understand. I understand why the doctor is the one to give us all the information but she could have said something!

After that the doctor came in and did another 10 minutes of ultrasounds. He mumbled some words to the nurse and ultrasound tech.  At that point I was nervous. They were speaking in doctor code and I felt I had no control over that hour of my life.  We then met with the doctor to go over the ultrasound.

He first showed us two images of hearts, one of a fetus heart and one of a new born or adult heart.   Did you know that a fetus’s heart has an extra blood vessel that disappears within 48 hours after birth?  We also learned that the placenta provides the oxygen to the blood during pregnancy.  The more we learn the more we are amazed. Babies are serious miracles. There are a few other differences in the hearts that I won’t even attempt to explain.

Anyways, on to baby Elliot…

After all that we weren’t really given any new information on Elliot. They weren’t able to get the best pictures and didn’t see everything they wanted to see.  Surprise, surprise little Elliot didn’t want to cooperate so we are scheduled to go back in 4 weeks.  He did however tell us what they can see (which is most of everything) looks normal. He still can’t say if there is a whole in his heart and hasn’t been able to see the veins that connect and carry blood to the left lung.  He believes there is nothing adding to the complication of CDH. So, all in all no news is good news. At times all these appointments seem unnecessary and frustrating but we are thankful for the information we will have when our baby is born.

Jordan and I were also very impressed with the nurse who works at the cardiology office who is in charge of coordinating the doctors.  She was very helpful and sweet.  It is always such a great comfort when people truly seem to care about what you are going through and how you are feeling.  So far we have no complaints about the many doctors and nurses who are guiding us through this difficult process.

Our next appointment is on Monday at the OB’s office. We are really hoping Elliot has grown.

In hopes to make some extra cash for our future medical bills I will be making and selling earrings at my parents store Rod Works! If anyone has scraps of fabric they are willing to donate please let me know. I would really appreciate it!

Love,

Casey, Jordan and baby Elliot