Posted Apr 14, 2009 11:00am
Hi everyone. Anna here, Brenda's good friend and Bela's old occupational therapist. I am updating for Brenda and Sammy right now. Bela is in surgery now. We just had a meeting with Dr. Kim, a cardiologist who is on the electrophysiology team. He is a heart rhythym doctor. Basically his team along with the surgeon and Bela's main cardiologist sat down and looked at all of her previous test results and have decided that at this time they do not recommend placing the pacemaker. This may change depending on how Bela's heart reacts during surgery but they feel that they should NOT place the pacemaker just in case Bela will need it in the future. So, pray that Bela's heart rhythym stays strong and consistent during surgery. We will update again soon!
Surgery day - 12:15pm
Posted Apr 14, 2009 12:29pm
Anna here again. Looks like I will be updating on the surgery as the day goes. We just got an update on Bela. The surgeon is still working on opening her chest. It is taking some extra time due to scar tissue she has from the previous surgeries. She is not yet on the bypass machine. We should get another update in 2 hourse or so. We will keep you updated as we get information.
2:15 PM
Posted Apr 14, 2009 2:38pm
We just got back from another update. Once they released all of the scar tissue when opening Bela's chest, things have moved fast. The Fontan procedure is completed already, which is the main procedure that re-routes her blood flow. They definitely did not need to do the pacemaker. Next, is the mitral valve concern. Well, it looks like it does not need any repair at all! The surgical nurse could not answer many questions as to why the surgeon decided not to do any work on the valve. So we are waiting until we can talk with the surgeon to get those answers. But, Bela is off the by-pass machine already and her heart started beating on it's own once her body temperature was warmed back up. Bela is such a strong girl and is proving that today! Keep those prayers up!
3:35PM
Posted Apr 14, 2009 4:00pm
Wow! We just finished talking with Dr. Fraser, the surgeon. Isabela did great during the surgery. Per the pre-op echo, Bela's valve regurgitation was minimal. "Trivial" per Dr. Fraser. Therefore, they did not do any type of repair to the valve, mainly because once they begin attempting to repair a valve, you don't know how that will ultimately affect the valve. So, it's best not to do anything if not needed. The Fontan went very well. They ended up doing an extra-cardiac Fontan due to not needing to go inside the heart for the valve. Isabela's oxygen saturation will now be normal!!! In the mid to high 90s. She will be pink, pink, pink! What a miracle! The pacemaker was definitely not needed. Per Dr Fraser, Bela's rhythym was perfect during the surgery. The only rhythym concern prior to surgery was during her cath procedure, which was likely due to the procedure. Therefore no pacemaker! Bela is waking up right now and they hope to take the breathing tube out before she is moved to the ICU but she may need it over night. Thank you for all of your prayers. Please keep them up for a speedy recovery. The biggest concern now will be her drainage from her chest tubes and preventing any infection.
Brenda and Sammy will be able to see her in about an hour. We will post again soon!
The Healing Begins....
Posted Apr 14, 2009 7:21pm
Isabela is in her old room in the CVICU which is a little bitter sweet for everyone. She continues to breath well with her oxygen mask and her blood gas came back very good. The surgeon was happy with that. She is in a bit of pain and has needed some extra pain meds for that. Brenda and Sammy are by her side and we have been able to visit briefly. Pray for Brenda and Sammy tonight to get some rest and for Bela to rest comfortably overnight. They truly appreciate all of the prayers and comments made here on the care page. Thank you everyone!
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