Michael's big brother, Ben, just LOVES him!
Michael had several more echocardiograms. However, this one stands out in my mind. (Pic taken during echo on May 3rd)
This was the day we found out Michael's valve wasn't working properly. Dr. D told us that he needed a balloon procedure to try to knock loose some blockage that formed around his valve. They do this by using a cathedar through the groin and weaving it up to his pulmonary valve. They then take a balloon and blow it up. He had this procedure on July 29th. We got to Children's at 5:30 am. This is a picture of Michael sleeping on me before they took him away.
We waited as our son was in surgery. This was a banner hanging up in the lobby. I found it extremely comforting.
They finished his surgery at 8:52 am and Dr. D came to talk to us at 9:15 am. He told us that he ballooned Michael's valve as much as he could but it didn't work. His valve is growing back closed and so Dr. D wanted to monitor him every two to three months for six months or so. We were informed that ballooning would not work for Michael anymore. In other words, his only other option is more open heart surgery. Worst news we could have gotten. After another hour or so we finally got to see our little boy.
Luckily this time it was only an overnight hospital stay. Over the past 10 months, Michael has been through so much. Open heart surgery, staph infection, a balloon procedure, countless echocardiograms, and many days and nights in the hospital. I am very happy to report that he has not been in the hospital since his last procedure. He has over come so much. He rolls over, pulls himself to standing, sits up by himself, and even started saying "mama" on Christmas. I am so very proud of him and even though he has been through so much, I am SO thankful. His condition could be so much worse and oddly I find comfort in that. He's growing up and one day he will be normal except for his scar on his chest. His scar is a constant reminder to me of how precious life is and how blessed I am to still have my baby boy. The doctors and nurses at Children's saved his life and I can never express how thankful I am to them. Without them, my little boy wouldn't be here today, much less be getting better.
That's right, MY LITTLE BOY IS GETTING BETTER!! He had an echo on January 3rd and the balloon procedure is actually working!! The pressures in his heart are going down. I have more confidence now that he can wait until he's 5 or 6 before needing another surgery (yes, he will need more surgery eventually). Thank you all for your love, support and prayers. I love and am thankful for each and every one of you. GOD BLESS!!
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