Tuesday, March 2, 2010

His future's so bright...

...he's gotta wear shades!

Ethan has had quite the stellar day. It all started with a visit to our beloved cardiologist, Dr. I. We never know what to think when we go in for these check-ups. Obviously, there are no MAJOR problems, but there are so many little things that could be going on, and have the potential to turn into something big. Ethan got the complete work-up today in preparation for his surgery in a couple of weeks: EKG, echo, pacemaker interrogation, and chest x-ray. We don't know the results of the x-ray yet, but everything else checked out beautifully. To say that today's appointment went well would be an understatement.

I was absolutely ecstatic when Dr. I came in to give us the results of the echo. "His heart function looks great," he said. Doubting what I just heard, I asked for clarification, "So, you mean the other 3 chambers look great, but the function of the right ventricle is still diminished, right?". He looked up at me, with a bit of a grin, shrugged his shoulders and said, "No. I mean, it looks great." Holy freakin' cow. Praise GOD!! I did a bit of a happy dance, thanking God for hearing my prayers. Ever since Ethan coded I've been praying for restored heart function, especially for that over-worked right ventricle. Dr. I's words were music to our ears, an answer to prayer, and evidence of miracles all around us. I am absolutely in awe.

Ethan's heart is doing so well that he has been cleared for surgery and isn't scheduled to see Dr. I for 3 months! As if all of that wasn't good enough, he also gave us orders to stop Enalapril, a heart medicine he has been on, basically, since birth. Do you know what this means?!

No?

Well, let me tell you. This means that Ethan is now on ZERO heart medications, other than a 1/2 of a baby aspirin to make sure his conduit doesn't become occluded. That, my friends, is nothing short of amazing. Absolutely, positively, 110% amazing.

Probably the lowest blow of the appointment was hearing from Dr. I that Dr. Jaggers, Ethan's incredible heart surgeon, will be leaving Duke. My heart sinks, and I get all teary-eyed, just at the thought of it. The bond between a heart family and their surgeon is indescribable; I pray that God will bring the right person to Duke to replace, what I view to be, someone who is irreplaceable.

One last little tid-bit for you. During Ethan's echo, the technician wondered out loud about how many of those he's had up to this point. We all joked about what the number could be, and I guess curiosity got the best of her. A few minutes after we were back in our room, she peeked around the door and said, "An even 24." WOW!

Ethan's 1st echo at Dr. I's office - May 21, 2009

Today's echo - March 2, 2010

Crazy, huh?!

Thanks for checking in; we also saw Ethan's orthopedic surgeon this afternoon, but that update will have to wait for now. We've got some last minute things to take care of for Ethan's upcoming birthday bash....I can't wait!!

11 comments:

Jonathan and Meredith Ellis said...

WOW! How incredibly amazing!! What a wonderful birthday gift!

Kim Smith said...

Yay! I'm so happy to hear the awesome news! I'm surprised to hear that Dr. Jaggers is leaving Duke... he's been, like, "the man" for so long! And 24 echos is a lot of echos - holy cow!

Jamie Fenley said...

That's wonderful, Joye! But seriously, how did he go from that little tiny baby to that strong boy? I'm so glad that with his physical growth, his heart has also become stronger. Thank you, God!

The Chappell Family said...

Miracles, miracles! No words to say how happy we are....I can't imagine what you all are feeling today! Praise God!

Kendra B. W. said...

To GOD be the glory! What a wonderful gift!

Christie Smith said...

What an amazing report! God is good all the time! So excited for you guys!!!

Jenn said...

What great birthday news! I can't get over how teeny he was in that first picture. It sounds like C and E are on the same meds. I'll take cutting aspirin any day over all those syringes!

I am thanking God with you all- this is truly wonderful news.

Brandi Kelly said...

Wow...now THAT is how God works! Just saying.

Stefenie said...

WONDERFUL news Joye!! I am so happy for you guys. It is comforting to finally hear the words "great" and "heart function" all in the same sentence.

I know how it feels to have your surgeon leave. We went through that after Logan's first surgery and we too stressed about who would be coming in to do Logan's second surgery. Our prayers were answered when God placed an amazingly gifted and warm hearted man to fill the open spot. We love our new surgeon and he has given us some pretty amazing gifts.

Stef, Ryan, Wyatt and Logan
www.whenlifehandsyouabrokenheart.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I know someone who had a horrible accident where the entire side of her body was crushed, especially her forearm. She was in the ICU for quite a while. There was concern that nerves had been permanently damaged because she had no sensation or movement in her fingers for a long time. However, she gradually started getting back sensation. She said it was painful - like sharp electrical shocks or pins stabbing her on the tips of her fingers. Could this be what Ethan is feeling and can't tell you?

The doctor told her that the painful sensations were a sign of nerve regeneration and healing. As she got more feeling back, it went away. She now has almost full use of her arm/hand. (don't let the 'almost' scare you - her injury was so severe they thought they might have to amputate)

Best of luck - Ethan is such a cutie!!!

Terry said...

Truly wonderful, amazing news. We thank you Lord. My first thoughts upon reading this blog post were from one of my favorite songs:

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

God Bless you Ethan, on the occassion of this wonderful news, your upcoming birthday, and for all time. May you always know His Wisdom, Power, and Love.

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