Cardiology Visit #2 (27 weeks)

This week Aaron and I went to Salt Lake for more doctor visits. First we met with the cardiologist for an echocardiogram followed by a consultation. Happily there are no new problems. In addition, the doctor was pleased to see that the aorta shows some growth. This is a good sign. The doctor also reminded us that in our baby, the aorta is misplaced in the right ventricle, but this is actually a good setup for us; one part of the first surgery is to move the aorta from the left ventricle to the right ventricle and then to attach it to the pulmonary artery to make one strong artery that will pump blood to all parts of the body.

At this moment, if the aorta continues to grow, and if no other complications develop, there is a possibility that the first surgery will not be needed. There may be other procedures still needed at shortly after birth, but not as serious as an open heart surgery. We would still expect to have the other two surgeries around 4-6 months and 2-3 years. We are excited to hear this report, but also cautious to remember that a lot can happen before the baby is born to alter this news, and other unseen complications might be present once she is born. Still, it was nice to hear something positive. We will meet with them again in six weeks.

Also on this visit we met the perinatologist, a doctor who specializes in fetal problems, who will deliver the baby. She helped us understand what will happen during delivery and gave us a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit. It was a busy day with lots of appointments, but not as stressful as our first visit with the Salt Lake doctors.