Thursday, December 13, 2007

A Luke Update

We went today for a check up with the cardiologist. The initial problem with Luke’s heart has all cleared up, no more fluid, no irregular heart rate and no tachycardia. However, he did find a new issue. Luke’s Aorta Valve is measuring on the small side and there is a possibility that he will have a Coarctation (blocks the blood flow???) in his Aorta once he is born and the ductus closes (in utero, babies have an open ductus that closes a day or two after they are born.) The plan at this point is to get to my due date, have a normal vaginal birth and watch him closely at Baptist until we are discharged. Upon discharge, we will go straight over to Vandy and they will do a full Echo on him so they can get a clearer look at his heart to see exactly what it is doing. If he does have a Coarctation, he will have surgery within the first 7 to 10 days of his life to repair that. If he does not have the Coarctation, they will just continue to keep a close eye on the small Aorta Valve. He gave us a 50% chance that he will have to have surgery.

We are, once again, praying that the Lord heals his heart and that it will end up being a non-issue upon his arrival. Please pray for us these next 4 weeks, that we can look at this situation with eyes of faith, that all the Doctors and nurses between the two hospitals will have clear communication and wisdom on how to treat Luke specifically. Please pray that labor is quick, easy and not stressful to Luke at all. Pray against fear for us.

This is my feeble attempt to explain something that I really have no grasp on understanding, especially this late a night. I just wanted to get enough information in this email to get you all updated. I will go back to my OBGYN on Tuesday for a normal visit, but I really don’t know that I will have much more to update on until after he is born. We are back to playing the waiting game…

Thanks so much for your prayers.

5 comments:

Carly O'Quinn said...

We will continue to pray for sweet little Luke and his precious heart.

God has big things in store for this baby and we are here to help you remain strong and have the utmost faith through all of this.

Peace through the confusion.

Strength when your instincts are to be scared.

We love you!

Carrie said...

God has taken care of the first issue! Lets pray and know He is taking care of this issue as well. I love you and I know the next four weeks will not be easy on you. I will pray that you will have peace. Aunt Carrie's going to have to come over and have a talk with Mr. Luke when he's born. He sure is trying to get a lot attention before he even arrives!!!!

Corrie, Joe, & Macie said...

Lindsey & Neal,

We will be praying for a 2nd miracle and that Luke's heart will be completely healed. We will pray specifically for a peace that passes all understanding.

Bethany said...

I am praying again for little Luke! May God protect and heal, and give you so much peace!
~Bethany Dufilho

laura said...

We are praying for little Luke and for you as well. I am excited to see what God is going to do through this special baby, and pray for Him to cover you with His peace.