The echocardiogram, however, could have gone better. Wasn't terrible, but could have gone better. When Elizabeth was originally discharged from the hospital, she had "mild" stenosis in or around her pulmonary artery. As of yesterday, that stenosis is now "moderate."
Obviously it is of some concern that the "blockage" has increased. However, evidenced by the fact that our next echocardiogram and cardiologist appointment is not until October 4, they're not freaking out. Here's the options on how this will play out:
- If the echocardiogram on the 4th shows the stenosis to have decreased, all is well and they will continue to monitor it.
- If on the 4th the stenosis has remained the same, all is well for the time being and they will continue to monitor it. The cardiologist said that Elizabeth may just have moderate stenosis for the rest of her life and that's all there is to it. Obviously the stenosis is not affecting Elizabeth's ability to get and process oxygen (evidenced by the 96 oxygen level).
- If on the 4th the stenosis has increased even more, Elizabeth will then be scheduled for a cardiac catheter a few weeks later. They will go in like they did before to a) find exactly where the stenosis is and b) to do the "balloon-ing" procedure that will make for more room in her artery. They know that the stenosis is either in her pulmonary artery or in one of the arteries that branch off of the pulmonary artery; they just don't yet know the exact location. (Check out this diagram to get a feel for what I'm talking about)
So, that's where we're at. Goes without saying that Steph and I are a smidge bummed about the whole thing (admittedly, we both went in with really high expectations). But I keep falling back on the fact that as of yet, nothing is wrong per se. The cardiologist has simply taken notice of what could be a possible problem. Nothing is nailed down yet. Just a matter of pressing on and waiting.
Please do pray though that the stenosis goes away.
1 comment:
I'm on it. =)
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