Positive thoughts... positive thoughts... that's what my wise husband keeps telling me.
Clare had her monthly sedated echo today. First off, the little stinker WOKE UP 20 MINUTES INTO IT!!! She was sedated with chloral hydrate, which should last about 90 minutes. Nope, in the beginning of her echo, she turns over, opens those big blue eyes, and looks at the radiologist with a big smile! Fortunately, the radiologist (who knows Clare very well) had already obtained a lot of data, and we were able to keep Clare fairly happy to quickly finish the echo. Unfortunately, since the chloral hydrate did not work effectively, from now on, Clare will have to have her echos under anesthesia, not sedation. Anesthesia is riskier and a bigger procedure.
Secondly, Clare's data was inconsistent. In general, her pulmonary side has not changed since her December echo, which is good. However, her descending aorta, where her surgical patch ends, has gotten worse. How narrowed is unclear because Clare's measurements, pressures, gradients, all those fancy numbers were inconsistent. So Clare is going to undergo her fourth cardiac catheterization in about a month. Once again, the cath will primarily be exploratory to evaluate her descending aorta and see what's going on. At this point, it is unclear what type of intervention will be needed for her aorta. Clare may have it balloon dilated during the cath. Hopefully this will be all she needs.
2 comments:
"Failure to Thrive" Phooey!! Obviously she's "thriving" right through her sedation. She's a tough little nut,(as are the rest of the Rouillard family) and will continue to receive the Ouellette's prayers and positive thoughts. She is an awesome testament to perceverence(sp?), faith and love. We just know she will continue to impress us with her strength. You know how to reach us if you need anything.
Love,
The Ouellette's (the other nuts)
Sounds like Clare's 'awakening' is a sure sign of strength & thriving! I was so excitied to read of her sitting up so long, as well as her love of yogurt (like her Granddad!). Her photo is so sweet - sticky-sweet, actually!! Take care of each other, and give out those kisses from all of us.
Aunt Joan & gang
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