9.15.2008

Mending a Broken Heart - Monday, October 13, 2008

We bought a doctors kit in hopes that it eases his fear

We found out last Monday that the Cardiologist is recommending Bei to have open heart surgery. We have already received a second opinion and they concurred that he needs to have surgery sooner rather than later. I'll try to explain the medical issue: What he has is called Ventrical Septal Defect (VSD), which means there is a hole in-between his right ventrical and his left ventrical. His right ventrical brings blood to his lungs and the left brings it to his body. As the blood is coming down the left ventrical some is flowing into his right ventrical meaning that his lungs are getting too much blood. This was seen on an x-ray, and it would eventually lead to Pulmonary Hypertension. The left ventrical is working too hard to keep up with the blood flow and the muscle is enlarged. Additionally, the hole is in a place where the blood is not only going down to the lungs, but up, into his upper right chamber. Both Cardiologists told us that this is indicative of a VSD that needs to be surgerically closed. They continue to be concerned about his size, or lack thereof and the upcoming flu season. They said kids that hearts are already working overtime have a harder time fighting some of those bugs off. Plus, he probably hasn't been exposed to the same virus's and may be more suspectible to them. We want his heart nice and strong!!
I waited a week to let people know because we spent all last week visiting doctors, plus it gave Dan and I chance to get our emotions and feelings in check. Initially, we both were stunned because we were optimistic and just didn't think it would come to open heart surgery. Bei appears to be such an active and healthy little boy that we just assumed that we would continue to watch him, and the hole would close on it own. It was not meant to be...
Our hearts break for Bei that he will have to endure all this "scary" stuff and have a high risk operation. We both are taking a very practical approach to it now, it has to be done and we will do everything within our power to make it the most nurturing, painless and scare-free event that we can for Bei. I plan on being with him 24-7 until he heals and Dan will be there too. The things that we do know are that he is going to get the best care that the Twin Cities has to offer, he couldn't be more loved by his parents and we'll do anything for him, and we have the most fabulous supportive family and friends, so we are marching on and consider ourselves blessed and fortunate to be a part of this wonderful little boys life! Lucky us!!!

2 comments:

Stephanie Pomonis said...

Hey guys - just saw your posting and I wanted to let you know that you and Bei is in my thoughts and prayers. He is a tough little guy and I'm sure will come through in flying colors. Please let me know if there is anything you need!

der Nachbar said...

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break."

You Kruegers are a resilient bunch. If there is anything I can do just knock. Steve