Pediatric Cardiologist Visit

Here is a picture of Graysen ready to leave for his outing to the pediatric cardiologist. The doctor said that Graysen is doing great!

Graysen was not a happy camper at the doctor visit, but some sugar water (Sweeteaze) quickly helped the situation. He had an EKG and ECHO done and a stitch removed, so it was a long visit. Most of the discussion centered on Graysen's pulmonary artery. The blood flow to the lungs is still not 50/50. It is 60/40, with more blood going to the right lung. There is also more blood circulating through the lungs rather than it being a 50/50 split between lung and body. There is nothing that will be done at this point to correct the blood flow situation to the lungs.

The next decision point will be based on the results of his heart catherization on July 29th. The doctors will look at his shunt and pulmonary artery to determine their condition and when the next surgery needs to be performed. In the meantime, he will be watched carefully since these concerns add stress to his lungs. (They can become "flooded" and can lead to congestive heart failure.) His next PC visit is in two weeks at which time they will perform chest x-rays to further understand condition of the pulmonary circulatory system.

The doctor also stressed to us the importance of keeping Graysen at home. He cannot get sick and this is a bad time of year for flu and RSV. I am hoping that he will get the RSV vaccine next week when we go to the pediatrician. The doctor said that Graysen needs to stay at home until the end of RSV season, which is the end of March or April. Lee and I are diligent about washing our hands and we require that anyone that enters our apartment washes their hands. (I am writing this so that anyone that visits understands why I have become psycho about hand washing and germs. It is very bad news if Graysen gets sick.)

So, overall we are very happy with Graysen's recovery. He is doing great and seems to be a strong, happy, and healthy baby.