Landon

Landon

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Surgery coming soon

After a trip to our pediatrician, he recommended that we see our cardiologist as soon as possible. He was bothered by Landon's labored breathing and ordered a chest x-ray. The x-ray showed fluid around his lungs, so he suggested we see our cardiologist as soon as possible. Our cardiologist is out because he had surgery, so we went to the UW last Thursday. We started our appointment with an echo to evaluate the holes in his heart and to check his aorta as well. They determined that the holes aren't getting any smaller and his aorta is beginning to narrow again. So, Landon will be having another surgery on Tuesday, April 2nd to repair both problems.

This surgery is much riskier than his first surgery. We will have two surgeons, one to patch the larger of the two holes and one to patch the aorta. One of them is the same surgeon that did his first surgery and we really liked him. They will be entering Landon through his chest. He will be put on by-pass with a heart and lung machine. His body will be cooled dramatically and he will have to receive a couple units of blood. This is a very scary surgery for a 3-1/2 month old. Nick and I talked last night and find this surgery just a bit different than the last one. With the last surgery it all happened to quickly that we didn't really have a lot of time to think about all of the side effects. With this surgery, we have a week and a half to think about what Landon will be going through. We are staying positive because he did so well with the first surgery. We weren't shocked that they told us he needs this surgery soon. We saw signs that surgery would be needed sooner than 6 months down the road. His appetite had decreased, he wasn't gaining weight as quickly as he had been, and he was getting tired while he was eating.

We ask that all of you continue to pray for Landon and a for his surgeons. We have been told that Landon could be in the hospital for two weeks. But that could be long, but he could need to be there longer. The good news is that if he struggles to eat again, we are equipped to handle that with his feeding tube. We were told that after his surgery and after he is recovered, he should be a completely different baby.

In other news, Landon continues to show progress with his motor skills. He is now grabbing at things and holding things. He chews on his thumb now sometimes. My dad said that last week he almost had a giggle out of him. We are so anxious to hear that first laugh! He is just an incredible little boy and brings us so much joy!

Just chilling on the couch...