On October 12th, Gab had a heart cath. This showed that her heart function is good and gave them good pictures and video of what her heart is doing in preparation for her next surgery. Dr. D said that Gab's pulmonary arteries are good size as well. This is very important and hopefully will prevent her from needed additional interventions.
With that being said, surgery is planned for first case this coming WEDNESDAY, November 2nd. It's hard to believe it's already here but I must say we are ready to get it done and get back on to "normal" life. We will meet with the surgeons Tuesday and get x-rays, blood work, etc. done and then go home for the night only to return bright and early the next morning for surgery.
This surgery (the Glenn) connects the superior vena cava (SVC) to the pulmonary arteries. The SVC normally connects to the right atrium of the heart and brings blood back to the heart from the head and neck. The blood normally would leave the right side of the heart and go to the lungs to pick up oxygen before it comes back to the left side to get pumped out to the rest of the body. In Gab's case, the SVC will be disconnected from the heart and linked in to the pulmonary arteries so instead of stopping by the heart on the way to the lungs, the blood that returns from her head and neck will go straight to the lungs to pick up oxygen. The 3rd surgery (a couple of years off yet) will do the same with the inferior vena cava which brings blood back from everywhere below the heart. What this means for Gabby is that the left side of her heart will have to work just a little big harder to make up for the lack of function in the right side. The surgeons will also remove the Goretex shunt that they placed in her first surgery since she will no longer need it.
We hope Gab will do amazing in surgery and have a speedy recovery as she continues to be our fiesty little fighter! The biggest thing afterwards will be pain control and allowing Gab to adjust to the new function of her heart.
While she can be a bear, our baby girl is so very sweet and innocent. It will be hard to see her this way again and not be able to hold and console her much. No parent should have to go through these things but we are continually reminded that we are blessed. I always think how VERY thankful I am that we will have these memories but our daughter will not! We appreciate all your thoughts, kind words, support and prayers for our resilient rockstar! They mean a lot to us!
Please call first if you would like to come visit in the hospital. It's not the most fun place and if things are going well, healthy visitors will be welcomed!
