Like all of his other procedures, we expected a phone call about every hour. We knew that the first call would be to notify us that they were starting. It usually takes about 45-60 minutes to get lines placed, get him completely asleep, etc. And about 11 a.m. they called to say they were starting. Deep breath.
Our second update came around noon. They were still working on opening his pulmonary arteries in his right lung, but so far, so good. Deep breath.
And then we got our 1 p.m. update that Reece would be staying the night in the CICU. We were warned before that if the procedure went well, there was a good chance he would stay the night in the CICU. Once his small pulmonary arteries are opened, the lungs can see an increased about of blood flow, which can cause pulmonary edema. In the CICU, he would get extra dosages of Lasix to help him pee out the extra fluid that could build up. We knew this was why he was going to the CICU, but in the past, Reece was always admitted to the CICU for other reasons. Scary reasons. So while I knew this was a good thing, I was still a little weary.
At about 3 p.m., we were able to see Reece. He didn't look much different than he has after his other procedures. At that time, we were given his plan of care, but were told that the procedure went well.
Reece's pulmonary arteries in both lungs measured around 2 millimeters. Take a second to think about just how small that actually is. Because the lung arteries are extremely delicate, the doctors inserted a 3.5 mm balloon and dilated eight of his 10 lung arteries to 3.5 mm. If they try to go too big, too soon, they risk a lung artery rupturing, which is what happened in Atlanta.
During Reece's pre-op lung scan, they could see that his left lung was receiving 30% of blood flow while his right lung was receiving 70%. Obviously that needs to be closer to 50/50. After his cath, the lung scanned showed 42% blood flow to the left lung and 58% blood flow to his right. Definitely on the right track.
Also while in the cath lab, his right ventricle pressure was around 120. Normal is 20, which is why he is in right-sided heart failure. Clearly the right side of his heart is working way too hard. The left side of your heart pumps blood to your body and the right side pumps blood to your lungs. Because Reece's lung arteries are so small, his right ventricle is working extremely hard trying to push blood through his tiny arteries. But when the procedure was over, his right ventricle pressure went from 120 to 90. Again, definitely on the right track.
We were able to talk with both of the doctors after his procedure. The first thing Dr. Lock said was that "he really needed this." But that the procedure went well and they feel good about what more of these lung artery dilation heart caths can do for him. They seemed so at ease and confident. Almost like, "What are you guys worried about? We got this." Their experience and confidence is definitely reassuring, although I don't think I will ever stop being scared.
Reece was discharged from the hospital the very next day ... straight from the CICU, which they said hardly ever happens! But come on. This is Reece we are talking about. Am I surprised? No way!
So, now we wait until late August-early September when we do this all over again. The doctors said it is possible that he will need these procedures done until he is close to school age. They may not need to be every three months, but he will definitely need many more to get his heart healthy.
I'm so thankful for his new doctors and their experience. It is very obvious that he is in the best place. And with all of his prayer warriors and God on his side, Reece is going to continue to amaze each of us. God has BIG plans for our sweet Reece. And I can't wait to see what they are!!
Here are a couple of pictures since we have been home of the bravest, happiest boy in the entire world!
At his first bonfire...