Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Sean's Cardiology Appointment

First things first, Sean was born with a PDA and a PFO. Okaaaay you say. So what does that mean? Let me explain...
Common Heart Defects
*Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) - The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a normal blood vessel in the developing fetus that diverts circulation away from the lungs and sends it directly to the body. (The lungs are not used while the unborn fetus is in amniotic fluid — the fetus gets oxygen directly from the mother's placenta.) The DA usually closes on its own shortly after birth; it is no longer needed once a newborn breathes independently. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occurs when the DA doesn't close, which can result in too much blood flow to a newborn's lungs. PDA is common in premature babies.
*Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) - The patent foramen ovale is a normal hole between the upper chambers of the heart. It is present in the unborn fetus and usually seals up in the first few months of life. In approximately 25% of people, this hole never fully closes. Usually, it does not cause problems and does not require treatment. So today Sean had an Echo of his heart and n EKG. He's so sweet. He just dozed off with his baba in his mama's arms while they did the procedures. :-) Then we went to the exam room.

The first thing the cardiologist said when she saw Sean was "WOW! Look at that chuncker!" :-)

The second thing she said was "Sean's heart is "perfect." That means, Sean's ductus arteriosus and "hole" have closed.
  Then she asked "What's in his bottle? I said "Breastmilk." She said "That's all? How much did he weigh at birth?" I said "5 lbs. 13oz." She said "I wish all my patients moms had that kind of milk. He weighs 13 lbs. 7oz. and he's 23 inches long." WHOA! YAY!! For mama's milk! I am EXTREMLY THANKFUL about the milk I am producing. It's absolutely fascinating that God made my body to produce milk to nourish this little, big guy. Even though it's from a pump I am super GRATEFUL.

6 comments:

Cherish said...

hooray mommy!! and sean and everyone! :D he is so so sweet! I need to come see yall and squeeze the little guy again :) <3 cherish

Lori said...

Amen!

Mom said...

Great news, Michelle. And he is growing and gaining weight so well! He is a cutie!

Anonymous said...

Oh that is AWESOME NEWS!!! Sean is growing by leaps and bounds and is such a cutie! I see why everyone wants to hold and hug him!! Congrats to you for your breast milk and Sean for growing and healing so well! Also to the rest of the family for being such awesome people and encouraging Sean on in all they do with him! Thank you God for blessing us all with this beautiful family! Love you all, see you soon, mom p. xo P.S. Thank you for the clear explanation of the dr's terminology! Soo appreciated! ;)

Mom said...

I agree with Linda, Michelle. Thank you for clear, concise explanation of Sean's heart problems. Love you!

B said...

Aww, fearfully and wonderfully made!!