The good news is that the heart catheterization went well and showed the doctors a lot more of Matthew's heart structure. They found that he has two arteries going to the lungs, so each lung has it's own supply. The bad news is that these arteries don't connect as they should and an operation will have to be done to connect them with shunts. Because Matthew only has one pumping chamber in his heart, the blood to the lungs has to be re-routed to come from another source. If his heart were to try and pump to both the body and lungs, it would eventually fail from the over-exertion. Anyway, the procedures are risky because of the teeny tiny size of Matthew's heart and arteries. They have to be very exact with the size shunt they choose, because too much blood flowing through it could cause the lungs to flood, but too little could cause clotting and blockage. We'll know later tonight if the surgeons here feel confident to perform the surgery and if they do, then it will happen in the next week. If they feel too uncomfortable with the risks, then we will be referred to another hospital.
Obviously we're still struggling to understand what all this means, but we feel like we've been given some hope and we would appreciate your prayers, especially for Matthew as he has to go through all this probing and uncomfortableness. It's hard to see him with tubes and IV's all over his little body when all we really want to do is hold him close!
Here are some pics from the day. Thanks for the continued support!
Some visitors Matthew had today
Congratulations! Matthew is precious! You and Cole look great. We're praying for you all. God has His hand on that little guy, and we will pray that there will be a good outcome to his upcoming surgery. Only He knows why He has chosen you to go through all of this, but, as we learned in our study of Ezekiel in our ladies bible study this week, God did what He did so that "They shall know that I am the Lord". May all who deal w/ you and your family know that He indeed is the Lord. In Christ~Vickie and Ken Kline
ReplyDelete"God did what He did so that 'They shall know that I am the Lord.' May all who deal with you and your family know that He indeed is the Lord."
ReplyDelete— Amen! Julia, Cole, Calvin & Susan, Nick & Dana - Bill and I, and each of our children, are praying for you more than frequently, and keep constantly on the lookout for your updates. (Now we have figured out where to look!) I am encouraged by today's news. One of the things I will ask God for on your behalf is that the doctors and staff will make you guys their priority this weekend. More later, Blessings, Cathie
Julia,
ReplyDeleteWe go to church with your parents and we've only met once...but wanted you to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Matthew is so precious and we loved the picture of the four of you together! Praying in the coming days for strength, peace and hope that can only come from the Lord.
Blessings!
Catherine Goforth
Julia and Cole,
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the update and praying very specifically now.
If the docs think another hospital is better and if by some chance they suggest Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh which is the top Children's Heart Hospital, know that you and your family have a place in our home, we have plenty of room for extended family as well. Praying you will not have to make such a trip but if that hospital is suggested, your living arrangements are covered!
"He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen" Deuteronomy 10:21
May we continue to see God's hand and His Miraculous Healing in Matthew!
Carol Agate
Juila and Cole,
ReplyDeleteGary and I are praying for you, little Matthew, and for the doctors who are treating him. I wanted to let you know that there are 62 prayer warriors (World Racers) in Kenya, Africa that are in constant prayer for you and little Matthew. We are all on our knees!
In Christ's precious Name!
Mandy & Gary Senn