Friday we met Dr. Roosevelt Bryant, Hannah’s surgeon. He was a nice-enough man, maybe late 40s/early 50s and a big dude - like at least 6' 4" - I’m not sure if they use machines to maneuver around these babies’ hearts or hit large hands actually get the job done. He was pleasant and talked pretty text-book like to us about how they would repair Hannah’s heart.
The total time she’ll be in the OR will be 6-7 hours. Only about 2 1/2 of those hours will be the reconstruction. The rest of the time is getting Hannah on/off the heart & lung machine that will bypass her blood away from her heart.
They’ll take tissue from the sac that surrounds her heart and make a mesh wall inside that will grow with her. Same for her valves.
Her time afterwards will be split between the ICU and a regular hospital room. ICU is on average 2-3 days, then up to 10 or so days after - on average. Dr. Bryant said most complications arise with children who are weaker, are in and out of the hospital frequently. He thinks Hannah seems to be in great shape heading in. Most complications fall in the 5% chance of happening.
We asked what could cause her surgery date to be bumped earlier and he said if a child is too sick for their surgery date, this can cause an earlier opening that we may take. We would get 24 hour notice and of course we would take it.
So we’re just waiting to get to our date. I just hope we aren’t bumped later.
After our consultation, they needed to draw more blood for another thyroid test. Flipping flippity flip. Again, the tiny tourniquet with crazy intense screaming from Hannah and me sweating as I try to soothe my poor baby. I would rather give blood 10X in one day than have them draw blood from her little arm.
Onward!
I hope this happens sooner than later. I'm anxious for you over here even though it sounds like she is in good shape and it's everything is routine going into this. hugs and prayers momma!
ReplyDeleteSo glad she is doing so well! Now, let's get this done asap so she can get on
ReplyDeletewith her precious life. She is a tough one & she will do fine. Such a doll baby. Love you all!
We will keep Hannah in our prayers....You, Tim and Nora too. Please let us know if you need anything. We may be far away, but you're in our thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope his skillz are half as impressive as that name. Legit! You are tough mama with such a little trooper in Hannah!
ReplyDeleteShe looks more and more like a Kratty every day!
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