For those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile now (we are on day 28 of being in the ICU, day 27 of the blog), you know there have been multiple TEEs done, three so far. The first showed TJ's mitral valve as regurgitating (leaking) "dramatically," and "torrentially," doctors words. The second showed only a moderate leak, the third was initially inconclusive. During this whole time we have been asking people to pray for a miraculous healing of TJ's heart.
However, needless to say, with each TEE showing something different and each cardiologist having their own opinion things were starting to get confusing. A friend who happens to be a cardiologist offered his services to our family however we needed them, and helped explain:
Depending where in the time course of the infection you are, and how the healing or damage is being repaired, all of the things you were told could be going on. It is kind of like watching a house being constructed with one picture describing the concrete foundation, another the wood framing, another the roof and another the walls and interior structures, depending upon when the pictures were taken.
He also noted, "Many people walk around play tennis and have a normal life with mild to moderate leaking of their mitral valve..." Finally, the second TEE was done more quickly due to TJ's condition.
The current consensus of the cardiologists is that TJ does need his mitral valve replaced, possible before coming home. We aren't changing our prayer request, but thought that it would be good to share the current medical opinion with you all, and the explanation for the different TEE results.
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1 comment:
Dear Mary Ann, TJ, and family,
This whole continuing saga, including this helpful explanation of your cardiologist friend about the differing TEEs is one of God's consolations in the face of what could be so much more fearful. It reminds me of the way God shows Himself to all who are alert to see. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, "Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees takes off his shoes, The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries."
As a family, you all have been given eyes to see that earth is crammed with heaven. God is orchestrating all our days, and that includes you, TJ. The blog itself makes us want to take off our shoes, for God's hand in all of this is evidence we are on holy ground. Love you all and we will continue the prayers in this New Year.
Pastor Rich Carlson, Supt. IWD
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