Sunday, November 4, 2007
Rough Times at U of M
Ava is stable but back in ICU and even back on the ventilator. They don't know if this is due to an infection, being pushed too hard or the leaky valve in her heart. Cultures will take up to 3 days to determine whether it's an infection. Jamie and Brayden just left for home. Heather is staying with me tonight. Too many emotions to express right now. Please keep praying!
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Ava with Mommy & Daddy
Isn't she beautiful!
It's A Girl!
Hello everyone and welcome to Ava Christine's Blog.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
Before surgery
The Next Step
The next step in repairing Ava's heart was to fix what is known as Truncus Arteriosus. Truncus arteriosus is "characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073) Below is a picture of what Ava's heart was like before surgery.
Before Surgery
After Surgery
The above picture shows what the surgeon did to repair Ava's heart. "Surgery is required to close the ventricular septal defect and separate blood flow to the body from blood flow to the lungs. This is generally done early in infancy to prevent high blood pressure from damaging the lungs' arteries. A patch is used to close the ventricular defect. The pulmonary arteries are then disconnected from the single great vessel and a tube (a conduit or tunnel) is placed from the right ventricle to these pulmonary arteries. This is sometimes called a Rastelli repair". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073)
Blog Archive
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2007
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November
(21)
- ECHO results
- 8 Pounds Yet?
- "Status Quo"
- Just an Update
- Happy Thanksgiving from Aunt Trace
- U of M Report
- What will the future hold?
- Jamie, this post is for you. Ava WILL get through ...
- Jamie wanted me to blog something, but her last bl...
- Broken Hearted
- Not Quite Ready to Leave ICU
- Not Even A "Whiff"
- Team Meeting
- Finally Some Good News!
- Watching and Waiting
- Quick Update
- 3rd Time is a Charm?
- For Mommy & Daddy
- Rough Times at U of M
- To good to be true
- Out of ICU!
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November
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18 comments:
Jamie,
Thinking about you, we will continue to pray for Ava. Glad to hear that Heather is with you. These ups and downs must be so hard for your family, I can only imagine. Sending strength your way!
The Meek's
I am so very sorry Jamie. We are thinking of you and praying for you.
Love,
Emilee
Hi Ms. Ava Christine. Just take it slow and easy sweetheart. I think you want to go home so bad, you get in a hurry to get well!. I am so very glad your Aunt Heather is there with you and your mom. Thank you Aunt Heath, for taking such wonderful care of your family. We would all be lost without you. Take care of yourself and Jamie. I know you will do all that is right. Please girls, call if you need to. And Ava, just keep on showing the world what a fighter you are. I will say goodnight later.
All our love and prayers always
granny and poppy
Jamie,
You are NEVER alone. God is ALWAYS with you!! Stay strong for your entire family!! We will keep praying.
Love,
Lori Brawley
Jamie,
Ava has proved that she is a little fighter. We will be praying that she keeps winning each battle that comes her way. I am so happy that you have Heather there with you.
The Altergotts
Jamie,
You hang in there sweet baby. I wish I was there just to hold you and Heather and let you cry.
All My LOVE, Carol
Jamie, Wow what a wonderful person you are. Just hang in there and try to remeber just who this little girl is, she's a Weaver/Zimmerman girl and nothing is going to get in her way of doing what she wants!
I give you all the glory of being one of the best moms in the world, the other one is sitting next to you. Miss Ava has shown me during this time that love can and is bringing us together. Jamie, keep your head up high and always remember, Ava is a fighter! I know in my heart that she is going to be ok.
I love you all!
Trace
PS, Heath, continue to take care of your sister just as you always have.
Love U!
Jamie,
I am thinking about you and praying that Ava turns that final corner soon.
Love and Prayers,
Janelle
Hang in there Weaver girls. Hang on to each other and watch that little Weaver/Zimmerman girl prove what a fighter she is. Thinking how amazing you all are and praying tonight will be a peaceful night for all of you.
Molly
Good night Ms. Ava Christine. Please be strong and help give your mom and Aunt strength too. Jamie and Heather, take care of yourselves too. Please Jamie, take care of yourself. It is so important for your daughter and son and husband. They all need you. That is a big calling I know, but you can do it. But first, you need some rest. Call if you need us. We love you and have good dreams and all will be well.
granny and poppy
Jamie's - Keep your chin up and take care of yourselves. Ava has proven to be a strong little girl and she will overcome these set backs. Thinking of you all and so glad that Heath is there with you - I know how she can calm you and keep you sane. Love to all of you and ALWAYS thinking of Baby Ava.
Love, Theresa & Duffy
Jamie,
I finally have access to the internet at work and thought I sent you a message last Friday however it doesn't appear you received it. Just wanted to say how beautiful Ava is and that we are all praying very much for Ava, you and Jamie and all the doctors and staff that are attending to her recovery. Never under estimate the power of prayer. We all love you guys very much.
Grandpa Dan
Good morning sweet Ava. I just finished getting your great gram dressed and out the door. I do pray all is well today and you are getting stronger. I also pray that your mom is getting much needed rest. I love you Ava. rest well today and just take your time on getting well. Your whole family is always going to be here waiting on you to come home. I will check in again.
love you very much
granny and poppy
Hello Jamies and all,
Aunt Judy and family here to tell you we are also out here watching and praying. We know that the doctors are doing their best; we have seen a couple masterful repairs of damage like this. As parents, we know your heartwrenching suffering, and wish we could comfort you too. Sounds like you have a world of support, however, and we'll continue to read the blog and watch and pray too. Judy, Helmut, Erich, Dana and Eva
Jamie-
April's post to you on Saturday was so powerful. I can't imagine how hard it is to wait and wait for the positives, the good news, but as April said, she is healing and will continue to do so on her own time.
Prayers and thoughts with all of you-
Love, M
Jamie and Jamie (and all weaver/zimmerman family),
I have read your blogs from the beginning and always wanted to leave a message, but I never knew quite what to say. I almost feel like I'm reading this beautiful (and yes sometimes scary too) story about a little fighter named Ava Christine. Your blogs make me laugh, cry, and cheer. I have no doubt that Ava will have MANY chapters to add to her story as she gets older, she's just starting out by letting everyone know it's HER story and she'll take her sweet little time with it. I also wanted to add a story from my side. Last night I was trying to put away some of the never ending laundry and my daughter Emily was jumping on the bed (and the laundry I was trying to put away) saying mommy watch me, watch this, etc. Well i thought to myself, "gosh darnit I can't even put laundry away!". I got annoyed with her. Later that evening Emily and her brother were getting ready for bed and Emily came out with totally mismatched pajamas and a pink sponge bob trucker hat (heather may have called this look slightly gritterish) but it melted me to tears. I instantly thought of you Jamie. Here I am being annoyed by my little angel for jumping on laundry, and your sitting with yours in NICU. I want you to know that a LOUD thought went through my head; this will be Jamie, one day Ava will come out wearing something so silly you can't help but smile. The difference with you Jamie is you wont take any of it for granted. So holy long winded blog, but I want to end it by thanking you (and boy Jamie too). Thank you for showing me whats important in life, thank you for teaching me (every time I read your words) not to take my children for granted, thankyou for teaching me strength, for yours is so powerful, and thankyou for putting things in life in true perspective. THANK YOU!!!
Lisa
p.s. You guys are an amazing family, all of you!!!!
Whomever you are Lisa, that was a powerful story. Thank you, I am Avas granny also a mother. All of us mothers have taken our children for granted at some point. With what Jamie is going through with our Ava, teaches a big lesson. no one knows a child like a mother. And Jamie is proving to be the very best. I wish I had half of her strength. Jamie is going to have a long road with our sweet Ava for many reasons. but once Ava is jumping on clean laundry and wearing silly hats, that makes all this worth it! Thank you for your words.
Ava and jamie, rest. rest well. Rest calm. all will be well.
lovve always
granny
Jamie,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Brian, Vanessa, Meygan and Hayley Rudlaff
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