Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Praying for Another Miracle
Open heart surgery again tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. They will replace Ava's leaky truncal valve which acts as her aortic valve. Just please pray for strength and healing of Ava's tiny heart. Also, for a smooth and somewhat quick recovery. Hoping for no new surprises (unless they are positive, like she only needs a valve repair instead of a replacement). This is the season of miracles, right?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
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
-
▼
2007
(67)
-
▼
December
(18)
- News
- Quick Update
- Stocking full of ODDS!!
- Odds equal Hope
- Critical
- 12 hours of surgery
- Praying for Another Miracle
- So Many to Thank!
- Long Day
- New Surgery Date
- Quick Update
- ECHO Results
- Echo date moved
- Hanging Out
- A Better Day
- "The Floor"
- Ava had a low grade temperature this morning but n...
- Change of Plans
-
▼
December
(18)
28 comments:
It IS the season of miracles and Ava is one of the biggest and brightest miracles many of us know. :) Tomorrow we'll all be thinking of you and praying that the surgery is safe and the repair happens quickly and without complication. Like the doctor said, Ava is not a newborn anymore. This time around she knows she has a family and that many, many people love her. That's going to help her work even harder to get better. I know it's almost impossible but try to get some rest today and to relax as much as you can. Ava is in good hands and the doctors/nurses are all going to give her 100%. We're here praying for Ava but also for you and Jamie that you will have strength and peace to see you through surgery day. You are both amazing in your courage. Best wishes to Ava for a successful surgery and a full and speedy recovery.
-Brenda
We are all agreeing with you in prayer for continued miracles on Ava's part!! We'll put in an extra special prayer request tonight at our church for a successful surgery procedure and a smooth, quick recovery!!
Keep believing!!
In Christ,
Holly (Katie's mommy)
Jamie,
This is the season for miracles and I think Ava definitely has had angels watching over her since the beginning. I will pray that they are with her even more during the surgery. We will be praying for Ava and the whole family as you wait during surgery.
Sara
Yes, you are absolutely right, this is the season for miracles! Ava will be strong knowing all of those who love her are praying for a quick recovery.
Just remember that even though there will be a few of you at the hospital together, there is an entire community that is with you in spirit!
Much love & prayers,
~Lori, Carey, Caiden, Ally, Adison & Kendall
Jamie
It really is the season for miracles. We will all be sending extra prayers tomorrow. She is so much stronger than she was during her first surgery which is such a plus. Along with the support that you will have with you tomorrow, remember that everyone here is pulling for Miss Ava (and family) too. The thoughts and prayers continue in full force. Keep strong!
Ginger
Good morning our Ava! This is the season for miracles. I know with all of my heart that you are one of them.
we love you
granny and poppy
Jamie & Jamie,
I know that you'll stay strong for Ava...be sure to lean on your family and friends who are there for you. We'll all be waiting for the good news when Ava's surgery is behind you. Love and hugs to Brayden. We all love you very much.
~Aunt Stace
Zimmermans,
We're praying for your miracle!
Love,
The Altergotts
Ava has been a miracle from the very beginning! We will be sending extra prayers for you all.
April, Troy, Brendon, Kylie, & Ava Grace
As Lonnie Ali said to me on my surgery day, thoughts of Ava will be filling mind space all over the country tomorrow...
This is Ava's next step on the way home to her house in Buchanan...all will go well I can just feel it in my bones.
Love to you all--HEATHER--you better call me as soon as you hear from the doctor. I will want updates!
Molly
We're still out here pulling for you all, thinking of beautiful Ava. How blessed we all are that we live in this day and age when medicine can give her this chance. We're praying! (so grateful for this blog!)
Aunt Judy and Helmut
Jamie,
Ava draws from your love and strong spirit. I know she will feel it tomorrow. She is so lucky to have such a wonderful family! I will be thinking and praying for Ava and you throughout the day tomorrow.
Love & Prayers
Janelle
My cell phone alarm is set for 8:30 am. That will be the time that i get down on my knees in prayer for sweet, beautiful, strong Ava Christine Zimmerman.
Lisa
It's 6:16 and the surgery is just over two hours away. I know you are going to need lots of strength and prayers to get through the hours ahead and the days after. We are thinking about all of you and praying that today all of the prayers will be answered. Today IS the day!Stay strong Zimmerman's, we are all with you in spirit.
Much love and prayers,
The Baxter Clan :)
Praying for miracles for Ava...May God watch over her and give strength to your family.
The Brentlingers
Praying for your sweet little girl. We are also keeping the whole family in our prayers! It's time for our Christmas miracle. May God watch over all of you and give you strength.
The Meek's
Zimmerman Family-
You are in our thoughts and prayers more than ever today! We know God will be with Ava during surgery, holding her in his arms and keeping her safe! We are praying for a quick recovery so you can all be home together! Stay strong and know you have MANY people praying for your little miracle!
Becky, Josh, Chloe, Ella & Lily Asmus
Zimmerman Family
Thoughts and prayers to you, your family and Miss Ava today! We hope that she comes thru with flying colors. She is such a little fighter and this won't stop her now. It is the season for miracles and he is just waiting for the right time to give you yours. It is almost 8:30 and I will be thinking and praying until we hear from you. God bless Ava and her family!
Ginger
I am praying for you at this moment that God will give you peace of mind knowing that he takes care of our children. May HE have his hands over the surgeons during Ava's surgery and also over your hearts. Faith can move mountains and you have many people who are praying for your family right now. I pray that you can feel the love that surrounds you and your family and that it gives you the strength you need to get through this day.
May God bless Ava and her family today! Lots of love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all! Hoping for a very speedy recovery!
With Love,
Jenny
Jamie, Jamie & Brayden-
We are praying for you and your beautiful Baby Ava. May God bless her during her operation and you during your long waiting period.
May he grant strength and faith.
Bless you,
The Smallwood Family
Jamie & family,
I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I do believe it is the time for miracles. So lets pray that little Ava is our miracle.
love to all
Becky
I am praying that God gives you and your whole family the strength to get through today and that the surgery is a success! We are thinking of Ava more than ever today! Best wishes to everyone and stay strong! :) Love the Barkman's.
Dear Zimmermans, Wanted you to know that I said a prayer this morning asking God to be with everyone involved in Ava's surgery, including her doctor who, from your descriptions, sounds so skilled and compassionate. Best wishes to the sweetest baby! Love, Gretchen
Your Colorado family has been praying this morning...can't wait to read the good news!
Lori
Zimmerman's,
We can't stop thinking of you and praying that all is well.
Love,
The Lake's
Jamie,
I'm only a phone call away.
Love You, Carol
Just checking in... Hoping that surgery went well today and Miss Ava is on her way to a quick & healthy recovery.
Much love & prayers,
The Baxter's
Post a Comment