Monday, September 29, 2008
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)
33 comments:
Happy Birthday Sweet Baby
We love you and miss you so much
Wish Mommy, Daddy and Brayden well as they go through this day together.
Jamie, Jamie & Bray, we love you.
Aunt Trace and Uncle Mark
It's my first birthday in heaven,
what a joy to partake.
My presents are flowers and rainbows
and angel food cake.
My crib is decorated with roses
and glitter.
And the stars that shine upon me
make everything shimmer.
The other angels are dancing and
singing me songs.
Soon Jesus will be joining me,
It won't be long.
We'll all gather and pray
for my loved ones on earth,
Who love me so much,
from the day of my birth.
You see, Birthdays in Heaven
are full of happiness and cheer.
We celebrate with our loved ones,
who proceeded us here.
Yes, Birthdays in Heaven
are wonderful and gay.
One day we will celebrate together,
for that moment, Mommy and Daddy, I pray,
(Written by Patti Stottle)
Thinking about you all!
April
Happy Birthday Ava! You have given me so many gifts, I keep you in my prayers and thoughts. I'm especially thinking of your Mom, Dad and brother today.
Lots of Love -
Emily W.
My First Birthday in Heaven
Calling all the angels--
It's a special day today!
For Ava is turning one year old!
Here's what he has to say:
"Mommy and Daddy, please dry all your tears;
I know you miss me so.
And if it had been up to me,
I'd never have chosen to go."
"For I knew that you would miss me
And the things that we could do,
And I wish I could have stayed on earth
And lived down there with you."
"But, Mommy and Daddy, now I'm well and whole;
I sing and dance all day
With all the angel boys and girls
Who've come to heaven to stay."
"Lord Jesus holds us in His arms
And tells us of His love;
He knew that we were hurting--
That's why we came above."
"I love you, Mommy and Daddy, every day;
I send you kisses, too.
And some day you will join me here
And I'll always be with you."
"I've got to go--the party's on!
We'll sing and dance and play.
But I am always in your heart
And never far away."
"Please find a way to celebrate,
Even if you cry;
Perhaps you'll send me some balloons
Soaring to the sky."
"And I will know they came from you,
And I'll be flying near.
I send you love and kisses, too.
I love you, Mommy and Daddy, dear."
Saralyn McAfee Smith
Happy Birthday dear Ava.
Ava,
I just know that when the angels sang you "Happy Birthday" today that it was the sweetest sound ever made.
Michelle
Thinking of you all day today, Jamie and Jamie.
Ava will never, ever be forgotten. She continues to touch all of us.
Molly
Dear Zimmerman Family,
We are thinking of all of you today and sending special prayers on Ava's birthday.
Today is a great day to celebrate what you brought to so many in your short time on this earth.
Happy Birthday, Sweet Ava.
Much love sent all the way to you,
Johnny, Pam, Quinn and Jake
Happy Birthday, Ava Christine! You continue to give as all so much! Many thoughts and prayers are sent up for your mother, father and family today.
Janelle
I'm so glad you all created this website to share Ava's story. I'm praying for your family. My husband Brian and I lost our daughter Emma on July 16, 2008, to some congenital heart defects as well. She had hypoplastic left heart syndrome. She was three months and one day old, and even though she did very well through her heart surgery and was suppossed to live, one day her heart suddenly and unexpectandly stopped. We're praying for your family. Love, sonia lopez and brian routh - Tulsa, Oklahoma
hugs and kisses
love
Ang
hugs and kisses
love
ang
ps Brayden what are you going to be for Halloween? I hope you have a great time and make sure you send us a picture for our frig.
Hey little Jelly bean Ava. We just wanted to let you guys know we are thinking of you.
Ang
We are keeping you on our minds as we hang our angel ornament on the tree. May you find peace.
Love
ang, liv, bellzie and Matt
Still thinking of Ava and your family daily (at least)! Lots of love -
Emily W.
We wanted to wish you guys a Happy Thanksgiving. Big hugs to the whole clan.
Love
ang
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you as you go through this holiday season.
Happy Birthday Brayden!
You're in my thoughts, especially as the holidays are upon us.
Much love, Emily W.
hope brayden likes his surprise
love
ang
We wish you peace this year.
Merry Christmas
Ang
Merry Christmas.
We love you
Ang
Wishing you a
Happy Birthday Jamie!
Jamie and family,
We just wanted to let you know how much we are thinking of you at this time and always.
The Grishaber's
happy new year!
Happy New Year! May it bring you less sadness and be filled with many happy memories. Your in our thoughts and prayers during this Holiday Season and tomorrow.
Dear Sweet Ava, You are remembered, missed and loved very much.
praying for you guys today
Ang
Jaime and Jaime,
we are thinking of you today as Ava went to Heaven with the angels a year ago. We are praying for you two and Brayden.
Sending lots of blessings your way,
Sonia Lopez and Brian Routh
Proud parents of Lidia (age 4) and Emma (in Heaven with Ava :-) ).
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jaime and Jaime,
we are thinking of you guys today as Ava went to Heaven with the angels exactly a year ago. We are praying for you two and Brayden. Sending lots of blessings your way,
Sonia Lopez and Brian Routh
Proud parents of Lidia (age 4) and Emma (in Heaven with Ava :-) ).
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Thinking of you and your family today.
We are thinking of you often and especially today. God Bless you little Ava. You have touched so many hearts.
Love,
Theresa & Duffy
Thinking about you all!
April
Not a day goes by where I don't send my thoughts.
God Bless - Emily
Post a Comment