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Appointments, Appointments, Appointments…

I am so very thankful that our medical professionals caught this when they did. I feel a sense of calm that we have the opportunity to be prepared for what is going to come. I have been doing a lot of reading and I have seen many stories where the family had no idea, even with the current technologies, that their child was suffering from a heart defect. After seeing an ultrasound of a normal heart and the one of Evan’s, I don’t know how this is possible, the differences are dramatic, but apparently it happens. A family takes their baby home with no idea that anything is wrong, the baby starts to exhibit symptoms like feeding problems, blue lips, lethargic, etc. What a terrible thing to go through. Not having all this worry would be nice, but I’ll take the worry gladly with the ability to plan.


We’ve had about 4 ultrasounds, a fetal echocardiogram, appointments with doctor’s, cardiologists, high-risk OB’s, etc. The biggest appointment yet is coming up in a couple weeks. We’re meeting with the doctor’s at the University of Michigan for the first time. This is more than likely where Sarah will give birth and where Evan will have all of his surgeries. I am really looking forward to hearing what they have to say and to see the facility. They are the #4 hospital in the US for pediatric heart care so I know we will be in good hands. It’s going to be a loooong day though. 830AM until 4PM with back to back appointments. Cardiologist, pediatrician, genetic counselor, pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, high risk OB, ultrasound…. It’s going to be a great day, honest. I think we both need someone to help put our minds at ease about this whole thing and I think they are just the people to do it. Don’t get me wrong, the people at Bronson hospital have been great, but they have not seen nearly as many of these things as U of M. Our cardiologist at Bronson has only ever had one other patient with exactly what Evan has (and he’s doing great and has completed all his surgeries). I really want to hear it from the experts in the field that see these all the time.

Well, I should be getting to bed….Daddy boot camp in the morning. I can’t imagine that I am going to learn much, but that’s ok. 🙂

Comments

5 responses to “Appointments, Appointments, Appointments…”

  1. Stacey Avatar

    First, congratulations on your pregnancy and your soon-to-be-born warrior, Evan. I am a proud heart mom to Zoe (HLHS). You will be so amazed at Evan’s strength and he’ll be sure to keep you strong too.

    I’m glad you’ll be meeting with Mott docs. We traveled from Arizona to Philadelphia for Zoe’s surgeries and never regretted that decision. It’s all about experience and numbers; knowing this put our minds at ease.

    We’ll be following Evan’s story and sending love and light to you as the days pass.

    Heart hugs,
    Stacey
    Mom to Zoe, 11 months (HLHS)

  2. Jenny Lincoln Avatar

    I’m so glad you heard back from U of M! Those long days of appointments are very very long. 🙁 Little tip, bring lots of snacks and drinks- even though they space your appointments apart it always seemed with us we never had much time in between. Our first day of appointments was the exact same that you’re doing. It’s a lot- but it ended with us driving home with a lot of HOPE for Aly. Everyone is so positive there.
    And, i completely agree with you- I think it’s a blessing we found out about Aly’s heart while I was still pregnant.
    Looking forward to your updates!

  3. Bilinda Avatar
    Bilinda

    Thanks for sharing Evan’s story with all of us. I know you and Sarah have a lot of appointments ahead but you will be in great hands at U of M. My husband and I drove by there yesterday and I thought of you guys. Becoming a parent is the greatest thing ever.

  4. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    This is great!!! – They are the #4 hospital in the US for pediatric heart care so I know we will be in good hands.

  5. Onna Avatar
    Onna

    So glad you guys are able to go to U of M. We have been there several times with our Evan for a spinal issue he has. The docs there are some of the best.

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