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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

an update on Evan's heart

We had a cardiologist appt this morning with Dr. Loker. His main concern has been his parachuted mitral valve - this has been really Evan's only issue since his surgery last June. Basically, because of the abnormal shape, it's causing stenosis of the valve. Which means it's not allowing adequate blood flow between his upper and lower chambers in his left ventricle. With this backup it causes a back up into his lungs.
His ECHO today showed that the stenosis is still moderate to severe. The result of that, at this time, is an elevation in his pulmonary blood pressure. What should be around 20-25 is in Evan at 45-50.

At this point the Drs are wanting some more information, so Evan will be having a diagnostic heart catheter done in Ann Arbor within the next couple of months. We have known that the mitral valve would likely need to be replaced in his lifetime. We now know it's not an 'if', it's a 'when'. The hope has, and continues to be, to hold this off as long as possible. Putting a mechanical valve in has a couple of ramifications: One, being non-organic, it is not going to grow as Evan's heart does. The earlier it's replaced, the more often it will need to be re-replaced as his heart continues to grow. Each valve replacement will be another open heart procedure. Two, because it's mechanical, blood tends to clot around it. Obviously we can't have this in his heart, so he will need to be on blood thinners. Being on blood thinners means a lowered activity level for Evan as it will be very important that we avoid him getting hurt.

Our prayer continues to be that his valve replacement can be postponed for at least a few years. I won't have any idea on what timing the Drs are thinking until after his cath is done. There's a chance that during the cath, they can help his stenosis a bit to delay the inevitable. God has certainly worked miracles in Evan's heart already, I pray he chooses to do that some more. I know we have so many people who have continued to pray throughout Evan's first year and I thought this would be a good way to get you updated.

For now, we wait. Worry does no good and while we have more information today, Evan is still the same as he was yesterday. None of this has been a surprise for God - he already knows the result of the catheter we wait for. He knows when Evan's surgery will be. It's in His plan, so we continue to trust. So, instead of worry, please continue to pray, and enjoy these irresistible photos of our little man...


2 comments:

Phil and Beth said...

Thanks for the update Megan. We will be praying for him, you, and Derek. You're right God does already know the events of Evan's life. Our children are not our own. They are blessings and rewards from God, and He has entrusted you and Derek to raise, love, and take care of Evan. What a gift! Love you! Beth

The Bowman Blog said...

We are praying that you will continue to experience God's amazing peace and claim the truths of God's perfect plan. We love you! Praying for more miracles!
Love, Aimee