Do you see where the blue arteries form a "T" in the image... I circled it and labeled it 1?? This has signifcant narrowing which is backing up blood flow and causing the heart to work harder than it normally would.
Now... do you see where the tricuspid valve is circled and labeled 2.?? This is moderatly leaky which is causing the blood to regurge back into the right atrium causing more workload on the heart.
Due to all the extra workload on his already weak heart... his function is decreasing.
We have decided to have ALL of Owen's cardio records sent to UCLA and Children's Hospital of LA for followup. We should hear back in less than 2 weeks. We scheduled a followup with cardiology for four weeks out and Dr. Stock said "If you're still in Phoenix we'll see you in 4 weeks, if you're already in LA, we'll just cancel." ALREADY IN LA??? I better get things organized around here and in order because it sounds like everything could happen fairly quickly. Mr. Owen is always keeping us on our toes!There are other hospitals we are considering... BUT... flying isn't the best idea with Owen right now. Not only are there a bazillion germs on an airplane, but he is also on Oxygen and the airline requires you use their Oxygen. Then we would have to arrange to have a tank delivered at the airport upon arrival... and WOW... what if it doesn't? So we drive! Six hours to LA sounds a lot more tolerable than some of the alternatives. We'll wait to hear back from both LA hospitals and we'll just KNOW. We will go with what we FEEL is right and if neither hospital is it... we have kept our options open.
We also got great news from the insurance company! If Owen becomes a transplant candidate in California, which is REGION 5, then our insurance will also pay 100% for us to be listed at another hospital in another Region. IE: Seattle Chidlrens, Denver, Texas... it would have to be close enough to travel if a heart did become available... but it's a HUGE benefit and could potentially increase his changes at receiving a heart.
7 comments:
Hi Simmons Family,
You don't know me but I am a friend of Suzie and JR Dean. I have been following your blog for awhile. You have a beautiful son (like you didn't already know that!) You are always so positive with your uplifting comments to Suzie and I just wanted to do the same for you. You will make the right decision because you are the parents! You have the Lord on your side!!! He will provide you with your answer and then there is no looking back or second guessing. Owen has the best parents on Earth that he could possibly have. God made you perfect for him. You will make the right decision--I just know it!! Your are in my prayers all the way from Michigan.
Alison Lee
I'm sorry for the bad news:( I hope that they will accept him and get him right in... We will keep you in our prayers.. sorry for all the pain you must be going through, it must be hard some days. The not knowing..
Love Ya!
Wow, LA in possibly less than 4 weeks! Let me know if I can do anything! Your sweet family will be in our prayers!!!
Praise God for good insurance. I am so happy that you have made a decision and we are praying that his new hearts arrives in a timely manner. Love to you all and we think of you everyday. Lindsay sends slobbery kisses to Owen!
God Bless Owen and all of you. Our prayers continue on your behalf and we have great hope that all will go well. Thank you for keeping us updated. Love to all!
Wow...that's a lot to digest, huh? The flying option definitely doesn't seem to be that good. Annabelle's surgeon was at LA before coming to MUSC many years ago and I know that their program is excellent! Plus, the whole insurance info is awesome!
You are amazing! We hold you all close to our hearts and in our prayers, friend.
Love to you & kisses to Owen~ Rebecca
Good luck in choosing a hospital. We had that same issue with Beck and luckily we did not have to make that decision because he got so sick that he was sent to the closest hospital possible (which turned out to be the answer to our prayers). I will pray that you will be able to choose the right hospital for Owen. If it does come down to a transplant, I can tell you that it will be worth it. It is a long road..but worth every second (I am sure you can relate). If you ever have questions about anything, feel free to ask!
P.S - Thanks so much for your sweet words for my little guy. We will pray for your sweetie also!
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