Settling In

Owen's cath lasted three long hours. Dr. P (cath lab doc) came in to speak with us and said that his pressures are amazing. They always are! They are really great. So great that they are ideal for the Fontan (the 3rd stage palliative surgery for HLHS).

Owen's problem is his severe Tricuspid Valve regurgitation. This is what causes him to be so tired all the time. It is creating a lot of work for the right ventricle and it's the only ventricle he has. His heart function (or squeeze) is moderately decreased, which is about the same as always.

There were a few big collaterals that were coiled around the heart. That should help with his oxygen saturations a little. Time will tell. There are no answers as to why Owen needs oxygen. His lungs are beautiful, his pressures are great, his pulmonary arteries are perfect. Owen is a mystery.

We went straight to recovery to see our little buddy and he was NOT happy. I can't blame him with an iv in his hand and foot, compression bandages on his neck and groin from where the catheter was inserted and a dry throat from the breathing tube.
A few hours later, we are settled into a private room in 3 West. Owen is chowing down on french fries, fish sticks and salad. It's crazy how much he can eat when he's hungry!! He can't stop eating!
We should get discharged tomorrow, hopefully on less than a liter of oxygen. So far, he can't go below a liter without desatting. Bummer.

We just got word that we have another cardiology clinic tomorrow. Echo, chest xray and we will then sit down and chat with Dr. R. (heart failure/transplant cardiologist) and hopefully get some answers.