31 January 2012

Catheterization

We'll take Eddie to the hospital at 9:15 tomorrow morning to be prepped for the catheterization. The cardiologist will be Dr. Rubio, and I had the chance to talk to him yesterday over the phone. Basically, he will conduct a right and left cardiac catheterization to measure the oxygen and pressure inside his heart.

He also plans to perform a myocardial biopsy which should help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential conditions such as constrictive pericarditis. Based on what he sees, Dr. Rubio may also perform a couple challenges on Eddie's heart and lungs to see how they respond to fluid and oxygen. For the latter test, it sounds like he would introduce nitric oxide through the respiratory tract (inhaled) to dilate Eddie's pulmonary blood vessels. He mentioned he would only perform this last challenge if Eddie's pressure measurements were high.

Based on his initial viewings of Eddie's EKG and echocardiogram, he doesn't see any telltale signs of high immediate risk. He was very clear that if the RCM diagnosis is confirmed by the catheterization, then transplantation will be the only option, but he's not ready to make that call yet. He reiterated that heart transplantation is not a cure, but rather a life saving option that introduces entirely new challenges. I assured him that we don't expect any quick fixes, but that we have faith and confidence that by counseling together we can arrive at the best treatment options and make the necessary life adjustments. We are prepared to accept any potential outcome . . .

John

11 comments:

  1. You're in our thoughts and prayers today. What a great idea to have this blog!

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  2. thanks for sharing through the blog - let us know if we can help in any way. thinking of and praying for your family today.

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  3. Give kisses and hugs to Eddie from all of us today. We love you all.

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  4. What a great way to keep us all updated and informed. We have been been thinking and praying for you guys! We love you!

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  5. WE LOVE YOU!!! Family truly is a gift from the heavens! You're on our perma-prayer list!

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  6. I followed Nancy's link on SOD and found out. So truly sorry that your family is having to go through this. We will keep you all, especially Eddie in our thoughts and prayers! Let us know if you need anything else.

    Hugs and Tootles,
    Fawn

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  7. Eddie and your family will be in our prayers.andrea nelson

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  8. Hey, Harpers. We're pulling for you here in Chicago!

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  9. John and Sarah,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! I can't imagine what you are going through. Your attitude and faith is so inspiring. What a sweet little boy Eddie is! We will be thinking of you and checking in often!
    Much love,
    Camie

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  10. Dearest Harper Family, I just heard the news about little Eddie and I will be praying for him tonight and every day. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Lots of Love and Hugs!
    XXOO

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  11. Dear John & Sara,
    I'm so impressed with your ability to relay back the plethora of cardiology terms and procedures, I feel like I'm right there. I'm grateful for this beautiful blog & your willingness to share during this difficult time. It helps me focus my prayers. Know that you are so cherished. Thank you for your testimony in faith.
    Much love to all,
    Harper family fan

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