Last week Kyson had a visit to his cardiologist. When we go Kyson gets quite a few tests done and he is always so good about it! First they get his weight and height. Then they check his blood pressure and oxygen levels. A normal oxygen level for Kyson is the low 80's and he was reading 82 so we were happy with that. Next is his EKG. They cover his chest in "stickers" and he has to sit quite still while the test is going on. I was impressed as he just sat in my lap and didn't hardly move a muscle! Last we go into another room and get an echo (an ultrasound of his heart). I was quite worried about how this test would go because he has to lay down and be still for about 15 minutes and he won't hold still for even two minutes at home! Well, he was amazing and just laid there watching a movie and didn't hardly move. At the very end he got upset but they were almost finished so they got everything they needed. Yay!
At the end Dr. Alhadheri came in and told me that everything is looking good. The biggest concern his the leak in his tricuspid valve. They were hoping it would correct itself overtime as his heart began to heal. Well, it hasn't gotten worse but it hasn't gotten any better either. This means they will probably have to go back into his heart during the third surgery to try and correct it, which makes the surgery a lot more risky. I am very nervous about this last surgery but I try not to think about it as it probably won't happen for a couple more years. Right now we are just enjoying our sweet boy and are so grateful for him!
Speaking of surgery, last week I got a letter from Phoenix Children's hospital telling us that Kyson's surgeon has moved to the hospital in San Fransico and they have given us a new surgeon, Dr. Pearl. I was soooo sad to hear this news...we really liked Dr. A. We felt confident in his abilities. I don't want someone else that I don't know anything about. I don't think I ever met Dr. Pearl although I had heard his name previously. I want to ask any of our "heart friends," if they have any suggestions for us? Has anyone had any interaction with Dr. Pearl? Is there another surgeon in the Phoenix area that we should look into? I don't know if we even have an option but if we do I want to look into it now. I really would appreciate any advice that anyone has for us.
Overall Kyson is doing great. I don't know if I've mentioned yet that he is pretty much walking all over the place now! It was a very gradual process from crawling to walking but he is getting more confident every day. He is saying quite a few words but I think his two favorite are ball and cracker. He LOVES balls. When he wakes up in the morning or after a nap, the first thing I usual hear is "ball...ball...ball." I think he loves balls because he loves to throw things. He will throw ANYTHING including food, toys, books, cars...pretty much anything he gets his hands on! He is such a fun-loving kid and we are so grateful to watch him grow and develop. We sure love him!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Cardiologist and Surgeon
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6 comments:
It's great to hear that Kyson is doing so wonderful!! That darn Tricuspid Valve has been an issue of ours as well, but Owen's gets worse AND his function is blah. Anyway.. I didn't realize Dr A left. Dr Teodori went to Tucson. Dr. Pearl is Owen's surgeon and we LOVE him!!! He has GREAT bedside manner, really cares about his kiddos, and I adored him. My concern with PCH is what happens when they only have ONE surgeon? I wonder if they're picking up another heart surgeon? I have also heard that Dr Nigro at St Joes is awesome as well.
I just thought of something else... I will never forget about Dr Pearl.
October 2008, Owen was in the cath lab with Dr Lamers and Pearl walked by to say "Hi" to us. He said he was going to check on Mr Owen for us. He came out about 30 min later and sat down to chat. He said "Owen will need a transplant at some point. He won't be a good candidate for the Fontan. You may have a while, but I'd get started on the process. If it were MY son, this is what I'd do." We admired his honesty and his kindness that day. He is also a transplant doctor, so that's kinda cool. We told him we wanted to take him with us to the transplant hospital and have him do it. HA! He's really great!! I'd meet with him when it's closer to the Fontan. He's really great!! Way cooler than Dr A or Dr Teodori... (in my opinion).
Hi! I just stumbled across your blog and we have a son who also is in between his Glenn and Fontan (he is almost 26 mos). We have had Dr. Pearl as a primary surgeon from since the very beginning, although Dr. A was one of our doctors as well. While we are sorry to see Dr. A go, we absolutely love Dr. Pearl. He really has taken the time to explain everything and make sure we know what is going on. It is definitely worth your time to meet with him before the Fontan. Good luck!
I saw your post and talked to my friend Brittani on her face book account who's baby is only about 2 weeks old just had surgery so I asked her who her Docs where just so you had more names and this is what she said.
Ridge's surgeons were Dr Clevland and Dr Nigro. They are wonderful! I loved everything about St. Joseph's Hospital too. The heart unit is really nice and we felt the care was awesome! I would highly recommend the surgeons and hospital!!
her e-mail is
brykersmom@cox.net
Just thought it would help.
Yeah Kyson! He really is a champion, Andrea! Your boys are just as lucky to have you, though, as you are to have them!
hey andrea, it was fun to chat with you for a few minutes at the museum a month or so ago. i am so glad things are looking good for your little guy! he is too cute. and happy belated birthday!
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