Tuesday, August 10, 2010

So, what's next?


Immediately after Gracie was born the pediatric cardiologist did an echocardiogram to get a better look at Gracie's heart. If you don't know what's going on you should read this first. The heart echo confirmed the diagnosis that was given for Gracie while she was in Utero. Her pulmonary valve is blocked and the right side of her heart is very small and under-developed. The doctors will be meeting together today and tomorrow to try and determine the best course of action from here. She will likely have a series of procedures called a "Fontan" beginning with a procedure to make sure her ductus arteriosus remains patent (open). The first procedure will probably be done in a couple of days. It is a temporary procedure that will allow her to grow for a few months before another procedure can be done.

Shorthand: Gracie is healthy right now, but her heart will have to be re-arranged a bit to help her remain healthy. The re-arrangment will probably take three steps in the first couple years of her life.

While we wait for the rest of the plan to come together we are enjoying our new little bundle and getting ready to introduce her to her very excited sisters.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the new bundle! Glad that you have a course of action in terms of her heart condition and that Gracie is currently a healthy, beautiful girl!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! We continue to pray for healing, but we also know that you are confident in God's plan for Gracie's life.

Anonymous said...

My niece Emma went through all of this. Its really scary and hard to go through - but God will get you all through it. I know it. Emma is now 2 and so strong and so fun! Your NOT alone. Seriously I know I said this before - Consider a www.caringbridge.org page. You will meet alot of heart mom and dad's...and talk to my sister Lizard...Gracie is beautiful. Emma is about to have her third surgery this year. It will all be ok. Remember to sanitize, sanitize, sanitize...hands, purses, everything....all the time...before anyone enters your home when you bring Gracie home...Keep her away from as many germs as possible. And call my sister. I love the Garmans....Annie be well. Its so weird...but I think I was dreaming about you - while you were giving birth?? I woke up remembering that you were in my dream...Hang in there...I love you Annie Brogan...Kiss your girls for me. Congrats to you Colby on being a new daddy!

Tracy Wu said...

Congratulations Garman's!!! Darren and I will be praying faithfully for little Gracie! Blessings and Love!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update, hope all goes well.

Helgi & Gudrun

The Dickinson Diaries said...

hello garman family :) i'm not sure if colby remembers us from first baptist in galeton: jonathan and gina (lefever) dickinson. anyways, i just wanted to let you know that we will be praying for you all! gracie is absolutely gorgeous and we will keep you in our prayers. :)

Gabriele said...

Congratulations and a HUGE hug from Iceland! She is precious and SO in the right hands. I pray for you and the family daily. God has big plans for this little one.
love you,
Gabriele

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I'm so glad Gracie is doing well and that there is a plan in place. I am praying for you guys! Love Ya.

Josh Rose