Good Morning All!

So I didn't add anything to the blog yesterday because by the time I knew that we really didn't know what was going on, it was late (9:30 here) and I was too emotionally drained to type.

Yesterday morning Jeremy had a CT of the spleen scheduled for the morning. They had a hard time starting a new IV (the needed a special size for the contrast) and that took the rest of the morning. 

There was very little time between coming back from the CT and transport aide coming to get him for an echocardiogram.  As the aide was getting him ready to leave a cardiology team (two doctors and a student), stopped her and said, they had another test they wanted to do first.  They explained that they wanted to look at how the artificial valve was working and then maybe he'd have the ultrasound of the heart done.  

Jeremy had the first test done (don't remember what it's called, doesn't really matter I guess) and then was moved over to have the echo. I was with in the room while he was having the echo done. About five minutes before it was over, one of the two doctors popped her head in and said, "Oh, you're still here. Good," and entered the room with the other doctor.  They stood and watched the tech finish what she was doing, then the other doctor took the wand and tried to get a good look at the valve.  He then explained that the first test showed that the artificial valve's flaps weren't working properly, and that they couldn't get a good look on the ultrasound of the valve because it's on the back side of the heart.  He said that they would do a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) in the morning (today) to get a better look at the back side of the heart and the valve. (For more information on a TEE click here:  TEE) 

If the valve is not working correctly, they would need to go in and replace it with a new one. Talk about a shocker, we went from thinking Jeremy might need surgery to remove his spleen to cracking his chest and replacing the valve!  

And that's pretty much where things stand. We did see a surgeon last night (the one who performed the original valve replacement in 2009) and he said that the ultrasound showed the valve was working. Which does not jive with what the other cardiologists told, us, they said the ultrasound didn't have a good enough angle to know.  

Anyway ... the cardiologists hit the floor at 7:00 this morning, anytime after that I'm expecting to know what the plan is for the day.

Jeremy has been NPO (nothing by mouth except necessary meds) since midnight so any test/surgery that needs to be done can be with out delay.  

Mom and I were able to listen to the meeting via the phone last night. It was so encouraging, we have the Circuit Overseer's visit this week and listened to his talk too. Freddie, Leah, Marcus & Kenna had a part, it's amazing how much those two have learned already.  They are little sponges and Freddie & Leah are doing such a great job teaching them.

Okay, that's all we know on this end. 

Lloyd ... If you want, feel free to call me at (906) 390-0572. It will probably go to voicemail (coverage in the hospital is spotty in some places, especially where they do all the tests) but I can return your call.  

Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm!  

We love you guys!