After cathetertization

I am going to try and recap what Rachel explained to me on the phone as best as I can. :) After the catheterization Ryker did not look well. He looked very dehydrated, his eyes were sunk in and his soft spot was sunk it. His soft spot was so sunk in that they did an ultra sound to make sure everything looked okay and it did. Finding the PVS (pulmonary vein stenosis) shocked everyone like Rachel said including the doctors. The cardiologist explained that the PVS is in the left pulmonary veins, the upper vein was considered moderate and the lower vein was considered mild. He explained that in the middle of  the moderate vein it was like a napkin ring was wrapped tight around the vein. They ballooned both veins and they both opened up perfectly. 90% of the time the PVS comes back. Dr. Marx said he has two patients right now one that is 3 and the other that is 2 that both had PVS when they were a few months old. After they had their veins ballooned once it has not been a problem since. We are very hopeful and know with your prayers this can be the case for Ryker. Ryker is extubated and we are very thankful that went well.

Dr. Pedro del Nido says that he is not going to worry about the PVS unless it presents itself again. Right now he is worried about the pain Ryker is experiencing in his lower body (not caused by PVS). The pacemaker team adjusted the pacemaker tuesday to see if that makes a difference for Ryker. The next option is for Ryker to have surgery again and have his PA band tightened. Dr. Del Nido feels that tightening the PA band will force more blood flow down the ventricle that gives blood flow to the lower body. Right now with the PA band being loose for Ryker's skinny body he is getting a lot of blood flow into the ventricle that goes to the lungs (the blood flow goes through the path of least resistance).  He suggests giving Ryker 1-2 weeks to eat and grow into the PA band, if he does not see Ryker eating well or putting on weight he is going to go in as soon as he feels best and adjust the band.

The plan is to pray that the PVS does not present itself again, help Ryker stay comfortable and perform the Glenn when Ryker is around 4 months. Dr. Marx told Rachel that more than likely Ryker will not be leaving the hospital until after he recovers from the Glenn. 

Please pray for Ryker that his PVS does not present itself again, that Ryker can grow into his the PA band and stay comfortable until he is ready for the Glenn. Please send as much positive support and encouragement as you can to Jason, Rachel and their kids. We appreciate and thank each and every one of you for your support.