Surgery Day

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 11:37 PM, CDT

Anastasia made it through surgery and is doing well at the moment.  It has been an extraordinarily difficult day with many ups and downs, but those are to be expected given what she has been through today.  I am too spent to write too much, so here are the important details:

·         VSD- full repair made with the exception of a very small hole remaining (which is fairly common).  VSD was 10 mm, which is considered very large

·         ASD-same as above.  Crazy that we did not even know she had an ASD (hole in the upper chambers of the heart) and that is was the same size as the VSD

·         PDA (patent ductus arteriosus)- successfully closed.  Nope, didn’t know she had this issue either

·         Right after they closed her chest she spiked a high fever (104) which is a sign of a condition called Malignant Hyperthermia (Google it for explanation- it is a rare disease (of course!)).  At first the anesthesiologist said he didn’t think she had it.  Then he went and did some research and spoke to “the experts” and said they were certain she did have it.  Now, at rounds tonight they are back to thinking she might not have it based on some other tests they have run.  They will continue to repeat the tests.  Yep, another roller coaster

·         Anastasia is still running a slight fever so they have her surrounded by ice packs.  The thought just make me cold

·         Due to the fever spike in the OR they were unable to give her anesthesia reversal medication so she has been heavily sedated all day.  She is starting to slowly (and I mean the very slightest amount) wake up tonight which is a wonderful sight!!  She is breathing so well that the plan is to get her off of the ventilator at midnight tonight.  Go Annie go

·         She quickly developed a conduction issue so she is currently on an external pace maker.  The hope is that she will overcome this issue; however, if she does not she will have to go back to the OR to have a pace maker put in.  We should know in about 7-10 days

I think that covers the highlights of today.  It was SOOOOOOO hard to see her for the first time after surgery.  I am sick with fear every moment but I am trying to cherish the “ups” that take place.  I know she is surrounded in love and prayer and she is in His hands.  We never could have made it through today without the amazing support system of family and friends that have been by our sides.  We feel your prayers and ask for them to continue.  Annie is a special little girl with a lot of fight!


Poor baby girl: