D
DanielCohen
Well, it's been quite a ride. The pre-testing appt on Tuesday went great. Even the blood draws "didn't hurt" (Abi's quote). We showed up to CHOP on Wednesday morning at 0600. While going thru the pre-op procedures the surgery was canceled!! That's right! I'm not kidding! A donor heart came in that morning and a child who needed a heart received it that morning. While we were extremely disappointed, what a blessing that child will be received! So we left not knowing what would happen. Luckily CHOP called us that afternoon and we were rescheduled for this morning (Thursday). We arrived at 0600, she went back at 0730 and the surgery was complete and surgeon was talking to us by 1015. It went really well! The surgeon was able to put in an adult size calf valve (or bovine pericardial valve). He was pleased to get this type of valve versus a human tissue valve because the calf valve tends to have less leakage and be more durable. She had very little bleeding during surgery and, so far, has not had to have any blood transfusions or blood products. Since arriving in the CICU, Abigail has been awake 6-7 times for 5-10 minute intervals. As expected, she is experiencing some pain, but the hospital is being very generous with the pain meds. She has already begun to eat ice and drink juice & water. So far she is moving along as expected with no major complications. Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement, they mean sooooooo much! I'll update more tomorrow!
Happy and relieved father.....Daniel
Happy and relieved father.....Daniel
