We just got home from Nathan's Pediatric Cardiology appointment.The Cardiologist said the following:
He has a moderate case of Aortic Valve Stenosis
His Aortic Valve does not separate into three pieces to allow blood flow thru (as shown normally above). He separates into two pieces.
This impedes the blood flow and causes more pressure to the left ventricle when pumping the blood to the body(45MMGH for those of you who know what that means). If his blood pressure was taken on his arm and it was 100 over 60 it would mean his blood pressure inside his heart is actually 145 over 60. Make Sense?
At this time he recommends no additional treatment. Nathan will be seen again in 6 months to measure to what degree the pressure has gotten worse (if at all). He will have regular EKG's and Ultrasounds of his heart to measure the pressure of his valve.
Once the level gets to over 50, then treatment begins. At first they do a non-invasive opening of the valve with a balloon. Balloon Mitral Valvotomy is it's official name. This is done in an effort to allow enough pressure relief to get him to his adult hood. He may need this valvotomy done in 1 year or in 18 years - depends at what rate the pressure worsens.
Our goal is to get him to adult hood before he will have his heart valve replaced. Which is his long term prognosis. So that he only has to have the heart surgery once and have it with a valve that doesn't need to get bigger in size.
There is no restrictions on his physical ability today or for when he is toddler or preschooler. However, strenuous resistance types sports are to be avoided. (like wrestling and football, weightlifting etc).
This is a genetic heart defect - nothing could have prevented it and there is no medicine that makes it better, it does not go away.
Ok with all that said I want to stress that what I have written here is what Dr Ralph told me today. I have yet to hear from the Lord as to His plan for Nathan's life. I don't want you to get the impression I have accepted this hook,line and sinker and plan to have a pity party.
As I was driving home I was reminded pf Proverbs 3 that talks about not "leaning on your own understanding" and also Matthew 7:7 - 11 "...How much more will your Heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."
I wanted to get this posted to keep all of you who have been praying for Nathan informed.
When We get the prognosis from the Great Physician we will also post that here.
As for now, we will hold close to the fact that God is still on His throne and He still reigns. (Isaiah 30:18) Therefore, me and my house will continue to serve the Lord, anticipating the day we can rejoice together in Nathans amazing healing.
