Catheterization Tuesday

Josiah is scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8:00 AM.  Usually this is a lower risk procedure but for Josiah there is a moderate risk of having serious repercussions due to his current state.  They will be inserting a catheter in his groin to go up to his heart as well as another catheter in his neck to go down through his superior vena cava to the pulmonary artery.  This may just be a diagnostic procedure but if they find narrowing of a vessel they would try to balloon or shunt it. If they find that blood is going through a vein to the heart and bypassing the lungs then they would plug the vein.  The risks increase if they try to intervene.  Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and that all goes well.

Josiah's saturation levels were in the 50s when I left him tonight.  It was so great to see them in the 70s for a while this afternoon.  I learned during rounds that an x-ray today showed that Josiah's left lung was partially collapsed.  Turning him and changing some settings on the ventilator seemed to help.

There will be meals at RMH Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights!  Last week Bell Mobility and Cargill provided great meals.  Ace Bakery also donates some bread and I believe someone donates milk.  There are certainly a lot of people staying here.  It's been great to get to know some of the other moms and dads.  It was wonderful to see my dad tonight and have him see and pray for Josiah.

By the way, in case there is any confusion, Josiah has not had any of my milk since before his surgery.  Lipids and TPN (nutrition) are being given by IV.  I need to keep pumping in order to maintain my milk supply.  

It's time for bed.  Thanks so much for all of your prayers.

Blessings,

Elizabeth