What we know so far...

Mahaela had a diagnostic angiogram through a heart catheterization this past Tuesday. We often refer to it as simply a heart cath, but they are the same thing. She aslo had a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram)--that is an echo that is done by a probe inserted down her esophagus. It is able to get images from the back side of the heart and possibly more clearly than the echo that is done from the outside of her chest. Maybe TMI, but I have to put that nursing degree to use every once in a while. Through this testing, they were able to confirm her anatomy, her oxygenation, the function of her heart and valves, and what correction she still needs. I could go into long, boring explanations of her anatomy, but the upshot is...she needs one more surgery. She looks perfect enough right now, that we can hardly stand putting her through it, but in the long-run, she will have better exercise tolerance, better oxygenation, and better lung function down the road.
It was nice to get a little trial run at the hospital, on the same floor she will be on after her surgery. There is a corner of the peds ICU that is just for Congenital Hearts. I'm so thankful to have this resource right where we live and work. The funny/sad thing is the kids can't wait for her to have her surgery because they have seen and heard of all the amenities that OSF has for families in their beautiful, new Children's Hospital. They really take care of the other kids also. (Child life center, video games, game room, snacks, etc). I have to remind them that this is about Mahaela and they will hopefully be in school and taken care of at home...not running around her ICU bed!
One question we hear a lot: "so will this be it--the last surgery?"
The answer: yes, we hope so....But, there are no guarantees with her heart condition. Her heart will always be at risk for heart failure...but we hope it is 50 years from now and with new technology, they could help her even more. She may have issues with arrhythmias that would require a pacemaker, or her valve, that is a bit leaky, could need repaired. So we don't know what the future holds. But we expect her to have a very normal, active childhood...just maybe not an Olympic swimmer. As the doctor told us, just start her off in golf! Many kids, especially those that tend to be athletic and enjoy active sports, do well until maybe age 10. As they grow, and the activities become more strenuous, kids are less likely to be able to tolerate that level of exertion and just can't keep up. But for now, and in the distant future, I don't believe she will be limited that much, if at all.
Today, during cath conference at the hospital, the cardiologists and the surgeons talked about her case together and the plan for her surgery. We will see the surgeon on Monday and plan a date. Now, I can't wait to just get it over with and dread seeing her feeling so yucky. I know she will do well and will be resilient, as kids are.

We would covet your prayers for Mahaela. Pray that she would stay healthy up until surgery and have a speedy recovery after. I know she will want to get out there and enjoy the spring! She will definitely get a new bike for all she has to go through!