Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Story of a Mended Heart…

Nine years and three months ago today, I carried my itty bitty ten week old, seven pound baby girl into a surgical suite and laid her down on a table so a pediatric heart surgeon at a world renowned medical center could open up her chest and repair the holes in her tiny heart.  One of the scariest days of my life.

Jewel and Wren(in pink) - the day before surgery


Ever since then, I get the occasional reminder that I have a child with a congenital heart defect. Someone asks about her scar or I need to fill out a medical form for camp or school or something.  But for the most part, it's something that happened very long ago and her mended heart is truly not something I need to worry or think about. Ever.  She was fixed. No worries or concerns.  We visit her cardiologist at most, once a year.  Sometimes even less than that. We get the "all clear - looks good- see ya next year."   She is completely asymptomatic and for all intents and purposed, healed.



two weeks ago!


But there was always something lingering on her doctor's "radar".  As a part of her cluster of defects, she has narrowing (stenosis) in her left pulmonary artery. And at our last appointment in March, her doctor dropped the news that now would be the time to address it. Sooner rather than later.  The difference in size between her right and left artery is such that it could begin compromising her heart and lung function if left untreated, especially as she grows.
So on Thursday, July 1st, she will undergo an angiogram and catheter procedure to have a stent placed within that artery in hopes of opening it up. There are all sorts of things I truly don't know about any of this and there is some concern that the stent can't be put into place through a catheter.  We haven't even met the cardiologist doing the procedure (altho I do volunteer work with her husband and know she is a a follower of Jesus!)


The only thing I know to do is place every ounce of faith my own head and heart can muster in my Heavenly Father to carry us through all the unknowns...
...to bring our sweet Wren in and out of the general anesthesia with little discomfort.
...that His hand will be covering over her doctor and nurses throughout the entire procedure.
...that the stent can in fact be placed through the catheter, it will go where it's supposed to, and stay where it's supposed to.
...that Wren won't be afraid.  And her beautiful twin sister, Jewel, will be brave enough for them both.
…that her momma and dad won't be afraid. (we are very afraid)


The hardest part of all of this is moving forward with the renewed awareness that I truly am the momma of a child with a mended heart.


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

14 comments:

GregHint said...

Beautiful. Wren, momma, jewel, all beautiful. Beautifully written, and beautiful faith.

Pam said...

Yes, beautifully written, Karyn. I will certainly keep you all in thought and prayer. Being a mom and all the head and heart stuff that goes with it and all the fears that threaten the wonderful peace of loving them is the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. I feel for you guys. Also, I love your little bit of me. :) Beautiful blog.

Kate B said...

Very beautiful. I will keep you guys in my prayers. God is truly wonderful!
XOXOXO
Kate

Henry H said...

K & G, Lyn and I will definitely keep you all tomorrow in our prayers. Nothing that grabs the heart with a vice-grip of fear more than that of dealing with health concerns of a family member....

Kathy said...

Oh Karyn, my heart will be with you all, and my prayers too. What beautiful thoughts you have laid down. Love you guys!

Cheri said...

Karyn,
Your loving momma heart...and faith in a loving God through this is beautifully expressed through this post. I will be praying.
Love you...and your sweet family.

LD said...

OH Karyn, Greg...

Hugs, loves and prayers ascending to
the healer of all hearts..

God's blessing of steadiness, calmness in the midst of it all..

Courage is fear moving forward ..

with love Lyn

Anonymous said...

Crying and praying for all of you! It's scary how much we love our little people isn't it? Let me know how today goes. Love you all!
~Lisa

Christine Pennington said...

I am crying right now too-I am so blessed to have all of you in our lives..your words are so beautifully written Karyn. Please keep us posted and let us know if you need anything. Let Miss Wren and her side-kick Miss Jewel know that we are so proud of their braveness. God will protect them both. Love you all ~ Miss Christine

Doreen said...

You will keep in Perfect Peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you!! Isa. 26:3 This is the verse that meant the world to me after Marv's fall in l974...doreen

Kristi said...

I am sitting here with tears running down my face and I don't know what to say. Just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Melanie H said...

Truly amazing... your talent, Karyn, in putting this together... your love for your family and God... truly amazing is all I can say! Tomorrow will be a good day... your child will be in good hands! Keep us all posted my friend!

Wendy said...

Praying for and loving you all today...

Guy Havelick said...

Prayers are with you all today.

It is a little disconcerting that a mother has to hear about stenosis, general anesthesia, stents and so many other medical terms when discussing her own child.

Thank God we are in a place and time where these problems can be recognized and treated. In another time or place the prognosis would be even scarier.

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