Hi sweet family and friends,
Most of you know, I have had a very complicated pregnancy with Dylan. We learned at 20 weeks that I had a cyst on the umbilical cord. After learning of all the horrible things that could indicate, it turns out that cyst really hasn't effected Dylan. We have since learned that cyst was a blessing in disguise. I have been being monitored by a wonderful Perinatologist, Dr. DeRoshe (a high risk OB doctor who monitors fetal growth and development), and there has been some concern over Dyan's heart.
As it turns out, we met with the Pediatric Cardiology team on Tuesday at Vanderbilt and found that Dylan does have a congenital heart defect. His defect is "coarctation of the aorta". So, what does that mean?!?!? It means quiet simply part of Dylan's aorta narrows. The aorta is the major artery in the heart that pumps blood to the body (especially the lower body). Because of this narrowing, his little heart is having to pump extra hard. In the womb, this defect isn't as huge of a deal because there is a PDA valve that aids the heart. Once a child is born, this valve seals off. In Dylan's case, that would be detrimental.
So, again your probably asking, what does all that mean?!?!? Well, it means Dylan is now considered a high risk delivery and will be delivered at Vanderbilt. Immediately after his birth, an IV will be started and medicine injected to prevent the PDA valve from sealing off (we need this extra valve to help his little heart be able to pump without overworking itself) . They will take him to do an echo cardiogram and the team of Pediatric Cardiologists will assess how narrow the aorta is and how immediate a course of action needs to be taken.
Worst case-The aorta is blocked or interrupted, no chance without surgery...he would immediately go to surgery.
Middle Case-*This is the option they think Dylan will fall into*-The aorta is narrowed but not to a level of being completely blocked. He will be monitored through multiple pressure, flow, echo, and other tests to see how that narrowing affects the overall function of the heart. Additionally, if the narrowing is "middle of the road" they will turn down the medicine to the PDA valve to let it being closing off and see how the heart and body reacts. At that point, surgery will be decided.
Best case-The aorta is narrowed but not enough to require surgical intervention. He will be monitored but released for additional follow up tests.
They have prepared us that Dylan will more likely need surgery than not need surgery. So, we are planning for that. We are anticipating Dylan will need a 10 day stay at Vanderbilt. They are in the process of figuring out when my labor will be induced, as we ideally need Dylan to come in the middle of the day when the entire team can assess him. We should know within 4 hours of his arrival what action is needed.
So, we are sharing this information in hopes that as many people as possible will please be in prayer for our little Dylan, his team of doctors and nurses, and us. As you can imagine this has been extremely difficult news to receive. Please know in advance that your continued prayers, kind words, and generous acts are greatly appreciated more than you know. We are busily taking care of things, so if you don't get a response, please know it isn't because we aren't immensely grateful. We are thankful for each of you, your love, and support. We understand everything happens for a reason, and we know God has very big plans for little Dylan.
We will use this blog as a source to provide updated information as we have it. We will try to update it as quickly as possible but know trying to absorb all the information we are getting may take a bit.
Lots of love,
Jeff, Beth, Ty and Dylan Bowman
