On the day she was born, our peditrician heard a murmur and we discovered that Lilly had three small holes in her heart (ventricular septal defects). Most often, these small holes close on their own as children grow.
Over the past three years, two of the three holes have closed. Lilly was scheduled for another follow-up echocardiogram in April, and we were hoping to hear that the last remaining hole was closed.
Instead, we learned that not only is the defect still present, but it is destabilizing her aortic valve (causing aortic insufficiency). Our cardiologist thinks it may be time for surgical closure, in order to protect the valve function.
There is only one Pediatric Heart Center in South Carolina, and therefore we have been referred to see Dr. Scott Bradley at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. My practice routinely refers patients to Dr. Bradley, he has wonderful surgical outcomes, and our cardiologist has a very good relationship with him. We have an appointment on May 20, and will see if he agrees that it is time for surgery.
This has been devastating news for our family. The silver lining has been all of the support, good wishes and prayers that we have already recieved from our friends and family. I know that we won't be able to get through this without your love and friendship.
I've set up this blog so that everyone can stay up to date with Lilly's progress through the pre-operative evaluation, surgery and recovery. We are so grateful that you will be there to share this journey with us.
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