Questions and Answers

These are some questions Jeremiah asked of the doctors yesterday and the answers they gave us. It is a little detailed but it is exactly what is going on with our son. Thanks for praying for him!

 

Has his condition improved?  Yes his condition has improved slightly.  He still has an irregular heart rhythm, which existed previously.  His heart rate has decreased into the 130-140 range from the 170-190's the previous two and a half days.  An irregular heart rhythm is the reason given for not doing the heart cath.  My question was if it was irregular yesterday and the heart cath was ordered, why?  Not much of an explanation other than the heart rate decreased enough for them to cancel.  The irregular heart rhythm would not allow them to take accurate measurements for pressure readings.  They don't want to do it twice, heart cath that is.

 

Have they found something in the tests performed to point them in a different direction?  Dr. Simsic said he has begun showing a regular heart rhythm every once in a while, she did not comment if these existed the last couple of days.  That is positive.

 

Have they changed his medications and he is responding positively?  They did change his heart medicine and he is responding positively as evidenced by the lower heart rate.

 

Did the same Dr. that placed the order for the heart cath cancel the order?  Yes same Dr ordered and canceled.

 

Could the irregular heart rhythm be controlled with a pace maker which was one of the known risks?  Most likely could be controlled that way but not ready to get that aggressive in treatment.

 

Is the long term prognosis the same, a full recovery? Yes

 

Is it likely a heart cath will be performed in the future?  Maybe, if his heart rate stays decreased and rhythm is not normal, yes.  If rhythm improves and pressures do not, yes.  If pressures and rhythm are both under control, no.

 

Those were my questions and the answers given.  He seems to improve just enough to keep them guessing.  It is good they have not had to do the heart cath yet.  I told them this is the second order and cancellation of a heart cath.  I just want to know what is going on and would like a detailed explanation of the care given to my son.  I think they are providing just that, good care and explanations.

 

I am satisfied and will continue to pray for him as he recovers.  I have also prayed that God would continue to use this experience to deepen and strengthen my faith and the faith of others.