Hey friends! I just talked with Erin this morning and she was able to take some time and give me some specifics on what all will be taking place at UAB this week with our little Harper. She will be taken to surgery THIS FRIDAY, at 8:30 a.m. During this procedure they are going to fix the coarctation in her aorta by going through her lungs. A coarctation is an area in the aorta that is too narrow for blood to flow through. So they are going to cut out the narrow part and sew the two fatty parts together so that the blood will begin to flow corrrectly. Also, they are going to place a pulmonary band around her pulmonary artery. This will be done to try and keep her healthy until her open heart surgery. As of right now, Harper basically has congestive heart failure because some of the blood is flowing back into her lungs and it's making her work really hard to breathe. This band will help prevent that so her breathing will come a little easier and she won't be so worn out. The doctors aren't sure how long Harper will have to stay in the hospital after surgery. They said that some babies never really learn to eat or breathe on their own and that some babies (if they already know how) can go so long without getting to eat, that they forget how. If Harper comes out of the surgery and is able to eat, she may only have to be in the hospital 5 - 7 days... however, the doctors told Erin & Chad that she could possibly be there another month.
As for the open heart surgery, the surgeon told Erin & Chad that he really wanted to wait until she was atleast 6 months old, possibly 8 - 12 months old so that she could gain some neurological development. Depending on how healthy she can stay, depends on how long the surgery will be prolonged. Erin & Chad have mixed feelings about the second surgery-- they only want her to have the surgery when she is strong enough, but the older Harper gets, she'll become more aware of pain and the fact that she's being taken away from her parents.
Friday's surgery will last 3-4 hours. Please remember our family in your prayers, not only on Friday, but today, tomorrow and for many days ahead. Harper's got a long road ahead of her, but we know that she's a fighter and that she's going to pull through just fine.
3 comments:
Thanks again for the update. There is a higher power and he is keeping her strong as well as the parents and family! Prayers are being said!!
thanks for the udate Abby
very clear
We will be praying for Harper, Erin, Chad and your family and the doctors and nurses . Love, kelly
Hey Abby! So glad to hear the good news. We will continue to pray for that little fighter. Everyone at the hospital (Andersons) is really concerned about them and are sending well wishes. Tell them we love them and hope and pray that surgery goes well tomorrow.
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