Cardiology Update

We had the opportunity to see Sam's cardiologist a week ago, and I have been slowly digesting what we learned.

This is a very frank email I wrote to our family and close friends (edited for publishing here), so please excuse any negativity I might have been expressing. You should know, if you don't already, I wear my heart on my sleeve and it often comes out in my writing as well. But, I do know that the Maker of Heaven and Earth has His hand in all things and that He is in control. I rely on Him completely.

Unfortunately, we didn't get great news, but it is really promising news. The integrity of Sam's device (the defibrillator) is absolutely perfect - it has paced his heart 2.5% of the time (which is down from 8-10%), but it has also recorded three events.

On January 31st at 6:45pm Sam had three non-sustainable heart arrhythmias, averaging 273 beats per minute. We know he was sick that night, as we took him to see his pedi the next morning, but we honestly cannot remember him complaining of a heart issue. We have some vague recollection, but nothing solid.

I find the news quite discouraging, but Bill and his cardiologist were both very encouraged. I was really hoping Sam's heart had been healed, but as it turns out, it has not. However, that being said, God has really strengthened his heart - a lot! He came out of the events on his own after 1 second, 2 seconds and 2 seconds. He had about 9 beats of the arrhythmia each time and then he was okay. AND, he didn't have another after those. We know he had a high fever that night, so we are assuming that is what caused these arrhythmias.

The device managed the events perfectly and did not shock him unnecessarily. Also, a real praise. BUT, all of this means we are not quite out of the woods yet and we still need to take extra precautions when Sam has a high fever or an electrolyte imbalance.

On to our unborn baby boy (that's what the latest ultrasound says right now):

We will be having a Level II ultrasound on June 8th. All this will do is tell us whether or not he has a structural issue with his heart. Sam's cardiologist confirmed that this will NOT be able to tell us whether or not he has Brugada Syndrome. However, we will go ahead with the Level II just to put everyone's mind at ease, as my high risk OB and my regular OB are being cautious and both pushing for this. The chance of this little guy having a structural issue is 8 in 1000 - the same as any other average person.

Sam's cardiologist has suggested we do a 12-lead ECG AS SOON AS THE BABY IS BORN. If there are any abnormalities, we will need to see him in Chapel Hill ASAP (as in, within the first week). The local pediatrician has confirmed that he is able to complete this here in Boone. So, we will give birth in Boone, unless something changes between now and then.

That's the plan for now. Keep us in your prayers - especially Sam and the baby. We want to protect him as much as possible, but also allow him to live a "normal" life. It is a difficult balance, but one that his cardiologist has assured us we can do.

Praise God for the breath of life He has given to our amazing child, as well as the new life He has given to our baby boy.