Replacement Valve Time

 I think back to the time I visited Emmett right after his surgery. He was hooked up to so many tubes, wires, machines, his chest was blood red and recently sliced and diced with a red zippered line shooting downward toward his belly button. 


I don’t know how I will get through this again. This repair was supposed to last a little longer. Here we are, in the same boat as last time. Emmett will need Open Heart Surgery. Again. He will be cut open. Again. We will not be able to hold him under his arms for 10 weeks. Again. We are going to go through this. Again.


Emmett needs a new mitral valve. This procedure is actually extremely rare. In fact, they highly recommend a mechanical valve, but they don’t make them that small. That is how rare his heart disease is. Because it is so rare, there aren’t many options for baby Em.


We will be going with a Biological Tissue Valve. Unfortunately, those don’t last that long. They will eventually need to be replaced because they degenerate. Which means- More surgeries in our future. Robert and I are strong, and we know we can get through this, but as always, we need your love and support as well. 


The surgery will take place at CHLA, and we will probably be there for 2 weeks like last time.The future plans with Em are to basically wait it out. I hate this plan, but this is what we have to do.  We will get this Valve Replacement, and when it starts to fail Em will hopefully be big enough for the mechanical. 


We aren't 100% sure when the surgery will take place. The referral has already been sent to Kaiser. We have to wait for Emmett to get over this spat of a horrible cold in order for us to continue with the surgery plan. Basically, we will check his Echo one more time, and then the surgery will be sometime after that. We are looking at about 2 weeks time.

Many people have asked, what can we do to help? I'm not really sure, and always feel akward for asking for help. I am so introverted that I just want to sit in the hospital room, cuddle Em, and listen to Audible.

So, maybe some support with Holden? He has school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. However, I am sure he would love a sleep over somewhere fun. My sister can't do it all by herself. SHE could probably use wine as well... LOL

Or, someone just help take Zeus for a bit as well. He could use some puppy play time, too.

Last but not least- support with food? When we get to this hospital life, we sort of forget to take care of ourselves and end up eating shitty hospital food. Gift cards to places near CHLA or even Grub hub would be awesome!

Anyway, we care mostly for the love and support. As much as I am introverted and may not call you back or write a text back, I do look and listen. So, feel free to send as many messages as you want. Especially hilarious memes!

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