Ryler has Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), which is a heart problem that occurs soon after birth in some babies. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. Before birth, the two major arteries the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected by a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. This vessel is an essential part of fetal blood circulation. Within minutes or up to a few days after birth, the vessel is supposed to close as part of the normal changes occurring in the baby's circulation. In some babies, however, the Ductus Arteriosus remains open. This opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery. This can put strain on the heart and increase blood pressure in the lung arteries.
To repair the PDA, a procedure know as PDA ligation, the surgeon will make an incision in the left side of Ryler's chest. The surgeon then will close the patent ductus arteriosus by tying or clipping it, stopping the blood flow across the PDA. When we spoke to the surgeon (Dr. Yeh)and Cardiologist (Dr. Recto) the other day, he said that this surgery is more common then you'd think and that he has a 100% success rate!
Aside from the obvious fear and nervousness, we are truly happy that we stayed on top of this and are able to take care of it so early in his life. Ryler will never remember this surgery and because he is so young, he will bounce back really quickly. The surgeon says that a lot of the babies this age don't even require pain medication after the surgery.
Chris and I are going to head to New Orleans (Tulane) on Monday afternoon for Ryler's early morning pre-op testing on Tuesday. Then if all of the pre-op testing comes out normal, they will operate on Wednesday. Ryler will then stay in the hospital for observation for 3-4 days. This will be a very taxing week for our family and we welcome any thoughts or prayers! We are so thankful for the great support system we have from our friends and family! Thanks in advance!
