My little dove.

Funny how nicknames start, isn't it?
I'm not sure where it came from, or how it stuck...but this little one is now officially, my little dove.

4 months old

 

Which seems perfect really as doves are often symbols of love and peace. And I can hardly think of two words to better describe her sweet spirit.

 

This sweet little spirit who has Persistent Ductus Arteriosus.

Let me explain...

 

At her four month well baby check up, our incredible pediatrician heard something abnormal with her heart. Since he wasn't sure what it was he referred us to a cardiology specialist at Children's Hospital. Our check up was on a Friday and we had to wait until Monday to get the referral and make the appointment, so to say it was a long weekend would be a gross understatement.

 

The not knowing what is or may be wrong with your child is all consuming.

Thankfully we were able to get in right away at Children's, and after some more testing, listening and a long echogram, the dr. was able to determine that she has PDA.

Basically it means that she has an extra vessel that didn't close up after birth, as it normally does. The way I understand it is that then more blood flows through the lungs and back to the heart, which makes one of her chambers (the bottom left one) work harder than it needs to and become enlarged. So the opening has to ultimately be closed up.

The good news? It's treatable and we know what the issue is.

 

So, we could be looking at surgery at some point in the future. Which is scary. Because no matter how often they perform these same surgeries...or how common or uncommon her condition may be...it's still my little dove they may be working on, and it weighs heavy on my heart.

 

That said, we are feeling cautiously optimistic. Children's Hospital is a world class facility so I know we are in the best hands possible. We feel so thankful to live where we do and have access to such incredible health care. She will remain under their careful watch on a monthly basis to continue monitoring her heart and eventually determine how it will all play out. 

And until then we will continue loving on our girl...and sending up lots of prayers.
As my sweet Papa wrote in a card to us:
"The power of prayer will work wonders!"

I believe it will.
xoxo