Meeting the Surgeon

Meeting the Surgeon

Bradley and I met with Dr. Mark Plunkett and his nurse Korinne Callihan at UK yesterday.

We were both very impressed with Dr. Plunkett, he was very kind and he thoroughly explained the initial open heart surgery the (Norwood procedure) as well as the 2nd (Glenn) and 3rd (Fontan) surgery.

Here are the some of the Questions and answers we asked.
Q1. How soon after Colt’s born will he go in for Surgery?
A1. Colt will have surgery within his first week.

Q.2. What will happen as soon as he is born?
A2. We will only get to see him for a few minutes before he is taken to the NICU, once there they will administer a drug called prostaglandin through a catheter that will be placed in the umbilical blood vessel this will prevent the ductus arteriosus from closing. He will be monitored and have several tests, like another echo etc. Once he is ready they will take him into surgery,

Q3. How long does the reconstructive surgery take once he is on the Heart – Bypass machine
A3. Dr. Plunkett is able to complete the surgery in 30 - 35 minutes

Q4. How long have you been performing this surgical procedure?
A4. For about 15 years.

Q5. How many patients have not made through surgery or have passed away after surgery?
A5. About 10 - 15 % have not made it through due to various complications.

Q6. What are some of the complications?

A6. Ask with any open heart surgery there are many different complications that can occur, the patient not being able to be taken off the heart lung bypass machine, kidney failure, a bleed in the brain, problems with the patient not responding the the redirection of the blood flood with the initial reconstruction of the heart.

Q7. How old is the longest living patient to have survived all 3 procedures?
A7. So far the oldest living patient to undergo all three procedures is 38 years old and he this person is still alive.

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I know in my heart that our little boy is a fighter and a survivor and through god all things are possible to those who believe.

32 Week update

Talk about showing off, our little boy is weighing in @ about 4 pounds and 4 ounces. He is still looking like his daddy, little defined nose and mouth ( in this picture he looks like his it frowning).
He also had big feet, the ultrasound tech measured one of his feet
and it is 2 1/2 inches long, she put BIG FOOT on the ultrasound picture ~ something else he got from Bradley since I have really small feet.

He does have his mommies chubby cheeks. Only 8 weeks left to go and we will get to meet this little boy who loves to kick me when I am trying to get to sleep, but I don't mind it a bit.

Bradley and I were laying in bed the other night chatting and laughing and I guess he liked hearing both of our voices he was kicking like crazy, guess trying to join in on the conversation.

Everything is going good, I will be glad to take off the 2 weeks before our due date to try to get everything ready and together.

Next week will be a busy week, Tuesday we go back to the Pediatric Cardiologist then after our visit get to meet the surgeron who will be performing Colt's surgery and ask him questions, then we visit the High-risk OB doctor that afternoon. I will be sure to post an update then.

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He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.2 Corinthians 1:4, NLTView in context

7 month Update

Our boy is growing; they estimated 3 pounds and 1 ounce. WOW. His heart is still the same; so far it is not any worse which is so wonderful news.

I still pray for a miracle, but I am so thankful for the blessings god has already given us.

I gained a little more than normal this past month and my sugar was above the normal on the glucose screening test so I have to fast again Monday and go back for the 3 hour test. I thought I was starving at yesterday appointment from fasting, Monday will be worse, I am sure I will get a few extra kicks from Colt wanting some food….lol

We follow up with the Pediatric Cardiologist Tuesday April 15th, hopefully we will find out when we get to meet the surgeon and schedule time to take a tour of the birthing center and NIC unit.


Again thanks for the cards, emails, and adding us to prayer lists. Bradley, Colt and I are so very lucky to have supportive friends and family.


God Bless!


You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.Psalm 73:24, NLT


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Good news no gestational diabetes, still need to watch what I eat though :o)