Wednesday, September 21, 2011

*Insert 'fist pump' here!*

Woo hoo!  Do you know how much fun it is to share good news?!

Nate was a stellar patient......until it was his turn!!  Oh man, even if Nate wasn't seen - he was certainly heard!  But we got the job done.

And the report?  His gradient number (the amount of squeeze the band is applying to the artery) jumped from 35 - where we've been sitting at for the last year - to 60!!  That's pretty awesome!  That means the band is finally starting to do some work!  Nate isn't showing any signs of heart failure.  His heart has not enlarged further since our last appointment.  His liver is normal.  How's that for news?

She did a little switch up with one of his meds, decreasing the frequency of his lasix to only once per day. We'll watch and see how he copes with that.

I had done some baking the night before, and brought a platter of some yummies for the staff.  Apparently it was good timing.  When she came in to see us this afternoon, she commented that she hadn't eaten since last night, and it had been a crazy day so far.  So the  cream cheese brownies, indeed, were just what the doctor ordered! Another neat connection - her daughter is at Winkler Bible Camp right now with her school for an outdoor ed retreat.  Kinda neat!

So, I left the appointment feeling pretty pumped up!  Only when I could know with certainty that surgery wasn't imminent, did I realize all the emotions I was holding at bay....not wanting to go there.  We celebrated prairie style....a quick Costco trip with my sister, and a quick supper at Roxy's on the way home.

I'm so thankful for the prayers of so many of you - and I'm so glad I can share this awesome news with you.  It's a good reminder to continue to praise God, even when He is silent...even while we are waiting.



13 comments:

Kristy said...

Carole! That is such awesome news! It is so good to hear some good news! This is totally God! Tears !

Eva said...

I know nothing about the heart but it sounds like great news! Now Lasix and the kidneys I know about. Why is he on Lasix? Is he getting close to the potty training time.. because I was just thinking lasix and potty training would not work well together (since it is a diuretic).

Rachel said...

Fantastic news, Carole! We'lll keep on praying!

Heather said...

So awesome!!! Praise God!!
It was nice bumping into you briefly this morning, and it was a good lead-in to share with T & K about Nate and his history. (they are now very curious about his scar...)
Will keep praying!

Heather said...

And oh yah... love the song! It's been one I've listened to soooo many times!

BK said...

An answered prayer! Thanks for sharing this great news Carole! Praying for you all!
- Bonnie -

Karen said...

Yeah! So glad for you and of course Nate. I understand the feeling of relief. I pray there is more good news in the future.

Brenna said...

Hi Carole!
What great news to hear that his gradient has increased by such a large jump! I will be hoping and praying that he can be spared going through a second banding procedure...and that his gradient continues to get to where it needs to be. So happy for you guys :)

Dinah Elias said...

Ah Carole, I can't even imagine how happy you and Don must be! God has been faithful and will continue to be faithful. Thank you for taking us along on your journey...it is a privilege to pray for your family!

With love
Dinah

Tam said...

Yea! Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.

Carmelle said...

Wow, celebrating with you for this praise report! (PS - bringing delicious snacks along like that for the staff, you must be their favorite appointment by far!)

Rachelle said...

Oh Carole! We need to celebrate! I got tears of joy and thankful reading this. Praise God!

Anonymous said...

THAT is WONDERFUL NEWS Carole!!!!!!!!!!!! So excited to hear this!!!