We're back on a holding pattern. It was a fantastic and frustrating day all in one.
Max finally had his appointment with the cardiac surgeon. Right before that appointment, he had a CAT scan of his heart for a more accurate measurement of his aorta. It is measuring 4.7-4.8 centimeters. I think a normal aorta measures around 2 centimeters. The American Heart Association recommends aortic repair/valve replacement with the aorta measures 5.0. Because Max's is under that number, the doctor wants to hold off the surgery. He basically said the risk of open heart surgery is greater at this point than the risk of his aorta rupturing . He said only God knows what will happen, but he thinks it would be better to wait until he has to have it done. He wants to rescan in January to see if it has grown. The doctor did go on to say that Max will eventually have to have his valve replaced--it's just a matter of when.
The frustrating part of the visit was that the doctor warned Max about not doing anything strenuous. He has been under these orders for about a month now, and it's been a real challenge. He enjoys lifting heavy things and being self-sufficient. The doctor could see that we were really shaken by this news. We explained that Max is very active and involved at the ranch. The doctor explained that lifting heavy objects will only make his condition worse. Later in the visit, the doctor tried to soothe our frazzled nerves. (He really is a kind man.) He told Max to go ahead and live his life and do what he needs to do. I asked, "Does that mean he can lift hay bales and saddles?" The doctor replied, "Well, he needs to live his life. But, I would never recommend that to a patient in this condition." Ugh and double ugh.
While we are so happy he does not have to have surgery immediately, it was almost one of those things we were ready to have over. God clearly has different plans for Max right now.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and well wishes. As always, we'll keep you posted. 
Have a terrific day!
Trish, thanks so much for watching the pumpkin stand all morning and early afternoon while we were at the doctor. Thanks, also, for picking Grant up from preschool and feeding him lunch! You are so good to us. We love you!
10 comments:
Wow - how can the news be so good and so bad at the same time!?!?! You're right, so frustrating. Marcos is so feeling your pain! It's a good thing you know all those beastly strong women :)
love
limbo...
at least we know this is all part of the plan....
it has already been written.
Pooh. Well, I have to agree with Keri (as I usually do as she's a smart woman), somehow it's still part of God's plan.
God bless Trish. She's the best.
Dan
Ugh! What a confusing and good day. It's good to know that he will not need surgery right away.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Everything will work out, it always does.
I'm thinking about you guys.
Oh dear. So frustrating for you both. And I am sure Max is tired of doing all this emotional growing, and of course he would come through the surgery fine, it is all really a matter of liability. The insurance might not even pay for it since it is under the number, and then if they would and the dr. did the surgery, and something were to happen (but it won't) he would be liable. Or something like that. Of course, we know, "...that in all things God works for the good of those those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28), but it still is so frustrating and difficult to live in limbo. God bless you guys and bring you peace.
Tj
We've lived in limbo a number of times like that. Once for three long years.
It's God's most difficult test, to be sure.
If you haven't done this already, go get Max a spiffy looking Director's Chair and set it up outside where he can direct everyone to do what needs to be done.
Someone can be assigned the prodigious job of handfeeding Max grapes while another can wave a great big fan over his head.
Ahhhh! Such is the life.
Enjoy it while you can, big guy!
~Lisa
Continuing to pray for you all!
You all are so great!! Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement! :)
So sorry this is such a frustrating time for you guys...
even knowing it will work out, it is such a hard wait...
i love laughing orca's director's chair idea - look for yours under a christmas tree near you, stone cold ;)
i concur, trish is awesome - we're lucky to have her, i tell ya
lisa
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