Joshua's New Pulmonologist

We had our first appointment with our new pulmonologist here in Jax last week. It was a good appointment and we love our new doctor. (The insurance change forced doctor changes with two of his doctors.)

He was very easy to converse with and patient with my many, many questions. He was quite impressed with the notebook we've compiled of Joshua's medical records. You would be too if you could see it. It's quite impressive with it's many dividers for each department. Cardio, Pulmonology, Pulmonary Function Studies, Doctor Notes, Medical Records... you get the picture.

He took our "book" out of the office to go over each page and have his office make a copy of the entire thing! It was very scary to see that book leave our presence. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into that thing and I don't like it out of my grip. Unless it's in Heather's grip, and then it's okay, since her blood, sweat and tears are in that thing also!!! Thank you Heather so so so so so much for all you've done to help us!!!!! You're the best!

Back to the appointment... the kind, patient doctor went over everything with us. He is familiar with the doctor who will be doing the heart cath in Gainesville. It was just another confirmation of how wonderful this doctor is going to be.

I was slightly concerned when he said that heart failure can be a side affect of the heart cath. He explained how he thinks the procedure will go. He thinks they will try to occlude the PDA temporarily, then waiting and watching what the heart does. If he starts into heart failure, they will not occlude the PDA. At that point we will have to work on improving the pulmonary hypertension (PH) before trying to occlude the PDA. If the heart responds well to the occlusion, they will hopefully be able to repair the PDA.

Oh, and he is not really convinced there is a PDA. Now in his defense, he has not seen the pictures of it, just the report. He says this is just so rarely seen in adults, that he has a hard time believing it's really there. Little does he know how Joshua has never fit the "norm" so to speak. It's going to be amazing how much they are going to learn from our son!!

I asked if it's still a good idea to go ahead with the cath and he said a definite yes. The cath will show us 100% the levels of the PH as well as any concerns in the ventricles and arteries.

Thank you for your prayers and for so many offers of help extended to our family. We are very humbled by your love. Thank you.

Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord."