Thursday, June 7, 2007

We just returned from an appointment with one of Gavin's cardiologists. He gave us terrific news! He said that, according to the report of the echo that was done last week on Gavin in Ann Arbor, there have been improvements. The leak from Gavin's mitral valve is less than it was before! Also, the pulmonary pressures that had been 'sky high' are much, much lower! He said with this data we may be able to get Gavin off oxygen in the next month or two! He was also able to take him off one of his medications! One down and too many to go, but at least we are headed in the right direction! The doctor was very pleased with how Gavin looked and just kept smiling! Yay! This is all wonderful news, but keep praying because as you know, Gavin likes to pull surprises on us!

The doctor cleared Gavin for surgery next week and feels there is no reason that things shouldn't go great! The doctor we saw today isn't his normal cardiologist, but he's seen him several times while Gavin was hospitalized. I saw him when we had our appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday. Their offices are in the same building. Anyway, when we ran into him he recognized me and called me by my name. Considering that he isn't even Gavin's normal doctor, I thought, "Wow, he must have a great memory. Either that or it's a bad sign that Gavin and I are just too well known with all the doctors." I asked him today and he laughed saying "Yeah, some patients and their families just have a way of staying in your head." Unfortunately in our case it's because Gavin has been talked about A LOT with all the health professionals! Oh well, at least we know that they know a lot about Gavin and are doing their best to take care of him.
He also said that by the way Gavin is looking now, after this next surgery, we shouldn't have to be looking for anything else on the horizon for some time. This would be wonderful!

Hope this great news brightens your day a little like it has definately done for mine! Thanks for your continued prayers! We are so blessed with having you in our lives! God is Good!

Love, Alicia and Family

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

PRAISE THE LORD! What fantastic news. I think once our boy is taken off the anti-seizure medication he will be a lot more like his old good natured, smiley self! I pray that is the case. Looking forward to a successful surgery on Tuesday, and a better life for our darling boy! THANK YOU GOD! Hang in there Alicia...I'm praying things get much easier for you very soon! I love you all very much.

Mom/Grandma

Annette Gysen said...

What wonderful news! We have much to be thankful for.

I'm so looking forward to seeing Gavin running around at church sometime in the not too distant future. I know he has some more challenges to overcome before that can happen, but it sounds like he is definitely headed in the right direction.

Praying for a good outcome next week!

Love,
Annette

Anonymous said...

Another reason to praise our Awesome God! You just brightened my DAY! Gavin and your family are in my thoughts and prayers so often. Hope all continues to go in this direction for a LONG time to come. Just remember that Gavin is a special one of a kind guy, that is why he is rememered so well. I used to feel the same way when they would recognize me at our hospital and dr. so often during my pregnancies, but we really recieved better care because of it too. Hope the boys are getting used to being home now too. We are slowly adjuting to having everyone home all the time again too. Sonja is not sure about all this activity all the time either. Thanks for sharing your wonderful PRAISE NEWS. KEEP IT UP GAVIN! Once you have this next surgery behind you, I hope we can have your family out to the farm for a cookout. :) patt

Amy said...

Thank God!! I was so happy to read this news that you made me cry! YAY!!!!!!!! Of course, since I think Gavin is a force to be reckoned with, this doesn't surprise me as much as it probably should. Gavin is a superstar! Hmm...I think maybe I should make him a t-shirt that says that! ;o)

Congrats on this amazingly good news, and way to go for helping him get to this point! You've done just as much, if not more, for his well-being as the surgeon's have. (((HUGS))) I'm SO proud!

Love,

Aunt Amy

Anonymous said...

Alicia - how wonderful to receive such good news! Love,
Carol Brink

Inspired said...

That is great news!!! We are happy to hear his surgery will go on as scheduled so he will be more comfortable. You needed this good news after the week you've had! Take care and as always, let us know if you need anything.
Love,
Julie & Rena

Anonymous said...

Yahoo!!!! Praise God!!! I'm thinking that one of the reason's this (your) particular family has stuck in the doctor's head is because of you faith and your love for Gavin!! You guys truly are an inspiration!!
Love you!!
nicole

Anonymous said...

That is awesome news Alicia. God has said he will never give you more than you handle and even though I havent understood Gods plan at times I do believe that. We will continue to pray for Gavin and your family. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Love you all lots-
Ryan and April Ruehs

Anonymous said...

praise God for good news!!!!!!!! Praying all goes well!!! the little vinster has got lots of determination. Now, about your boys :-) makes me laugh!!! brings back memories. hey, boys always pee out side, i mean how easy is that??? don't have to run into the house, which could be quite a ways away, lots of trees in your back yard. oh yes, my boys did too and we lived in a neighborhood with houses all around. i come from a family of brothers, lived on a farm, and they would do that too. I thought it not fair that i always had to head for the house. ah well, enjoy, soon there will be a fourth doing the same :-)
Hugs and Kisses to Gavin ( and the rest of that rowdy bunch :-)
Aunt Lori