Jorden's Latest Surgery

In September of 2004 we had planned on spending 6 months in Mexico, and had driven there with a stop in Florida at Walt Disney World (read about our trip in our online trip journal). Three and a half months into our trip while in Mexico, we noticed Jorden started showing some signs that worried us. He was getting more and more tired out, unable to walk far, showing some tinges of blue in his skin, and complaining of chest pain. I was also having some health difficulties, so we decided to head home early to check in with the doctors.

When we got back and checked in, we found out Jorden was actually in heart failure, an actually broad term that means his heart was not working to full potential. They scheduled us for an MRI and a stress test, and told us they'd have him in for surgery in the next two months. They were sure they would have to replace his pulmonary valve this time as it was no longer functioning optimally. His pulmonary artery was also considerably more constricted and blood flow to his lungs was impaired as well by the obstruction below the valve that would need to be removed.

We came back to Children's Hospital three weeks later for the MRI and cardio-pulmonary test. Jorden had to have a general anesthesia for the MRI as he would have to lie perfectly still for up to three hours.

Here we are arriving and following the hearts to the Children's Heart Centre:

Then he had to get his height and weight done:

Jorden wanted to take a picture of mom:

Then Jorden gets wired for his workout (stress test):

Almost set to go on the bike, just have to get the awful oxygen helmet on:

Here's the helmet, the mouthpiece was way too big for his little mouth, and it was mighty uncomfortable. He was a great sport about it and tried to keep it on as long as he could, but when I saw him really crying under all that while he was pedalling away, I asked them to take it off. It was just way too much for him. So they finished the test without the helmet part.

Afterwards we had some time to kill before the MRI, so Jorden played some video games in the waiting room.

Soon it was time to head for the chest xray. first we had to check with Jorden and make sure he wasn't pregnant (ha ha)

Next it was MRI time!

Dad, Jorden and Spongebob wait for the the MRI:

Jorden blows bubbles while they put in the IV to help him go to sleep and he hardly notices. Within a few seconds he is asleep and I kiss him goodbye. We will meet him in a few hours in the recovery area.

When we get into the recovery area three hours later, Jorden is already enjoying a popsicle. He is groggy, but already hungry and wanting to go home and eat!

Within an hour we are able to wheel him out and head home.

Now we just have to wait for them to call us with a surgery date...so we wait.