Hey everyone! Thanks so much for the continued prayers. I appreciate it so very much! Means a lot to have good folks praying that care about me and my situation. Sorry haven’t been real active lately just busy with the holidays.
Here is the update for the prayer warriors on the outcome of my cardiologist appointment. I feel great, and have been cleared to fish. Sadly, my appointment did not go well. My new pulmonary valve appears to be doing what my previous one did - narrowing most likely because of excess scar tissue production. Doctors believe this is related to my body’s genetics and extremely rare. My pressure gradient has doubled in 6 weeks and now borders the numbers necessary to recommend another valve replacement in the cath lab.
I am devastated to receive this news, but I know God is in control. I am very anxious because I am not sure what this means for a long term fix. Doctors are saying if my pressure gradient gets worse, we will try to place a stented valve in the cath lab. The stented valve should theoretically keep the conduit open. That was the route we were pursuing in September, but my valve had shrank too much to allow safe placement via cath lab. That is what necessitated my second open heart surgery in October of this year.
I ask for prayer that my valve will not get worse and necessitate another intervention. It would be great if my numbers would stay where they are! Please pray if intervention is required, it can be performed in the cath lab successfully so I won’t have to endure a third open heart surgery anytime soon. Please pray for good outcome when I go back for another checkup in 6 weeks on January 31st to reevaluate. Thank you prayer warriors!!
PS - when I get out on the boat and catch some fish you guys will get a full write up. Thanks everyone!!
God bless,
Richard aka Slab Apprentice
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
