Monday, May 16, 2011

MRI update- amen and amen!

Last Friday, Everett had an MRI at CHOP. It was a follow-up to his 12 month cardiologist appointment. If you don't know why Everett goes to the cardiologist- read this blog post from last summer. Long story short, Everett was born with a heart murmur which we came to find out is a heart condition called aortic valve stenosis (a narrowed heart valve) and a ballooned artery past that valve. Our doctor wanted to see a more definitive picture of Everett's heart and specifically that ballooned artery. He was concerned because during Everett's 12 month echo that section of the artery was measuring at 20mm and 15mm is the normal measurement. We got a call from our doctor tonight with amazing, prayer answering news. He said that the MRI gave information that he couldn't be happier about. The news is twofold: Everett's narrow valve (aortic stenosis) is operating at 90-95% which is great news! Secondly, remember I said the echo  measured the artery at 20mm? Well the MRI measured that same ballooned artery at 16mm!!! The difference of 4mm in a tiny little heart is immense! Our doctor was SO happy with the MRI results and told us that the difference between Everett's artery and a normal artery is so slim, that he isn't even sure that the original diagnosis of the ballooned artery is correct.  Typically, in children with Everett's valve condition, the artery is enlarged for a time, so Everett's artery appears to be relatively normal, which is what prompted the doctor to tell us that Everett may grow out of the ballooned artery!

I know that's a lot of medical terminology and information, but bottom line, we got the best report possible, other than hearing that he is completely healed! Everett doesn't need to go back to the cardiologist until next summer. Our doctor is really positive about Everett's diagnosis and we are just beyond thankful that the Lord continues to heal Everett. We are so in awe of the way that the Lord answers prayer and hears our cries. Thank you Lord for faithfully walking beside us in all of this.
Amen and Amen!

5 comments:

Katie @ Loves of Life said...

So grateful your sweet guy is a-ok :)

The Life of Susan said...

praise God for a good report! rejoicing with you all :)

- Priya - said...

Awesome! Great news! :)

Unknown said...

Yeah Everett!! That is such an incredible answer to prayer!!!!!

h. no. said...

Amen and amen!