Emerson was born with multiple heart defects. After initial repairs (Coarctation of his aorta at 3 days old), it was patching a large VSD as well as mitral valve repair that allowed him to survive off a ventilator and come home after first 4 ½ mos of life in ICU. At that time, it was expected he would need another mitral repair around 5 years of age. He has exceeded that time by reaching 11 years of age before now requiring another mitral valve repair.
It is our hope that Dr. Ed Bove can repair his current/own mitral valve. However, we are prepared for a valve transplant requiring a plastic valve if Dr. Bove evaluates his valve while on by pass and feels that is the best option. We trust Emerson’s surgeon to make the best decision based on what his valve looks like when he is in surgery. If/when Dr. Bove chooses to repair Emerson’s valve, it may be days, or a few weeks post-op, before we are able to get a good evaluation if his valve is working well, and can preclude a prosthetic/plastic valve transplant or not.
Emerson is doing awesome and seems to be well prepared for surgery. Having had procedures and surgeries before, he is aware of the routine. A long preop day on Thursday will include chest xrays, ekg, echocardiogram, blood pressure, bloodwork, meeting the team (anesthesia team, cardiology residents/fellow, etc). Emerson has had all these tests prior, and knows what to expect the day of surgery getting IV catheter placed, and the worst part for a kid—no breakfast that morning!
We have been SO BLESSED with the support for Emerson. Hart Middle School has been wonderful, and the team of people there are excellent for our 6th grader! The family at Hugger Elementary has supported Peyton (3rd grade); their love extended for Emerson even after he graduated is amazing. Parishioners at S.S. John and Paul have enjoyed watching Emerson grow to be an alter server, and their prayers continue to help us. Through our divorce, the boys' have had an exceptional therapist who has become their friend and confidant, and helps our family through some difficult times. The veterinary clinics where we work (Mike at VCA , Jen at Lake Orion Veterinary Hospital, North Oaks Animal Hospital, and Animal Emergency Hospitals/Macomb and Flint) are friends/clients who are as close as family to us. In addition, all of us have neighbors, teammates, colleagues, friends and family. With the help of Emerson’s friends at school, family and extended family, and the most wonderful Grandparents (Granny Kaye, Art, Baba Sue, Papa Wes) I have no doubt that Emerson and his little brother are confident and feel loved and secure going through what could be a very difficult and scary time.
We are not overly private, and welcome any questions, phone calls, texts, emails, facebook postings….Feel free to spread the news about Emerson’s surgery, and pray that our son does well, and the team taking care of him makes the best decisions for him.
Thank you for all the caring thoughts, prayers and support! Hugs hugs hugs and as always, ROCK ON!
Good luck Emerson, you are in my thoughts & prayers.
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