Needs the Clip

Well - despite some initial progress it looks like Gus is going to need the surgery to correct his PDA. We are still waiting for the official results from the cardiologist, so there is an outside chance that the technician missed the diagnosis. The valve that needs to close in his heart has not responded 100% to the medication he was on. If he does indeed need the surgery they will go into his chest cavity underneath his left arm and insert the clip on the duct to prevent backflow of blood. While we had hoped the medication would work this will still be a good step forward for Gus. With the duct closed he can begin to feed on milk and move on in other ways. The attending doctor told me he has seen 1000s of these surgeries with very few complications. Gus will have some treatments after the surgery to ensure his blood pressure is good and that he is healing. We don't have a time for surgery but it looks like it will take place on Tuesday, March 7.

Hang in there with us - obviously we are disappointed that he needs surgery and a bit worried for the big guy - this isn't the direction we wanted his PDA to go...

Blessings,
Gregg