Natalie had her post-cath follow-up cardiologist appointment with Dr. Brauner this week. Her oxygen saturations were in the low 80's. I was a little surprised, but contributed a little of that to her being not as hydrated as she probably needed to be. We had a long ride into Anchorage the day before and spent the rest of the day shopping. It's hard to keep hydrated when you're busy. I still feel good about where Natalie is at with her energy level and sats now. I looked over some of her doctor's appointments since she turned one and almost all of them she had saturations in the 70's.
We discussed the pros and cons of waiting as long as we can for the Fontan. Without going into detail, lets just say that it was a sobering reminder of the life-long, delicate balancing-act there will be to keep Natalie's little heart functioning at peak performance.
Since she had her big collateral plugged, Natalie has not wanted to take naps. She seems to do pretty well during the day without one. We went for a three mile hike last week and she walked at least a mile and a half of it. I think that's pretty impressive. Of course she took "rests" in the backpack and stroller from time to time, but that didn't dampen her desire to walk and explore. When we got to the lake at the end of the trail, Natalie enjoyed wading in the COLD water. Her color waned a little, but stayed pink for the most part. I've also noticed that her lips don't turn as purple after she eats too.
Post-cath instructions required no strenuous activity for five days afterward. It was hard to keep her down. She wanted to be thrown in the air by her Uncle. She tackled her brother. She jumped off the couch. She wrestled with her sisters. She ran around like a crazy maniac! Other than the bruise on her neck and the bandaids that she insisted be left on her groin for the full five days, no one would have guessed that she had gone through the cath. It was funny how she counted the days until the bandaids could come off and she could "wrestle."
Post-cath instructions required no strenuous activity for five days afterward. It was hard to keep her down. She wanted to be thrown in the air by her Uncle. She tackled her brother. She jumped off the couch. She wrestled with her sisters. She ran around like a crazy maniac! Other than the bruise on her neck and the bandaids that she insisted be left on her groin for the full five days, no one would have guessed that she had gone through the cath. It was funny how she counted the days until the bandaids could come off and she could "wrestle."
(Heidi was the brave one and went all the way in the water.)
(Warming up on the canoe.)
( The river that we crossed three times.)We are so thankful for Natalie's renewed energy and we are pushing the Fontan surgery to the back of our minds for awhile.
So glad the appt. went great! Love these pictures too, breathtaking scenery and that water looks a bit icy! Tough Alaska girls :) enjoy the rest of summer!
ReplyDeleteNatalie looks so good! I am thankful this cath helped her so much and her energy is renewed ... a mile and a half walk - that is impressive!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jenna and i came across your site. Natalie is a courageous, strong and determined fighter. She is a brave warrior, smilen champ and an inspirational hero. i was born with a rare life threatening disease, developmental delays, and 12 other diagnosis. www.miraclechamp.webs.com