They performed the procedure today starting at 12:30 PM. Here is what they did as much as I can recollect and heard from the doctors.
They first gave Alissa an IV and placed special leg socks on Alissa so that she would not develop blood clots in her legs during the procedure. They then wheeled her away from me and placed her in the operating room. They removed some of the amniotic fluid from her abodomen so that they could turn Maddox so he was facing up towards her belly. They then put her under general anesethesia (however you spell that word) and started the operation.
First they placed a needle in the womb, into Maddox's abdomen and extracted the fluid called hydrops from his abdomen. Hydrops is a sign of heart failure, basically when the blood has no where to go, the body has no place to put the fluid and it develops under the skin and abdomen.
Second, they placed the needle in his chest cavity into his heart with a ballooon and made a hole between two chambers of the heart. They placed a straw like shunt in the hole so that it would not close off and so that blood would be able to pass between the chambers of the heart.
Third, they opened up the Aortic valve so that blood could pass through his heart. They then removed a little more fluid from his abdomen.
They said that during the procedures, his heart began to flutter and was not doing well for a minute or two but without them having to give him anything to help, it came right back and was beating just as well as before. The next hours then days then weeks are critical for our little man and we are so happy that they were able to do everything that they needed to do for him. They said they were shocked that they were able to do everything and said that despite his condition, he was surprisingly strong.
As you can probably understand, I was a wreck. They took her out at 12:30 PM and brought her back in a 3:45 PM. He was operated on from 1:50 PM until 3:00 PM. We may be in the hospital for the next couple days but are happy to have them monitor Alissa and Maddox.
Dr. Wilkins, Dr. Tworetsky, Nurse Donna Morash, and Laurie came in to tell me the news. Dr. Wilkins is a very solemn person and she first started out saying that Alissa was healthy and came out fine. I was waiting for the dreaded "but", but she went on to say that everything went smoothly for Maddox.
We are so grateful for the miracles that have occurred along the way for our little boy Maddox and know that the hand of the Lord is present in all this. Thanks for all your prayers and keep them coming as he is definitely not out of the woods yet. This is a positive step forward and we are so happy for all the support we have received.
Jeff
I am just so happy for you guys right now. I'm glad that Maddox did so well! It sounds like there was quite a lot going on - he must be one tough little guy! Heavenly Father is definetely watching over him.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!
OHHH yeah!!! I am so glad! I have been so touched reading your entries and it helps so much to get things down on paper and out of your head! Oh Heavenly Father DOES hear and answer prayers! He truly does! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo happy for you guys. One tiny step towards recovery. You are being watched over and taken care of and that makes a huge difference. We will keep praying.
ReplyDeleteYAY!! I'm glad things are working out and that baby Maddox has some more time to develop while inside the womb. Alissa, get some rest while you're at the hospital, you deserve it. If you get a chance give me a call and let me know how long you'll be here, and if you're up for visitors at all. Love you guys! You're still in our prayers, always!
ReplyDeleteInstead of being a productive member of society, I sat by my computer all day so I could see updates as soon as you posted! I am so happy to hear that things went well!! Our prayers and thoughts continue to be filled with wishes and love for you all!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what was going on until I saw your post on facebook and then went to your blog. Your entries and faith are inspiring. I know the Lord is watching over your family. I can't imagine what you're going through but having that eternal perspective and the comfort of family, prayers and the Holy Ghost, I'm sure you are making it through. What a miracle!!!! Of course I cried when I read how the hand of the Lord has guided you to this point. We love you and pray for your family and baby Maddox.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the procedure went well for Alissa and Maddox. It must be hard on the husband/daddy too ... You're all in my family's prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you guys. I am glad that everything went well, your blessing is coming to pass, and the doctors were inspired! It is good to hear that both Alissa and Maddox are doing well. We hope that continues!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear Maddox and Alissa are doing well. You guys have a little fighter! Jeff did an awesome job at explaining everything. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteWhat a testimony builder of having faith and developing our talents we have been blessed with. We are so grateful for the inspiration the doctors received from the Lord and for them to spend years developing their skills. We hope Alissa and Maddox continue to do well.
ReplyDeleteDeo Gratias! So glad that things turned out well. I am praying that everything continues to go well until Maddox is ready to make his appearance. Take care, guys!
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad to hear that everything went well. We love the updates from Jeff!
ReplyDeleteThis is just amazing! I am so happy to hear of this very good development!
ReplyDeletethanks so much to jeff for updating! I hope you both get some well deserved rest!
xoxo
Thanks so much for keeping us informed. We are so glad things went well! Our prayers are still with you, Love Ed and Meryn
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely keeping you guys in our prayers. I'm so glad to here the surgery was a success and hope all continues to go well. What a blessing for Maddox to be able to stay longer in the womb and grow stronger. Miracles really do happen!
ReplyDeleteJeff and Alissa,
ReplyDeleteI heard about your sweet Maddox from a mutual LDS friend and wanted to contact you! My baby Grace was one of those 9 patients that Dr. Wilkins-Haag, Dr. Tworetzky, and that wonderful team at CHB operated on in utero. What a blessing that you were able to have this surgery and continue to hope for the best outcome for your son. He already has proven his strong spirit and that miracles will follow him throughout his life!
You are definitely in good hands there. Our in utero surgery was very successful and even newsworthy... Here is one of the articles about our trip to Boston including a photo with all your doctors:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/01/28/a_medical_first_helps_baby_girl_beat_odds/
We actually just moved from Austin, TX to New York. Feel free to contact me if you'd ever like to chat. My email is vanderwerken@msn.com. (Oh, and tell Donna hi from me! Was Ginny your nurse? She's my favorite!)