August 23, 2016
Yesterday was a trying day for your Mom and Dad. We had your appointment in Shiloh at St. Mary’s. After the high risk doctor viewed the sonograms he concluded that you have fluid around your heart and thickened walls. He recommend that we be seen by a specialist at Cardinal Glennon. Your Aunt Jamie came with us for support and to take notes. We saw many specialist including a cardiologist for an ECHO, genetic counselor, social worker, and the Director of Fetal Care Institute. Your current diagnosis is pericardial effusion of unknown etiology.
In summary: The aorta is hard to see. They can see the beginning by can’t see its connection to the heart. We will have another ECHO in four weeks when you are bigger. Hopefully they will be able to see the completion to rule that out. They aren’t sure what the fluid is from. Normally there is around 2 ML around your organs, but you have double that amount. Possible reasons are infection, genetic abnormality, physical abnormality, and unknown. Of course the thickened walls are a concern however the fluid seems to be the main concern. We will be going weekly to have a sonograms to check the status of the fluid. Next week we go back to see the Director again, Dr. Mike. We have the best team working with us. Mommy is doing her best to remain calm and to have faith. I love you so much Jackie.
Aunt Jamie’s Notes
ECHO
Aorta is hard to see
We can see the blood coming out but can’t see it where it connects (cardiac interruption)
Just can’t see tidy bc it’s too small
They can see thickness on the right side
Left side looks okay
Can see fluid – don’t really know
Could be stress related or something else
(mom autoimmune or something)
See them in a month to see how it looks
Rhythm is normal, heart is stressed
This is more than they normally see
Thickness could be stress related also
Right side majority of work
Another ECHO in four weeks
No explanation right now
REGULAR ULTRASOUND
Four possible reasons
Infection, Genetic abnormality, Physical abnormality, Unknown
Scans every week to see if aorta has full connection to heart
We love you Jackie!
#ourjackofhearts