Success!

“Doctor, French Fries.” Was the promise we made yesterday as we took Noah to all the pre-op appintments and tests required before surgery today. But in reality, it was more like, “Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, French Fries, Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, Doctor, swimming pool, park.” I am thankful for the thouroughness of Mayo and his doctors, but wow. It was gruelling.

Through these appointments we discovered Noah has a LEFT ascending aorta. Look up the anatomy of an aorta, it always arches to the right. We discovered Noah hates the covid test the most. The lady made his nose bleed, and the result was of course negative. We discovered Noah is creeped out by wires. The ECG was a big deal, but the tech was patient, and eventually he cooperated.

He swam, played at the park, and slept with Mom and Dad for part of the night. At the end of the day, he cozied into the hotel pillow and said “sleep happy.” It was a perfect ending to a trial- filled day.

6:30 am we reported (a little late) for his surgery. Woody and Noah were rolled into the OR at 8am, and we didn’t see him again until almost 3. It went as planned, and that artery is moved to it’s proper spot. The surgeon said the diameter of his ribcage was small, and caused additional reason for the artery to press on his esophagus and trachea. We are relieved.

Praise God with us presenting us with this plan!! This is the start of an easier time eating and breathing, and should help him be more independent as he grows up.

Recovery is going to be rough. He is waking for a few minutes at a time to be sad and try to pull out tubes, but otherwise is sleeping. Pray often for his comfort, especially these first few nights.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The greatest healing comes from our creator. He does all things well. Noah has rolled the dice, and won against odds over and over. Only by the grace of God is Noah alive (and truly any of us!) This moment is a gift. Praise God.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91:11-12