Today during morning rounds I was told that Ava would get a head ultrasound to investigate the reason for some heart rate drops and a slightly increased head circumference. the attending also mentioned that during her 1 month ultrasound, they'd noted that some ventricles were enlarged, but were still in the range of normal. Sadly, they discovered that the ventricles in question have doubled in size in the past 3 weeks and Ava has moderate hydrocephalus. I had left for the day when the report came back, but Matt was able to be in the room to talk in-depth with the pediatric neurologist (a colleague of his) and then we both spoke with the neurosurgeon this evening. We'll know more after the MRI tomorrow, but it is probable that she will need surgery to have a shunt placed to protect her brain development. That could happen as soon as next week. Praise God that babies skulls aren't fused, so there's room for her brain to expand a bit and this will not have to be an emergency surgery.
Obviously this is very difficult news and we'd appreciate your prayers for Ava's protection and for Matt & I as we process this and need to make some pretty big decisions soon. With all the developments in Elizabeth's health, there's a lot going on here at the moment.
I'll post an update when we know more.
Love,
Sara
2 comments:
Sara,
I found your blog and have been praying for your little Ava these last few days. I also have a preemie baby who weighed 2 lb. 12.8 oz. who is now a whopping 6+lb. at four months :)
I pray God will comfort you during these difficult days and continue to show you grace for each moment.
Blessings,
Kristi
sarah, we are praying!!!
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