PRELIMINARY CT RESULTS

We drove three hours to Portland yesterday and had Levi's CT scan at OHSU early this morning.  We really wanted to know the results before we got back on the road to Bend, so that we knew there was no emergency.

Not long after the CT was completed, the radiologist came into the recovery room where Levi was beginning to wake up, and was kind enough to give us the preliminary results.  She said she didn't see an aortic dissection, which is wonderful news!  She took another look at the original CT back in June, which she also read back then, and compared it to today's.  She believes it was probably a thrombus (blood clot) that was there before, but that it's since resolved itself.  The doctor pulled up the images and showed them to us too, which was really helpful.  We're so thankful for her taking the time to talk to us and explain everything.

waiting for his turn 

The radiologist is going to study the scans even more, send the results to Levi's cardiologist in Bend, and call her too.  Unless something changes, we expect to hear more about the CT results at Levi's next cardiology/echo appointment on March 15.

One downside about today's appointment was that the doctor had a hard time starting Levi's IV.  The first one worked, but once he was brought into the CT room and the sedative was put in, the IV didn't work.  So, they tried Levi's other arm.  That didn't work either, so they tried his foot and finally got it to work.  Poor Levi was miserable.  We arrived at 6:50 am and didn't leave till 11:00 am and Levi was exhausted by the end of it all.  He slept almost the whole car ride home.

in his cute hospital gown just before IV and sedation

In addition to the good results we had another bright spot in our whirlwind trip.  When we started driving, we still didn't know where we would be staying.  About a half hour into the drive we got a call saying that we weren't able to get into the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) next to OHSU because it was full, but we did get in to the East RMH a few miles away.  Before Levi was born, I didn't really know much about these houses.  They are amazing.  We were warmly welcomed, shown to a beautiful, peaceful room, and had a hot dinner provided by community members.  We had a room at RMH when Levi was first born too.  With all the craziness and emotions surrounding a child with special medical needs, these houses are a such refuge and provide hope and needed rest.  So many families and children are supported by these very special houses.  We are thankful and definitely want to give back to RMH at some point too.

                               

                          Ronald McDonald House East Portland

Our relaxing RMH room

It's really, really good to be home again.  It helped tremendously to know that Noah and Jacob were so well taken care of by our friends while we were away.  Thank you everyone for all of your support and prayers!!!!