Great Are Your Wonders: Charlotte's First Cardiologist Appointment

We took C to the cardiologist today for the first time. We had been to the office before when we first recieved word that we might be matched with a second child. Our social worker wasn't sure she was going to allow the file to be released to us for many reasons and there were so many unknowns about C at the time because we had never seen her file. It was after our meeting with the cardiologist that we sat in the parking lot, looked at each other and held hands and promised C that if her file was released to us that we would love her forever, no matter what the medical outcome. A very sweet memory...

I wasn't nervous about the appointment, as I was pretty sure that they wouldn't be taking any blood from C and she seemed so normal and healthy (I would never know she had a repaired CHD if no one told me). Nonetheless, we had some questions and concerns and it is good just to know. Since day one I have been able to "feel" her heartbeat, and it has always felt a little strange - not a strong, clear, single beat, but more of a prolonged "squish", if you will.

I didn't tell C until the morning of the appointment because I didn't want to cause her extra anxiety since she now knows the sign and word for doctor. She'd had a big meltdown over some simple sorting we were doing with counting bears the night before, so I thought it best not to add to it.

C was nervous when I told and signed that, "Papa, Mama, Charlotte and Flora Lin are going to see Charlotte's doctor. Mama, Charlotte and Flora Lin will go in Mama's car to Charlotte's doctor. Papa will go in Papa's truck to Charlotte's doctor. Charlotte's doctor is going to look at your scar." We talked about it most of the way there when we were not talking about the BIG TRUCKS on the road that they are so fascinated with!

Our appointment didn't seem to have much of a wait and they kept us moving from station to station so the girls never got bored (FL was slightly miffed that her blood pressure didn't get taken). They took C's blood pressure from her arm and from her leg (which the girls reenacted with their doctor playset at home, unprompted by me - families of children with special needs: get a doctor kit! This has helped the girls process their appointments so much! We save the kit for "now and then" use so it stays special.), took her height and weight (she's up another half pound from last week!!!), etc. After that, C said and signed, "All done, doctor!" and of course we told her there was more. They took us to a room with the sweetest tech - they told C they were taking pictures of her heart and needed to put stickers and clips on her. She made it lighthearted and fun, and even blew bubbles for C. C, who can be dramatic, even laughed a few times! Such a brave girl and such an awesome xray tech!

After that, we met with the nurse, answered a few questions and then the doctor came in and took us back to do an ultrasound of C's heart. C had to take her dress off and the room was dark (though there was a TV with children's shows on) and she got very scared when we put her on the table and though compliant, began to cry. I was able to calm her down after diverting her attention and she did very, very well. I know that has to be so scary for a little one who has had SO much happen in the last month or so of her life. I was proud of her.

Not long after the ultrasound, the doctor came in to talk to us. He explained the heart condition again and told us that even the scar from her surgery was better than they used to be a few years ago (he said her scar looked very "modern") and the surgery looked to be very successful. The patch between the chambers looked very good and was doing its job. The right side of her heart was not enlarged, which you might normally see, so that also was very positive news! He did say that while the pulmonary artery was narrowed, it was not so narrow that the heart couldn't keep up. And her was the most shocking news of all: We have all along thought it was a given that C would have open heart surgery again as a teenager to keep up with the growth in her body. The doctor told us that SHE MIGHT NOT EVER NEED SURGERY AT ALL. EVER AGAIN!!!!!

While there is no guarantee for that, we are so excited! We have to wait and pray that her pulmonary artery grows along with her body (please pray with us!) until she is fully grown. Even then, she may only have to have the pulmonary artery stretched! We were prepared for a full open heart surgery and valve replacements every few years! This was such great news to us all - we are so thankful that God has blessed our daughter in this way and heard our continued prayers for good health. We are so thankful for the orphanage director that cares so mcuh for children that he puts as many children as possible in foster homes and investigates them regularly! We prayed that our child's needs would be met - He answered! We are so thankful for her foster family for loving C so completely and giving her their best. God answered our prayers that our child would be given love!

So today is a great day - a great day remembering God calling us to this child, and though afraid, Him giving us the strength to step out in faith and pursue her whatever the cost. Today is a great day, because our daughter can lead a fairly normal life with a healthy lifestyle!!! Today we are blessed!

We could have said no - there was A LOT of pressure from so many for us to turn away from this special little girl, but here we are! : ) So thankful! (and no counting bear sorting meltdowns tonight!)

Don't stop praying for our little Lottie Pie, though. That artery needs to grow with her body and there are still some lab results that we are waiting for. We are NOT afraid, but we want the very best for our daughters who have been through too much already. If you would, stop and pray for her at least yearly. Her birthday is in the month of hearts and love, February. When you see those hearts and roses, will you pray for our sweet girl? We so appreciate your love and support!