We're new at this blogging thing, but we thought it would be a good way for you to keep up with Jackson especially when he has his surgery. With all that said, Jackson did have a heart catherization March 17. He did really well! They did find 2 things that weren't expected. The first thing they found is called a collateral vessel. This is a vessel that commonly forms in kids with Jackson's kind of circulation due to the higher pressures in his heart. (Remember, they have "rerouted the plumbing" in his heart, so the pressures in his heart are different than ours.) Theses vessels form kind of like branches off of a limb. They are bad for Jackson because they do carry their own blood supply which causes his oxygen levels to drop. They closed this vessel off with 4 occlusive devices. The 2nd thing that they found is that the mitral valve in his heart (this is the valve between the top and bottom half of the heart) is too narrow to compensate for all of the blood that has to pass through. Over time this will cause the pressures in his heart to increase even higher which can cause a whole mess of other problems which we don't need! To fix this problem the doctors will cut out the wall between the 2 top chambers to allow a larger space for the blood to go. This process will be done during his 3rd surgery. We have been reassured by the doctors at MUSC and home that his is not a big deal. This process will take Jackson from a 3 chamber heart to a 2 chamber heart! And finally, DRUMROLL PLEASE...Jackson's surgery is set for May 29, 2009! Please continue to remember us in your prayers. I'll try and update occasionally b/t now and May 29, but we will update at least daily while we are in Charleston. To be continued...Jackson showing off his new bracelet.
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Killin' time
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This picture actually has a funny story to go with it. They gave Jackson some versed before they took him back to help with separation anxiety from us. Needless to say he was DRUNK AS A SKUNK!! Wish we had video of it. Priceless!!
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Over and done with and still SMILIN'!!
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See ya later!
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JACKSON YOU ARE THE BRAVEST LITTLE BOY I KNOW. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND KNOW YOU WILL DO GREAT!!
ReplyDeleteCole likes you pictures Jackson , he said that the mr potatohead picture was at his house.
ReplyDeleteJackson, we love you very very much. Anna especially loves playdays with you the most. She is ready to ride bike again! We can't wait until you are all better!!
ReplyDeleteJackson, I love all your pictures, especially the cowboy one! I'm so glad you did so well with your trip to Charleston March the 17th. We will be praying for you and your Mommy and Daddy. We love you!
ReplyDeleteHey Kristin, Darrin and cutie Jackson! I'll definitely be with you on Jackson's Journey. You are a blessed family with the strongest faith I know. God does have a journey for Jackson and the both of you. I feel honored to be friends with both of you! I know God will be with all of you during the surgery on May 29th. God is always with us. I love you all! Take care. Kristin, let me know if you need to relieve some stress and go walking in the HT. We live so close!
ReplyDeleteI love the "drunk" picture. Just think, our kids will never be able to get away with getting drunk or high when they get older.....we already know what they look like! We'll be praying for you guys! Let's try to get together soon!!
ReplyDeleteJason, Jody and Tillman Chesney
Kristin and Darrin..We will be praying that Jackson's surgery goes well and that he has a speedy recovery. Also, that God provides the patience and comfort needed during this time.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for little Jackson and Mom and Dad too. I enjoyed seeing his pictures..can't believe how much he has grown. I think my favorite is Mr. Potato Head..love the glasses. :) Take care of each other.
ReplyDeleteLove ya'll
Doris Adair
Hey Darrin, Kristin, & Jackson,
ReplyDeleteWe wanted to let you know that we will be praying for all of you!!!
Barry & Donna Russell & Amanda
Kristen everything goes well with jackson. He looks so different from the last i saw him he has grown so much. Your family is in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteLakisha G.
Kristen, Darren and Jackson, you and your families all are in our prayers. I can't believe how much Jackson has grown!
ReplyDeleteHey Buddy
ReplyDeleteMan you are tough!!!! Knowing how tough you are I just know that you are going to do so good. I just showed your pictures to my son who is 4 and we are going to be rooting for you all the way. Yall are in out thoughts and prayers.
PS Jackson - don't forget I want a picture of you in your Easter outfit!!! Love
Amy
WOW Jackson, you have an awesome story and you're only 3 years old. I am a friend of your grandmother (Pam) she and I worked together about 5 1/2 years ago. Jackson you are in my prayers and everytime your name crosses my mind I will pray for you. God has His hand on you and He is using you and your family for His glory. Keep up the good work! We are so thankful to know your grandma and know that she, all of her family and friends are trusting God. With much Love and many prayers,
ReplyDeletePam Whitmore
Hi Cowboy,
ReplyDeleteI love that picture!
Ma-Maw and Kim will be going with you to Charleston when the doctor fixes your heart!
We will keep Mama & Daddy company while the doctor fixes your heart.
We have been talking to God about you. He promises to be with you, mama & daddy.
When you get all better, we will sing some country songs especially Blake Shelton.
Ma-Maw loves you very much and I'm so proud of you!
Charlie Allen
ReplyDeleteSays hello to Jackson and his family and sends prayers and love for the upcoming surgery. May the blessings of the Lord be apparent during and throughout every part of this procedure.
God is good...All the Time!
Charlie
JACKSON,
ReplyDeleteJUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS. WE KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT YOU'LL DO FINE WITH THE SURGERY. YOU'RE A STRONG LITTLE BOY AND GOD IS IN YOUR HEART AND WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOU SAFE.
WITH MUCH LOVE,
LARRY & RUTH