Only about 7 more weeks to go until Cassiana will be here.  I now go to the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics weekly to ensure that Cassiana is not showing any signs of distress.  At the end of this month my weekly appointments will include me being checked for signs of dilation and if I am dilated at 2 or more I will be kept in the hospital.  Currently, the plan is to induce me around 39 weeks (around June 21).

 

Cassiana's diagnosis is Double Outlet Right Ventricle with both great vessels arising from the right ventricle and probable subpulmonary stenosis. Mitral valve atresia with hypoplastic left ventricle and mild to moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation. 

The timing of the first surgery will depend on the ratio of systemic to pulmonary blood flow. This can not be determined until after delivery. Should Cassiana have severe tricuspid valve regurgitation it could greatly impact the outcome of the single ventricle repair and she would need to be considered for a heart transplant. The determination for the best course of action will be decided after she is delivered and they are better able to examine her.