Just a little update on my daughter for those who often ask. She had a cardiology appointment on Thursday where they did her routine echocardiogram and another procedure I forget what is. Basically, they record her pulse rates through her body for a minute in one and the second she lays down and they look at the way the heart is working with a sonogram like machine. It was really clear this time. We could see everything and so could they.
They had hoped to get Kim in for another surgery around 10, she’s 8. But they can clearly see that her aortic valve (I think.. Checked a diagram and it looks like the right one) is not working properly. Only one flap of the valve is opening and the other one is stiff. They think it’s calcified. So they’re going to need to fix it.
At first, we thought we were going to end up going in for surgery sometime in April due to the urgency, but they came back and would like her to gain five pounds in the next four months so they can replace the valve without surgery. They’ll go in and do surgery through her veins. 
Really high tech and much less invasive than an actual surgery… and only involves an overnight stay.
So now, we’re looking at this happening in the summer, likely just after Kim’s birthday if she gets the four extra pounds on by then. I’ll likely be trying to raise some extra revenue right before her birthday to get her a Kindle Fire 2 to distract her. Not a concern now. She loves tablets, but obviously isn’t going to have Daddy’s work ipad on a daily basis. Figure it’ll make a great all in one birthday present that she’ll appreciate.
Following that.. I get to worry about a bill I have no choice in whether we have or not. :/ (Added note: I tend to expect the worst, even though it shouldn’t be that bad. Just don’t like additional bills when I’m in the: Do NOT spend money on anything mode.
- Tiff
It’s your choice, but perhaps if you’re worried about paying bills, Kim could read books from the library instead of buying an expensive device for her? I don’t say this in a critical way. Just thought I’d mention it in case it hadn’t occurred to you.
More of a family thing as well, since she’s not allowed unrestricted access to electronics, plus the free books, music, games and ability to communicate with family easily. Unfortunately the hand me down laptop of mine she’s been using for 4 years finally died a few months ago. In this day and age, kids actually need a computer and I’m not buying her a new laptop to replace it.
(She actually gets extra credit for projects and tests done online right now.) So I want to get her the one thing she wants since I’ve spent the last two years telling her no, can’t afford a $600 ipad and you wouldn’t get one if I could. 
$200 isn’t expensive when any given handheld is running $180-$300 and games are $30 or more.
And now, it’s a non issue and I apparently will have a very happy little girl who is getting a tablet that’s mostly hers before I get one.
(I’m taking it when she’s in bed. I keep catching her up at 5am in the morning playing with whatever she can reach.)
Huh? What happened to my comment??
Odd.. I replied and it’s gone as well. 0.o I saw your comment though, it may’ve went when I deleted the post that updated early. Sorry about that.
It’s wonderful that you guys were able to wait until essentially medical technology picked up enough to make the procedure so much easier <3
I'm really impressed with where we're going medically, and I'm super happy it should be easy for your daughter.
Also, to the person mentioning library books, I buy tons of used books, and wind up with another issue… SPACE! I have to go out and buy a new bookshelf just for the piles of books I've collected x3 I'll probably re-donate them later.
Yes.. the space thing is another issue. We have a LOT of books we bought used and while going to the library is something we already do, it’s been too easy for books to get misplaced among the hundreds of books she already has. I want to cull and have most of them be digital now, except my very favorite ones and hers.
I’m glad to hear she’s got an option for an easier, safer surgery.
I hope the recovery (and the bill paying
go smoothly!