Asher at the doctors (again)

Hello again, world.

This was another week with 3 or more doctor’s appointments for Asher. But it was also a week for GREAT NEWS!

1. Orthopedic surgeon (Asher’s thumb): this was our first visit with the folks at UNC hospitals Orthopedic department. Dr. Patterson was nice, but she talked fast! There are so many risk factors for Asher; apparently a missing thumb could indicate a lot of other unseen & underdeveloped bone structures.
   
   BUT, she was very optimistic about what she saw and felt in and around his hand, wrist, and forearm. We still have to keep an eye out for a few things over the next few months, but it looks like at this point we’re only dealing with the thumb.
   
   Speaking of the thumb…they want to wait until Asher is one-year-old to have this surgery. In the meantime we will begin to look over all the reconstructive options and make a decision about what we would like to do to give our little man something to grasp & oppose. (try holding a bottle using only your four fingers)
   
   
2. Cardiologist (Asher’s heart): we go back to Carolina Children's Cardiology to see Dr. Robinson every-other-week. As you may recall, during the last visit they were concerned with what they saw & heard and thought that Asher may not be able to wait until 3 months to have his open heart surgery.
   
   Well, this week there was no change in Asher’s O2 saturation! That means we got 2 weeks of “extra credit” – he was able to grow for this whole time without his heart taking a step back.
   
   Now we are optimistic that Asher can wait until after the beginning of the year to have his surgery, but we know that a lot can change before we return to see the cardiologist in two weeks.
   
   
3. Pediatrician (Asher’s 1 month check-up): Asher went to see his primary care physician, Dr. Mann, for his one-month well check. He weighed in at 7lbs! Everything looks good with his weight gain and other developmental milestones. We were all “ordered” to get flu shots (Brennan picked his up while we were there – Marty has NEVER had one) as Asher will begin a series of special vaccinations called Synagis. This vaccine is for congenital heart patients who would have difficulties fighting off the RSV virus due to their heart / lung deficiencies. 

So, after another marathon week of appointments, babysitters, mileage, exam rooms, and waiting rooms, we are very encouraged. We still have some unknowns, but not nearly as many as 3 weeks ago. The Lord is indeed faithful!