At my 38 week appointment, I had an ultrasound done to measure the size of Jemma. They wanted to see how big she would be, and if induction was needed. She ended up only be 8 pounds 6 ounces, but I am so glad they induced me early!
The ultrasound technician didn't act like she found any problems during the ultrasound, but looking back, she spent a lot of time looking at Jemma's heart. I went to visit my physician later that week, and in the casual way that he presents things, he said, "Oh, and they found an abnormality in her heart." When further questioned, he didn't know what it was named, and he could only semi-explain what it was. I was confused, and I couldn't even research to see what it was. I left in semi-panic.
I was able to pull together my thoughts and feelings on the way home and once home, tell Scott about the appointment. (He stayed home with the kids.) At that point, I felt such incredible peace. However, we soon switched roles, and Scott was extremely worried for about 24 hours. After prayer, we both felt really at peace, and we didn't feel the need to be concerned. In blessings, I was reassured repeatedly that Jemma was healthy and to be at peace.
Just as a precaution, we were told that Jemma would need an echo cardiogram after she was born. Our hospital wasn't equipped for tiny infants, so we needed to travel north for that appointment.
Jemma was born. Her heart rate through labor was steady. As I was pushing her out, her heart rate did dip dangerously low, and so we made sure she came out rather quickly. She was born, and after the doctor and respiratory therapist looking her over, they determined she had an APGAR score of a 9 or 10. Practically perfect. (Not the typical score of someone with a heart problem.)
However, we scheduled the appointment with a pediatric cardiologist in Provo. He was going out of town with his family the week after Jemma was born. He wouldn't be in the office until she was 3 weeks old. He looked at her ultrasounds, and he didn't think we needed immediate attention. So, we waited.
Waiting bites.
Our families prayed. We prayed. Everyone in our little family prayed for Jemma's heart. We never felt worried or concerned. Both of our parents even commented to us that they didn't feel like anything was wrong. It was difficult not to know for certain, though. Perhaps I need more faith.
We went this last week to the pediatric cardiologist. We learned that they were concerned she had a thickened Trabecular Valve on the right side of her heart. The valves on the left side are thickened, but the right side is supposed to be smooth. We learned that this is a very rare heart defect, and it effects only a handful of infants.
Jemma went through a heart rate monitor and an ECHO cardiogram. She was calm (with the help of a bottle and pacifier), but it's not fun having all those stickers stuck to your skin. (One test had 13 stickers involved!) She was exhausted after the visit, and she collapsed on the way home.
After several hours at the specialist, it was determined that nothing was wrong. Jemma has a perfect heart! After a long three weeks, I am so extremely grateful for answered prayers. For the spirit that provides reassurance. For peace. For strength in family prayer. For Jemma and her sweet spirit.
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