"Functional shunt" is my new favorite phrase!

Kelly had a follow up ultrasound this morning and the results are encouraging! The amniotic fluid is still "normal" and the bladder looks to be about 1/3rd the size is has been in the past. Also, the shunt is still in the bladder so they refer to it in medical terms as a "functional shunt," which is our new favorite phrase. The other contenders were "good prognosis," "favorable outlook," and "cautiously optimistic." All things we have liked to hear over the last couple weeks!

The next ultrasound is next Friday (Jan 16th), and this will include another amniotic fluid check and a follow up visit with the pediatric cardiologist. The first visit with him went very well and he found nothing unusual, but he wanted to follow up in six weeks to make sure the little dude is developing normally. We may post more before then, but that is the next time we will get more information on the condition of the baby...

Together Again!

Kelly and the "Little Dude" are back home again, much to the delight of Evan. She is doing well, just tired from the procedure and the trip. The next ultrasound is Friday morning to check the bladder and amniotic fluid level.

Coming Home!

I talked to Kelly very briefly this morning and she is out of the hospital and on her way home! She is feeling good, and the baby came out of it OK too. The baby's AFI (Aminotic Fluid Index) is considered "normal" within the range of 8 - 18, and his is now at 14!! She also mentioned that the doctors were very pleased with the progress up to this morning, and the baby is moving around quite a bit as a result of the additional space.

The plan now is to do the follow up work here in Madison, at her doctor's office and at the Perinatal Center at Meriter. Hopefully this is the last shunt the baby will need!