Pre-Fontan Cath Set

Olivia and I were just minding our own business cooking dinner yesterday when the phone rang and I saw that it was the Heart Institute for Children.  A very nice cath nurse was calling to inform me that she understood from our last cardiology appointment that we were supposed to set up the Pre-Fontan cath.  I laughed a bit and  asked if she had it backwards "Wasn't I supposed to call in to get the appointment going?" She explained with spring breaks and doctors schedules, etc they wanted to make sure they could schedule it in such a way that Olivia was the first case of the day - so the big day is set for April 3rd.

For all you heart parents out there, here's the nitty gritty for prep:

• Pre-cath bloodwork will need to be done because we do suspect some ballooning of the LPA will need to be done; and they always keep blood on hand in case of an emergency
• Vaccines (her 2 year round) can be given up to two weeks before the procedure and the Synagis could be given up until the day before
• Meds can be given as usual except for the day of cath, even the aspirin which I was a little surprised about
• No food or milk after midnight, but clear fluids and pedialyte can be given until 5 am; even though our "check-in" is at 6:30
• I explained how Liv has always appeared nauseous after her procedures, throwing up after the Pre-Glenn cath and again after the Glenn and the nurse said that's actually something they're really trying to work on, so fingers crossed
• If all goes well and no ballooning, coiling or stents are needed, Olivia will be discharged the same day
• If any intervention is required then she's got to stay for the night just for observation

As we know more, I'll let you know, but it sounds like the Fontan really is in our near future.