Ryder's Diagnosis

        The last visit we had with our pediatrician was in January when Ryder and Rowe had bad coughs. Dr. Susan Averitt noticed that Ryder's blood pressure was abnormally high. They took several times and no change. Dr. Averitt asked for us to come back in a week to check it again. The next week weather was bad so we did not get to go in. That next week Dr. Susan called me and said I really want to see Ryder back and check that blood pressure. The next day we went in and it was really high, so the nurse checked his pressures in his legs and it was really low. Me, knowing nothing in the medical field thought how well that is great at least it is low in his legs. This was not a good sign to the Doctor. She called me in 10 minutes and said, Ryder is scheduled for an Echocardiogram tomorrow at Children's in Lowell.
      On February 13, 2014 after and Echo read by a Cardiologist at ACH in Little Rock Ryder was diagnosed with a Coarctation of the Aorta. Basically, it is a narrowing of the Aorta. Ryder's is very severe and almost 100% blocked. We were scheduled to meet Cardiologists at ACH in Little Rock the next day. The Cardiologist at Children's said he needed surgery immediately. He wanted to schedule the surgery for the next week but the operating rooms were full. Ryder will go in at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26th to have surgery. They are able to go in under his left arm to perform the surgery. I was relieved they would not have to go through the chest, but the doctors say under the arm is much more painful. February 14th will be a day I will never forget, my heart was heavy that day but Proud at the same time. If this diagnosis goes untreated it can be fatal as early as the age of 18. Dr. Susan Averitt has saved our child's life. According to the Doctors after this surgery is done Ryder will be able to lead a normal, healthy life. PRAISE GOD!!! We know God's hand is in this and he will see healing to our Precious Son! I ask you all to pray for Ryder, Our Family, The Doctor's and Nurse's at ACH. I will be posting many updates on this blog throughout surgery and the days ahead. Remember, Give Thanks to the Lord, For He is Good!!!

                                                                                                                       Casey

                      "For I will restore you to health and heal your wounds."  Jeremiah 30:17