Results of Luke's MRA

Luke had his MRA/MRI today and we were given the unofficial results from the test. The anesthesiologist that did the sedation on Luke during the test said that he has a rare congenital defect called a vascular ring. There are about 5 different types of vascular rings and we don't know for sure yet which one he has but I think he has a right aortic arch. Which basically means one of the vascular arteries that comes off of the aorta splits in a place that it shouldn't and wraps around the esophagus and the trachea then comes back together on the other side constricting both of them. This explains the breathing difficulty he has associated with him eating solid foods. Though this a rare condition, it is correctable and the surgery for it is has been almost 100% successful. While it is a major surgery, it will be done by a cardiologist who would consider it a straight forward procedure. We won't find out the official diagnosis or the specific type of vascular ring he has until tomorrow and we won't get the details until we see the cardiologist after we get the referral tomorrow. So, we will give another update when we get more information.

As for me, I took the news of the surgery much better than I thought I would so your prayers must have worked! Thank you so much for the prayers and support. We are so encouraged by all of the people that are keeping Luke at the top of their prayer list. We have even heard that people in Europe are praying for him!! I know that the Lord has great plans for my little Luke and I am ready to get this problem fixed so we can move on and see what those plans are. Praise the Lord for answers! Thank you again!
Love, Pamela (and Matt)

PS When I went to see our pediatrician after the scan to talk to him, I noticed Luke felt really hot and asked them to take his temp. It was 102.8 and after a little checking around the doctor found that he has another ear infection so please pray that the fever would go away quickly and that he wouldn't have too much pain from the infection. Thanks!