Hi all,

After a really early start today to be prepped for theatre I’m happy to say that I’m back in my little room having undergone my surgery this morning. Although not out of the woods yet, I can confirm that 4 pedicles in my head have been closed, two in the front and two in the back. The Professor would have liked to have closed 5 today in total, but I started sailing too close to the edge, as I already had 2ml more iodine in me than the recommended 20ml my small little body should have had. Also, as mentioned in my previous blog, the radio-interventionist uses a type of super-glue to close off the fistulas. While trying to reach the 5th pedicle, the super-glue set in the catheter and did not reach its desired destination.

All in all, the procedure was successful, and the team that were in theatre are extremely pleased with their achievements. For my part, I will need to be stabilised over the next 24 to 48 hours as my body flushes itself of all the contrast that was used during the operation. Additionally, my platelets are a little low, which will be brought back into a normal range and the anti-clotting agent will have to dissipate. The most exciting thing is that I will slowly be weaned off the ventilator as the paediatrician determines if my little heart can pump on its own.

The next steps are that I will closely monitored to ensure there are no residual effects from the operation, and most importantly I will undergo an MRI Scan on Sunday or Monday to confirm that the glue in the fistulas are indeed in place and fast. There is no talk of me being moved back to Morningside Medi-Clinic as yet, let alone to go home, so I guess more patience is needed all-round. Furthermore, pending my MRI Scan and my progress over the next few days, weeks and months, I in all probability will have to undergo a similar procedure in 6 months time to close-off the remaining fistulas.

In closing, my thanks goes out to everyone far and near, known and unknown to me and my parents for all your love, support, prayers, and good wishes. I also know that many of you sent me angels, guardians and spirit guides to see me through the procedure, and to guide the hands, thoughts and decisions of the physicians who were in attendance. For this I am eternally grateful to you all.

Lots of love,

Jarrod J

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3 Comments on The Silver Lining

  1. Claire says:

    Oh, this is the best news I’ve had all day! Well done! You’re proving every single day just how strong you are. Please thank your awesome medical team the next time you see them and I’ll say another prayer of thanks on my side.

  2. Gillian Lederer says:

    Dear Lynn, Norwn & Jarrod

    So glad that this is now behind and now you can concentrate on getting stronger so you can go home soon – Lots of fun and games are waiting and the sooner you get started the better.

    Keep the updates coming Norwin.

    Love
    Gillian, Oliver, Ryan and Kirsten

  3. Matt says:

    Way to go big guy. My thoughts, prayers and Angels are always with you. Get strong soon.

    Matt

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