Preliminary results

Olivia handled the cath lab like an old pro. It took quite a bit longer than expected, but they were able to get some good information. Dr. Shah was going to punch some numbers and discuss all of his findings with the cardiac surgeons on Monday morning. We are then going to have a family meeting in the afternoon and make some plans.
The basic results are that this is all her pulmonary hypertension. It was kind of disappointing to hear this, because we always hoped she had secondary pulmonary hypertension (related to her heart) instead of primary pulmonary hypertension. In other words, she has heart disease and lung disease - neither caused by the other, but two separate issues.
Dr. Shah was going to consult with some doctors in Chicago and New York that deal specifically with pulmonary hypertension and see if they have any other suggestions. Otherwise, just trying to manage with medication and praying that she is able to wean down on the Nitric Oxide and Flolan. Those are two medications that cannot be administered without a ventilator.
So, until Monday, we won't know much more, although the attending physician this weekend specializes in pulmonology in Chicago. I may just have to pick his brain=o)