We were packed and ready to go home Sunday morning when we received news that Tripp failed a car seat challenge in the nursery and was being given additional tests before going home. These tests results gave his pediatrician some concerns about his heart rate. She contacted a pediatric cardiologist to run more tests to see if her concerns were something that needed further evaluation. The cardiologist did find abnormalities in his tiny heart and admitted him to the NICU to be monitored. Tripp spent three days in NICU on monitors and constant care. Each day, he was given several EKGs and other tests on his heart to determine what was going on, if it was something he would grow out of or permanent, and what steps to take in treating him. His doctors finally determined that Tripp has Bradycardia and Long QT Syndrome.
Bradycardia is a slower than average heart rate. Most newborns resting heart rate is somewhere around 120 or a little higher. Tripp’s usually does not go above the 90s and sometimes falls into the 60s. This can be a problem because it means oxygen-rich blood is not pumping to through the body fast enough. Long QT Syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beat may beat erratically and takes longer to “recharge” between beats. Both of these things are electrical problems in the heart. His heart is physically correct, however; the wiring that controls it is not. Both of these “conditions” put Tripp at a 75% or higher risk for SIDS. This is an extremely scary thing so he was sent home on a monitor that helps us know when his heart rate and breathing need stimulation. Tripp’s cardiologist and pediatrician are still trying to determine whether this will be transitional or permanent for him. He will continue to have EKGs and follow ups with the cardiologist and possibly be on the monitor for at least 3 months if it is transitional. If it looks like it will be permanent his doctors will consider medication and other treatment. As far as his SIDS risk, all we can do is pray, have faith, and let time tell. His risk is highest until about 3 months and may be almost gone by 6 to 7 months, but worst case senario, his risk could also never go away. The monitor’s purpose is to reduce this risk considerably. Something we hope everyone will understand is that Tripp is not sick or abnormal and his monitor is nothing to be hesitant about. He has “problems” with his heart that will take extra care and attention but otherwise he eats, sleeps, poops like any newborn and is just adorable!
Now for the hard stuff….three days is not long compared to many other sweet babies that are there for weeks or months but I cannot describe how difficult and emotional those three days were for Levi and me. It has been the happiest and most trying times in our lives but we feel blessed that we went through it together instead of coming home and going through something worse. It was such a shock to think our precious son was going home and then within hours told there are serious concerns about his health. As hard as it may be to believe, after the shock we felt a sense of relief that could have only come from the Lord. HE is always in control and saved us from going home not knowing and likely losing our baby. We have always had faith but this has and will continue to test that in ways we never expected and we are so glad to have God with and around us. We know that with Him at our sides everything will be just fine and we will make it through anything.
Levi and I cannot think of the words or a way to thank all our family, friends, community, and the hospital staff/doctors enough for the support and prayers. Just know your being there means and has helped us more than y’all will ever realize. Please continue to pray for sweet Tripp’s progress.
Here's a few pics!
Daddy holding Tripp in NICU
Tripp's NICU space
Finally ready to go home!!!
Just the monitor...Daddy thinks it's funny that it is smaller than Mommy's purses!
