Isabel's Heart

About six weeks ago I took Isabel to have a physical done, as required by the preschool she will be attending this fall.  During the physical, our new pediatrician asked me if anyone had ever told me that Isabel had a heart murmur.  We have been to 3 different pediatricians and a visit to the ER  in Isabel's 4 going on 5 years of life and not one doctor has ever mentioned it.   We were refered to a pediatric cardiologist to get it checked out.  Well, I am so thankful to Dr. Lacar for being proactive.  After visiting the cardiologist last week, it turns out Isabel has a heart defect known as PDA, patent ductus arteriosis.  She has an open ductus arteriosis that should have closed by 72 hours after birth.  It is open and is allowing her heart to recirculate blood into her lungs, putting extra pressure on her lungs and heart.  The cardiologist says the opening is of moderate size and one of her heart chambers is enlarged.  He recommended surgery as soon as possible.  I do worry about the risks, but as the doctor informed us - leaving this condition untreated can lead to heart failure.  That is a risk we are not willing to take.  So we will be traveling to Corpus Christi and she will have the operation at Driscoll Children's Hospital.  Thankfully, they will go from her leg and conduct the surgery via a cathether, to repair and seal her ductus arteriosis.  We will keep everyone updated about the date.  Please keep Isabel in your prayers.