Friday eve

Hi All!
We just got the news..Monday morning surgery.
I have to say, it's pretty scary.
Hearing that your 29 year old son is going into open heart surgury is surreal.
I am glad both Mark and I were still in the room when the doctor came in.
The doctors decided that he will have had 7 days of antibiotics by then.
They feel there is no need to wait.
So, 7 am he goes with them.
8 am they will probably start.
It will take 5 hours or so.
His surgeon, John Schier, is really good.
I told him to get lots of rest this weekend..could I make him dinner? coffee? lol
He says they will try to repair the valves, if possible.
He won't know till they get in there.
If it isn't possible, they will replace both valves.
He is looking at 4 weeks of daily IV antibiotics after surgery.
If the valves are replaces, he will be on multiple meds.
He is young and otherwise healthy, so they are very optimistic.
Your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated right now.
We do feel a sense of their presence.
It's pretty weird-in a good way.
The room he is in now has no restrictions on visitors.
He is enjoying many friends and family.
Mark and I decided to limit to family only on Sunday.
There are an awful lot of people on both sides, and we want him to get rest.
This is really hard, because EVERYONE has been so great.
I promise to update the blog as often as I can.
All for now,
Val

Friday afternoon

Hello All!
It's Friday afternoon.
He was able to read his blog last night.
I can't tell you how much it means to all of us to read the comments.
I know it is hard to NOT know what is going on.
His dad says many have called from AZ.
Adam is so touched by everyone's concern.
Adam was moved to a 'step-down' room last night.
He is so psyched because he has a bathroom!
It even has a window.
His infectious disease specialist asked who he knew to be so hooked up?
He is really doing well.
He is still in no pain.
What a blessing that is!
They have narrowed the infection down and are upping the antibiotics.
It turns out that his initial antibiotic was working too.
I'd say that is another answered prayer, a blessing.
He told his cardiologist that he was feeling better.
He said when the air conditioner went on last night he felt it on his skin.
He didn't realize how long that had been.
Another blessing...
We have had visits from several ministers.
We have had several prayers with Adam.
Each somehow saying the right thing, with the right scripture.
Another blessing..
Adam has had a lot of visitors.
It has been nice for him.
His work friends, family, and church members all make his day.
Another blessing...
I have to think as we get closer to surgery that will be even more important.
I wouldn't want the time to think!
His attitude is amazing.
He told our pastor that he was at peace with this path.
He says he's happy that so many will learn from his symptoms and maybe he can help others in the future.
Wow!
I have to say that is a bit humbling for me.
I, for one, would prefer a bit less learning on my son.
We keep waiting for the surgeon to give us the date and time of the surgery.
I will post as soon as we know..
I want him COVERED in prayer..as I know he will be.
All for now,
Val

I am still alive

Hey guys,
It is so awesome that all of you are commenting and leaving notes. This is the first time I ahve been able to get on and comment. I am using moms log in so that my lazyness doesnt have to create a sign in. I want you all to know these doctors here and these anti biotics are doing a number on my bacteria. I am sure most of you have read moms part about what is going on. Just know I am in great spirits and am at peace with god no matter what he has in store for me. In true Adam fashion I am a medical anomoly and have been told so by many specialists. This journey is one that I truly am excited about my new life. I am going to truly try and be more positive.

Luv ya all

Thursday am. 7-30
Good Morning!
I am hanging out in CCU at St. V's watching Adam sleep.
Watching him sleep is something I've done his whole life.
I remember sitting at his bedside through new teeth, high fevers, tough math tests, girlfriend break-ups and many of life's ups and downs.
I never dreamed I'd be watching him sleep while we wait for open heart surgery!
It's overwhelming, to say the least.
Our day began with the Infectious Disease Specialist.
He is so good!
He actually lives in our neighborhood!
It's funny how these little connections make you feel better.
The new antibiotic they started is more targeted toward his specific infection.
He will need 4 weeks of daily infusions even after therapy.
The good news is the doctors office is close to our house.
He had a really good nurse last night.
It turns out she has had open heart surgery.
They had a nice talk about what he should expect.
Another little connection...another little blessing..
We are waiting to hear a firm day for the surgery.
I will post as soon as we get confirmation.
Prayers are such a gift right now.
I can't possibly keep up with all who care.
Praise God for that number!
Know that we need every individual prayer, we feel them and are looking at a long road of healing.
So, today's requests would be for strength, for patience and for his heart.
We are praying he makes it to surgery without a 'chunk' of that infection breaking off.
They aren't sure where it might go...lungs..brain..fingers...toes..
None are good.
I find myself reacting to every increase in heart rate or drop in oxygen saturation.
When I start to panic- every minute- I try to remember that God is in control.
Giving up control is a tough one for me..
You can see why we both need prayer.
All for now,
Val

Today...

Hello All!
I am hoping this BLOG will make it easier to communicate.
I know Adam would love to hear from you.
It's hard for me to remember who all has called and what they say.
What a gift that is!
The news today was what we had prayed for.
They are looking to put the surgery off until early next week.
We will know the exact day tomorrow.
It is dependant on the cardiac surgeon's schedule.
He is so good! Adam and I both have complete faith in his skills.
Our network (who knew we had a network in cardiology?!) gave him a huge thumbs up.
Our infectious disease specialist (again, who knew?!and super talented) has narrowed this bug down to a rare strain.
I always knew Adam was exceptional!!
He changed the antibiotic this morning and wants to get a 'good load' on board before they open him up.
Between the two of them, he is covered.
His cardiologist- not to be confused with his cardiac surgeon- came by today too.
She was the 'not favorite' today, in that she wouldn't allow him to go to a step- down room.
He asked "if I bat my eyes and flirt, would it help.'
Her answer was a firm no.
That means no bathroom or shower for a while.
At least he is able to get up and around a bit.
His dad arrived today.
I am sure it has been hard for him to be so far away.
Again, prayers are being felt.
We had visits from the hospital clergy today.
He was kind and graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids.
Of course that means he's great..right G-Jan?
Our youth pastor came by too.
He was so good with Adam and his prayers were so helpful.
We'd love continued prayers for strength and peace.
We are beginning to realize the severity of the situation.
It is more than we can take.
Day by day..right?!
Val

Further News

Hello Again!
I am going to try to update daily.
We will see how this goes.
Today was a rough day.
Adam has several wonderful specialists weighing in on his case.
They seem to come in the morning and then order tests.
The infectious disease specialist- who is WONDERFUL!- cam in early.
He was hopeful that Adam could have a few weeks of aggressive antibiotic therapy to try to reduce the infection.
He seemed to feel that would be the best scenario for all.
The cardiology team came and did his esophageal echo.
This was a much better test to measure all of the heart. We were all concerned about the damage the infection had caused.
They also felt this would give a better picture of ALL of the heart.
It did.
Unfortunately, it showed a congenative defect in his aortic valve.
They had uncovered this yesterday, but weren't sure of the extent.
This finding, added to the mitral valve infection, means surgery.
Later today the cardiac surgeon came in.
He is recommending open heart surgery by the end of the week.
He wants to make sure that Adam has the best health when he is operated on, and he is in good health now.
He has had no pain and few symptoms.
Needless to say, we are very scared.
We were so hopeful he'd have some time before such a major surgery.
Adam is hoping to convince his team to delay until Monday.
I will let you know how that goes.
In the meantime, please keep up the prayers.
It is hard for Adam to be treated like an invalid.
He feels pretty good!
In addition, the information he is getting is overwhelming.
He was at work Friday! and just felt tired.
It is hard to go from flu- like to open heart in 48 hours.
Pray for patience and peace for him.
Pray for his medical team.
They are stellar.
They are very aware that Adam is young and has a long life to live.
They are being very conscientious and aggressive.
We love that!
Pray for their continued skill and guidance.
Pray for friends and family.
It is so hard to not know what is going on or what is next.
I can't keep up with it all, and I am here.
Pray for patience and peace.

And, pray for thanksgiving.
We feel covered in prayer.
Adam is getting help in a world renowned facility with amazing doctors.
Friends have visited, brought food, let out the dog and been so supportive.
Others have called for references for doctors and networked to make sure I am asking the right questions to get the best care.
John has been a rock! for both Adam and I.
His medical experience has driven us to ask better questions and push for answers.
He has held me while I cried more times than I can count!
We can't imagine doing this alone.
We are so incredibly thankful for all of this.

So, that's it for today.
I'm gonna sign off to hit it again tomorrow.
Very gratefully,
Val

Adam Update

First I want to thank everyone for their thought and prayers over the past 36 hours. I can feel Adam (and me) covered in prayer. I cannot express how comforting that is in such an unsettling time. He has such great care at St. V's, his admit, his attention from nurses, his doctors, (all of them). He has been a bit of of a test case because of his age and the wide variety of symptoms he has had. There are many specialists who have come to his room to check him out. As my John says, that is a good thing. Many minds focusing on him is a good thing.
Adam's heart tests came back as abnormal. He is currently in CCU and has an infection in at least one of his heart valves. The doctor's have put him on IV antibiotics to try and stall the infection. If they can clear up the infection, it looks as though he will undergo surgery for either valve repair or replacement.
Adam is very sick and very scared. We are thanksful that other than this, Adam is young and healthy. What we need right now is prayer. Prayer for Adam, for his medical team and for me.
I hope this blog makes it easy for me to stay in touch with all of you who care so much, and a place for all of you to be together.
Love,
Val