Day 7

Bacterial endocarditis is a bacterial infection of the inner layer of the heart or the heart valves. The heart has 4 valves. These valves help the blood flow through the heart and lungs and out to the body. 

In layman's terms Isaiah caught a bacterial infection that planted itself in one or more of his heart valves causing it to grow there. Here is a bit of an explanation. 

When a person has bacterial endocarditis, these valves may not work correctly. This can force the heart to work harder to get blood out to the body. Sometimes the heart can’t pump out enough blood. Bacterial endocarditis is a serious condition that can sometimes lead to death. We praise God this wasn't Isaiah's case.

Bacterial endocarditis causes clumps of bacteria and cells start to form on the heart valves. These clumps can break free into the bloodstream. They can then cause damage by blocking other blood vessels. They can also spread the infection to other organs. 

Because of this, there are many possible complications. Many of them are serious. The risk of these complications varies depending on a person’s other medical conditions. One of these possible complications includes stroke. 

If the damage to your valves is severe, you may need heart valve surgery. This is done to repair or replace a damaged heart valve. Or you might need surgery to help clear the endocarditis. This may be done if the antibiotics don’t work well enough on the infection.

More to come. He's having a PICC line put in today. 

ISAIAH RAISED HIS RIGHT LEG! He was able to keep his legs both bent and held a ball in between them!



Comments

  1. Mike VandergugtenMarch 31, 2023 at 4:05 PM

    Glad to hear that there is more clarity. And praise God for Isaiah's progress!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rick and Margaret MeyerMarch 31, 2023 at 4:22 PM

    Praise God for his accomplishment!
    Wonderful to hear! One day at a time Isaiah! We're rooting for you! Of course, always praying for the Lord's goodness to you. We love you so much. Our house is completely different without you living here with us, but we are thankful you are there at Vancouver General under the care of excellent doctors and nurses.
    Love always, Grampa and Gramma

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 31, 2023 at 4:33 PM

    Thank you for the update! Praying for even more progress and healing.
    🙌🙏❤

    ReplyDelete
  4. Auke and TinekeMarch 31, 2023 at 4:58 PM

    Great news. Praying for strength and patience for Isaiah and all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jason and Hannah FennemaMarch 31, 2023 at 5:15 PM

    Thanks for the update Doug and Charla. Glad to hear some positive news! We will continue to keep you all in our prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  6. H&H LeffersMarch 31, 2023 at 8:44 PM

    Thankful for the good news for Isaiah and your family. Keeping you all in our prayers

    ReplyDelete
  7. John and Cheryl FennemaMarch 31, 2023 at 9:40 PM

    Thank you for the update. We continue to pray for you all. May God grant patience and healing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jaclyn DykstraApril 1, 2023 at 7:15 AM

    Thank you fof the updates. We are praying fof you all everyday. Praise the LORD!

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousApril 1, 2023 at 10:29 AM

    Thank you for the update - prayers continue to be lifted up for healing, comfort, rest and peace. Above all that you may feel God’s love for you in this trying time 💕🙏

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousApril 1, 2023 at 6:36 PM

    Great news, and thanks for the explanation. Isaiah and all of you continue to be in our prayers 🙏💞

    ReplyDelete

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