In most cases, the recurring episodes of fast heartbeats aren't life-threatening, but eventually serious heart problems can occur if left untreated. A surgical procedure for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can permanently correct the heart rhythm problems through a catheter-based operation, known as ablation. Typically the ablation procedure is performed on an in-patient basis with only an over-night observation recovery period afterwards. Successful post recoveries impose no permanent restrictions to the patient.
OK, so you may be wondering why the sudden interest on Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome? Certainly medicine and medical procedures are not my forte and normally do not garner my sustained attention but in this particular instance there is both a personal and immediate interest on my part.
Joshua, my six-year old grandson, was diagnosed with WPW shortly after his birth. Over the years Joshua experienced several episodes with tachycardia which included numerous trips to the ER. Joshua became so accustomed to these "attacks" that he was able to recognize the onset of the symptoms in time to tell his parents before the situation worsened. Surgery was always an option but the decision was always to hold-off surgery until Joshua grew older.
Recently Joshua suffered through another episode, resulting in another trip to the ER. Both the doctors and Joshua's parents agreed that the time was now for Joshua to be scheduled for the ablation. Now is Friday, October 21, at 9:00 AM.
As Grandparents, my wife and I want to be there with Joshua to provide that reassurance that only a Grandparent can give. Of course, we also want to be there for our daughter and Son-in-Law and to lend what ever emotional or physical support we can give. You see, my wife and I know all too well what they are experiencing with their doubts, questions, and concerns for Joshua health and well being. For us, it was thirty-one years ago when we were thrust into the same situation. Our youngest son, then only two and a half years of age, underwent open-heart surgery to repair a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), that being a "hole" in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart - the ventricles, also compounded by arterial blockage.
Yes, the risks associated with open-heart surgery on a two-year old are in a different league than that associated with an ablation procedure on a six-year old. No comparison for sure, but the level of risk is not the primary concern when parents have to hand over their baby, albeit two or seven years of age, to someone one else whom then is totally responsible for the life of that child. The feeling, as a parent, of being totally useless and also totally dependent upon another for the life of your child is a feeling that no parent should ever have to experience. That is why, as parents and as Grandparents, we too share that experience once again of feeling useless yet dependent upon someone else for the welfare of Joshua.
However, although we cannot be there in person, we do find strength and comfort in knowing that there will be someone there to be with Joshua and with his parents during their time of need; Someone that has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us, for the LORD is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7). My heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song (Psalm 28:7).
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
(Psalm 91:2)
(PS x 2) (Post Surgery Post Script):
Joshua's ablation surgery could not have gone better. The surgeon found the suspect abnormal electrical pathway and cauterized it immediately. Several tests were conducted afterwards in an attempt to stimulate the heart into another tachycardia condition but all attempts failed, which is good. This was one of those times where failing is succeeding! Joshua spent the night under observation and was released the next day with one precaution - avoid excessive physical activities to assure that the stitches heal! Good luck with telling a six-year old to cool his jets for any length of time but especially after more being cooped-up in a hospital for more than a day.
So where do we all go from here? Well, before we go forward we must look back and recognize in thanksgiving all the family members, friends, church members, and even those total strangers that offered their prayers, supplications and good wishes in support of Joshua's welfare. Special blessings to Pastor Jim Callaway for his personal attention to the spiritual and emotional needs of Joshua's parents during their time of need and concern and for demonstrating once again what Christ's "Church" is all about.
But of course, our celebration and thanksgiving for Joshua's recovery would be empty and hollow without looking upward to give praise and glory to God for His love and grace. For as many that helped Joshua and his family through their prayers, then many more will give thanks on our behalf for His gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (2 Cor 1:11) Trust in God and..."my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phl 4:19)
Amen to that!
.
