Prayers for Parker

"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee." ~ Psalms 102:1

Next Wednesday, June 10, 2009, Parker will undergo his second cardiac catheterization. This is a procedure to examine blood flow to the heart and how well the heart is pumping. It also measures blood pressure within the heart and lungs and how much oxygen is in the blood. Parker's doctor will insert a thin plastic tube (catheter) about the size of a piece of spaghetti into an artery in Parker's groin. From there, the tube can be advanced into the chambers of the heart or into the coronary arteries. This is a fairly routine procedure and most people do just fine and are able to go home the same day or the next day for children. However, as many of you know, when Parker had this test done the first time (April 8, 2008), he didn't do well. He ended up having a pulmonary hypertensive crisis and we almost lost him. Needless to say, we are extremely nervous to do this procedure again. So, you ask, why do it then? Well, as all cardiologists who treat pulmonary hypertension will tell you, a cardiac catheterization is the ONLY test available to accurately measure the blood pressure in the lungs. It is the "gold standard" of tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance of PH. No other test can tell us what's really going on inside Parker. Jason and I had a very difficult time making the decision to go ahead with the test, but we are as ready now as we feel we will ever be. We will NEVER feel comfortable about doing this test, but as we have tried to tell ourselves, Parker is in a much better position this time around. He is older, stronger, eating and drinking better and he has been on medications to treat the PH since last April (and obviously they are doing something!!!). We are trying to be as optimistic as possible about this test and we know that Heavenly Father is watching out for Parker. We know He will give Parker (and us) the strength that he needs to get through this test. We have been so blessed this past year and we are so grateful for all the progress that Parker has made and we feel that much of his progress has a lot to do with all of you who have said so many prayers for Parker. We truly could not have made it through this past year without all your love, support and prayers.

So, at this time, we ask for your prayers again--please pray for Parker! We will also be having a special fast for him on Sunday, June 7th. We invite anyone who feels inclined to participate in this fast. We know we have seen many miracles come to pass in the last year and we hope, with your help, we can be granted another one!!!