Welcome to Our Journey

Well, this is my first post to my first blog. Unfortunately it is a blog about my son, Nolan Everett McLaughlin, and his battle with a recent diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and reactive airway disease.

What is dilated cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, primarily affecting your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The left ventricle becomes enlarged (dilated) and can't pump blood to your body with as much force as a healthy heart can.

What is reactive airway disease?

Reactive airway disease in children is a general term that doesn't indicate a specific diagnosis. It may be used to describe a history of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath triggered by infection. These signs and symptoms may or may not be caused by asthma.

So, you are probably wondering, how can these diseases be treated?

Nolan shows signs of pretty severe cardiomyopathy. He very well could have to take medications to help his heart function through life. Our current treatment path goes as followed:

• Wean from ventilator
• Observe off ventilator to adjust any medications
• Begin bottle feedings (feedings for babies act as their exercise, as well as gaining energy)
• Begin removing IV meds and replace with oral meds
• Observe, observe, observe
• Begin to wean meds
• Observe, observe, observe
• Be discharged with any necessary medicines to be taken orally, indefinitely

What if this doesn't work?

If the above treatments do not work and Nolan continues to show signs of no improvement, then he will be a candidate for a heart transplant.

As you probably know, this has been a whirlwind of emotions for Matt, myself, family and friends. We have learned so much in such a short period of time. It has opened my eyes to so much in life. What is really important? My family, my friends, their health. I have learned not to ever give up hope and found faith in my heart. I know no matter how our journey ends here, I have found random kindness of others and the power of giving. Matt and I love our son so much and can only rely on the amazing practice of medicine that the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh provides and the love and prayers we are receiving from so many. We are truly grateful for each and every person who's rooting for us day in and day out. We can't wait for the day our family gets to reunite and we can watch Nolan and Riley grow together.

I plan on updating this blog daily on Nolan's status. This is going to be a long and hopefully, pretty uneventful journey. :)

Much love to you all,
Cori