Payman’s return to Iraq and the end of her stay at Shevet Achim hinged on passing one final echocardiogram at Sheba Medical Center. Upon arrival, Payman entertained herself in the abundance of play centers for the children that exist inside of this particular pediatric ward. Shortly after arrival, the doctor and nurse called Payman back to begin the echo.
The biggest concern for this particular visit was the presence of fluid around the heart. Payman was slowly being tapered off her medication regimen of prednisone, and the doctors hoped that her new heart was working better to control the pericardial and pleural fluid that had been a cause of complication in her surgery.
Thankfully, the doctor only had good news for our Payman. The fluid was controlled, and she can continue to taper off her medication. The doctor told her that she should visit another cardiologist at home two weeks from now for a check-up, but otherwise, she was free to return home and resume normal life. Donna Jo attempted to give Payman a high-five when we received the news, but little Payman was too distracted to notice.
To finish off a wonderful day, the team took Payman and her grandmother to see the Mediterranean Sea. Payman hesitated wading very far into the water at first but soon became very confident and free in her play in the ocean's surf. What a happy day!
