Tuesday, May 5, 2009

6 Month Check-Up Freak-Out

So Emma had her 6 month check-up yesterday. And I wasn't expecting anything out of the ordinary, but the doctor was listening to her heart and said he thought he heard something and started asking me if we had a history of heart valve issues, holes in hearts, and if we had many relatives drop dead suddenly before the age of 30 and that he wanted me to take her to a cardiologist. At that point I start crying and he is trying to explain stuff to me, and he mentions things like surgery, and maybe this is why she is on the small side (Macy and Charlie were on the small side at this age too.), freaking me out more. So he leaves the room to call the cardiologist to get me in right away and I call Seth and freak him out with my crying and tell him what is going on. Thankfully, Seth was home with Macy and Charlie, normally I would of had them there with me, so THANKFULLY the kids were with him. So after Emma got her immunizations, they sent us into Dallas to a big hospital to see a pediatric cardiologist. There wasn't enough time for someone to come and watch the kids and for Seth to get the hospital in time to see the doctor, so I had to go by myself, but again, I was thankful he was with Macy and Charlie, because that would of been difficult taking them to the hospital with me. Emma had an EKG and ultrasound of her heart and then we were able to see the doctor. She wasn't a huge fan of the EKG and kept playing with the tons of wires tapped to her, but did really well for the ultrasound. The doctor was very nice and drew this little diagram for me:
He came in and the first thing he said is "I am not concerned, she will be fine.", which was a HUGE relief. If you look on the left side of the heart, there is a small opening on the left-flap-thing (whatever it is called), so blood is coming through that and it is making a murmur. He said the opening is about 2 mm, which is on the very small side. He said when it is 8 mm, that is when they do surgery. He said it is called "Atrial Septal Defect" (no, I am not going to google it, and if you do and find some scary story about it, don't tell me). Basically, he said he is surprised they even heard this early and that it will either grow together on its own or she will always have it, but that it won't be and issue and that he is 99% sure that it won't ever be an issue and she won't have growth issues or anything. So we have an appointment in 3 months to just make sure everything is still fine. What a morning! I did not expect to have a morning like that. I am very grateful that she is fine and even more grateful to know that God listens to our prayers (even when we are freaking out) and that he is ultimately in control no matter what happens.

12 comments:

Ryan and Katie said...

How scary but I'm so glad everything will be ok! But that first doctor needs to take a lesson in bed side manner so he doesn't assume the worst and freak parents out!

Alisha said...

That sounds scary... I can't even imagine going in for a wellness check-up and being sent straight away to a cardiologist. I'm so glad that everything turned out ok and that the doctor isn't worried.

OK Chick said...

That sounds awful. I'm happy everything turned out well.

Sherry Owen said...

Little Emma was in my prayers yesterday (and you and Seth too!). So thankful everything turned out fine, but I know it is always scary for the parents. Love you all very much.

Elaine said...

My goodness! Glad everything is okay. I can't imagine what you went through!

Lisa said...

Wow! That is scary, but so glad its nothing worse. I just had Blake's 6 month check-up today. He is tiny too, but is growing and gaining well on his own growth curve so he should be fine. Anyway, glad Emma is doing well and your situation turned out as well as it did.

Andrea said...

Glad she is okay. Don't care much for the scary moments of mommyhood, but glad God hears our prayers and is in control!

Granna said...

I think some doctors are just alarmists! Why, oh why, would a doctor aske a frantic mother if they had ever had anyone in the family drop dead before the age of 30? Statements like that might have made me drop dead. Yes, some days take turns we don't expect.

Paul said...

Scary, but glad things are okay. We love you guys!

Summer said...

Praise God she is ok. I would have been beside myself. You are a good mamma.

Leslie said...

Yes, glad she is okay! Praying that everything continues to go well. The part about the doctor asking you if you had any relatives drop dead sounds like something straight out of the show "House." Ugh. I like the show but I would punch the man if I ever saw him. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Catherine T said...

Amelia has an ASD, so I totally understand what you are feeling. It is scary, but hopefully it will close on its own. Praying for you guys!