Here we go again
Yesterday we took Katharine in for her yearly cardiologist appointment. Everything was going well until the cardiologist listened to her heart. It seems that Katharine has a murmur that goes away when she lays down. The doctor said that this is caused by a heart defect in her aorta. I don't remember what he called it. He did say that it is the defect that makes kids drop dead instantly while on the playground that we see in the news from time to time. We have to wait for three weeks to take a special test to see which side of the aorta is defective. If its on one side it isn't as serious and she may not need surgery. Its actually kind of controversial because some say it not necessary. If its the other side she will have to have another heart surgery no matter what. I don't know how to feel. Part of me doesn't want to have to make the decision. I would rather them tell me she either needs it or she doesn't. Katharine is only 3 years old and may have to have a second serious surgery. I'm in a haze. Just venting.
Replies
Jay,
You said Katherine had coarctation of the aorta and surgery as a baby, and might need another procedure as she grew. I wish the doctor hadn\'t made that comment about the playground--he was probably referring to coarctation in general and you got a chance to see how quickly a child can go downhill with that already. Those things happen when the heart gets enlarged and no one knows. This doesn\'t sound as serious (or they wouldn\'t be waiting three weeks for the test). Maybe this will be the procedure they were anticipating. The heart and its major vessels are so small in babies, heart about the size of a fist, in this case theirs, that repeat correction is sometimes necessary. Although we don\'t want our children to go through painful experiences of any kind, this one doesn\'t sound like her life threatening initial situation. Please let us know how she is doing and how you are doing! big hugs for big worries. b.
Thanks, bweeds. He did say that it is something that wouldn\'t be dangerous until she was older and really started to exert herself. He said we may even wait until she is older to perform the surgery. It depends on what side its on. He left us with much more questions than answers. We will just have to wait until the test.
Hi Jay,
Poor Katharine! Poor Mom & Dad!
It\'s good to know about - what\'s happening with Katharine - at least it\'s better than not knowing.
My neighbors 3-yr-old: has had kidney surgery twice now.
The only reason I mention that?
Is because - it showed me how well a youngster can bounce back from surgery - much better than adults, in general.
Keep us posted.
As Beth might say?
\'\'Holding all of you - in the Light.\'\'
- Ross
Thanks for the kind words, Ross. It always amazes me how resilient the little ones are. You are right about it being good to know. Not many kids go to the cardiologist once a year. We are lucky to find the defect before it becomes a problem. It gives us lots of time to come up with a game plan and correct it. I think I\'m past the panic stage. (For the most part..) :)