Friday, April 3, 2009

A Great Big WOO HOO!

In Brennan's first few days of life, an EKG and echocardiogram were performed as part of the protocol for babies with Down syndrome. I remember the doctors telling us that they saw a couple of defects, but nothing that needed immediate attention. They said these defects may correct on their own, but should be watched over time. So, when he was about 2 months old, we went for a follow-up EKG and echocardiogram and found that the two defects were still present. I admit to being a bad mom and not taking notes or even remembering the terminology or details of the nice little picture the cardiologist drew of Brennan's heart to explain the defects. I heard the words "nothing to worry about right now - come back when he's a year old" and that was it.

So, yesterday was the one year follow-up appointment. This appointment has been in the back (and sometimes the front) of my mind for the past 10 months. I often wondered if these defects were getting worse instead of better. I wondered if he would end up needing surgery. I wondered if these heart issues were contributing to his slow weight gain.
With a healthy dose of anxiety, we arrive at Boston Children's Hospital for an EKG and sedated echocardiogram. The doctor came in and explained (again - since I hadn't paid attention the first time) what defects were initially detected....a VSD and a PDA. She then took a good long listen to Brennan's heart, looked at me with a bit of surprise and said that she didn't hear ANY murmurs (or whatever else she was listening for). From this, she concluded that the echocardiogram would probably not be necessary. She called in the chief of pediatric cardiology who also had a good long listen to Brennan's heart and said "It sounds PERFECT." Could more beautiful words have ever been spoken??? It was the best news possible. Brennan was pretty happy with the news, too and smiled at every doctor, nurse and assistant that came into his room. What a perfect day!

14 comments:

My name is Sarah said...

Oh Brennan you are so cute. You are a lucky little guy. I am glad you are healthy.

The Lehnick Family said...

What wonderful news! What a cutie pie you have!

Anne and Whitney: Up, Down and All Around said...

such GREAT news! so happy Brennan's heart is PERFECT :)

The Bryant Family said...

You are so lucky to live so close the the BEST surgeon in the USA. I am glad all is well with Brennan's heart. Big sigh of relief.

Derek, Kenzee and Gage said...

YAY!!! I love those words for you. Such good news, I am so happy to hear that.

Cathy said...

Congratulations!!! This is wonderful news. And might I add...what a handsome little boy...ADORABLE!!

Grandma Susan said...

It's fabulous news about my dear little guy. Am sure he won over the hearts of everyone with that smile and adorable gown.

Shauna Yule Brasseur said...

He is DELICIOUS! I can't wait to see you all next weekend.

XOXO,
Aunt Shauna

Megan said...

YAY!! We <3 healthy hearts. :-)

Laurie said...

That's the BEST news!!! Yeah Brennan!!!!!!

Miss Magic said...

Happy Belated Birthday Brennan! May the next year continue to bring health and fun !~!~! You are just so darned cute!

Monica Crumley said...

Awwww, tears of joy on this end. I know the anxious feeling of waiting to hear bad news and then getting GOOD NEWS in return. Hurray! You've crossed a major hurdle, hopefully never to return. Yes, I hope to meet you in Sacto this summer. :-)

Monica Crumley said...

PS: i'm going to add your blog to my list... :-)

The Sanchez Family said...

YAHOO!!!!