A little bit about PDA:Before birth, the ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the baby’s lungs. Once the baby is born and begins to breathe air, the ductus arteriosus is not needed and it usually closes up within a few days. If it remains open (patent), there will be abnormal blood circulation between the heart and lungs. Its common in premature babies, affects girls more often then boys, about 3,000 babies are diagnosed with PDA a year. Can cause sweating with crying or playing, shortness of breath or fast breathing, poor eating and poor growth, tiring easily.
When Mason was 3 days old he had his first echo cardiogram given to him from a pediatric cardiologist. She told me the hole looks like it would be closing up. He needed to be seen in 6 months. She said if they see the hole has not closed and blood is passing through they would have to fix it by surgery an incision is made in the side of the chest and a heart surgeon uses stitches or puts a metal clip on the ductus arteriosus to close it off.
His cardiologist appointment was this morning. Last night I couldn't sleep. This was once again entering the world of the unknown. So naturally I research, my mind wonders all of the "what ifs" and I spend alot of time talking to the man upstairs to give me strength, answers, and to be with Mason every step of the way. The other day Masons doctor and I was talking about his oxygen level being low at night. One of the common reasons is because of the heart. It made me think he may have to have surgery. I hate when Mason has shots done, how was I going to cope with surgery? and my poor baby having to go through all that.
Masons home nurse asked me if I would like her to come to the appointment, play with Dylan, and be my support. Being an army wife requires us to be away from family who is our support system. Right now Mike is doing important classes for promotion points which he cant get out of to come to the appointments. So its me, 2 kids, and a bag full of worries. So of COURSE my answer was "yes!" well actually I think my answer was "PLEASE!"
I arrive at the appointment 30 minutes early. I sit in the car put my head on the steering wheel and say my prayers. I was feeling calm, a little worried and anxious to get this appointment over with. Masons nurse pulled up with a smile and a "everything will be okay" talk. She could tell I was a tad worried without me saying a word.
We walked in I already had the paperwork filled out (I printed it off at home) I turned in the paper work, signed in and waited. Everyone was very friendly which is always nice. Dylan and Masons nurse played while I took Masons clothes off laid him down and comforted him while he got a echo-cardiogram done. It was weird hearing Masons heart when he wasn't in my tummy.
She took several pictures, checked his blood pressure (with this tiny little cuff it was cute.) checked his height (27inches) and checked his weight (19lbs) She put tiny little stickers all over his chest, one on each arm, and one on each leg. Hooked cords to them she said she was taking a picture of his heart. Mason was a good baby. Not a tear. :)
The pediatric cardiologist came in...here it is the moment of truth. He said "Well the hole is still open, its not causing any concern right now. As far as the oxygen its not because of the heart. I assume your doctor set him up for a sleep study?"
He told me the sleep study will show if he has sleep apnea, and if he will need his tonsils and adenoids removed which he probably will. After some more chatting and an hour and a half later. The appointment was over!! YAAAY! A huge sigh of relief. In 6 months he sees his pediatric cardiologist again to make sure nothing has changed and don't need further attention.
Thanks everyone for all your continued prayers! : ))
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