Pediatric Cardiologist appt. #3

Good afternoon! I have been to see our pediatric cardiologist again today...third visit for him to do a fetal echocardiogram. He is keeping an eye on Caleb's vessle sizes, as well as overall heart function. Thankfully, I can say, after laying on the extremely uncomfortable table for an hour, he said that there are no major changes. Caleb's aorta and pulmonary vessel sizes continue to remain about the same size (no major increase or decrease in size) and his overall heart function is good. He did mention one valve that seemed to be leaking some (not closing off all the way like it is suppose to), but he was not overly concerned about it. Seems to come with the "AV canal defect". He also did not have any major opinion about whether I should have a c-section or try for regular delivery...so that part is still up in the air. We will also still have to wait and see if Caleb will need any sort of heart surgery right after he is born. The cardiologist mentioned that the first two days of his life will certainly tell the tale. How well he manages to breath, how well his heart functions, etc. all on their own after he is born. So where I was hoping to receive a couple answers...we still do not have any. How he is born will be determined by how he handles the contractions, etc. Whether he needs any sort of heart surgery right after he is born will be determined by how well he does on his own once he is born. I guess we will see if the heart surgeon, that we meet with on Friday at Fairfax Hospital, has an opinion about how he needs to be born. Cardiologist also mentioned that it also may be determined by how well his non-stress tests go these last few weeks.

So, with no major changes, the cardiologist did not need to see me anymore! Yea, one doctor off the schedule for now. :) I am sure he will be seeing Caleb on a very regular basis after he is born though...

Will let you know how the weekly specialist appt. goes on Friday, followed by the meeting with the heart surgeon. Here's hoping that the non-stress test does not take as long this week. I would really like to be able to grab some lunch between a two hour specialist appt. and the meeting with the heart surgeon! :)

Joanna