Did you know that approximately 50% of babies with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect? Some of these defects are serious and require surgery within the first year of life. Some are not so serious and require little medical care. Liam was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD). The size of his ASD was "moderate" according to his cardiologists, meaning that they thought it would be too large to close on its own, not impossible, but not likely. He saw the cardiologist every 2 years and other than those visits, he needed no other heart care. We knew the ASD was there, but it may as well have been invisible.
Yesterday, Liam had his cardiologist visit. This visit also included an echocardiogram to assess the ASD. Was it smaller? Did it need repaired? Were there any other symptoms of heart disease/damage? Was it closed? The chances of it closing on its own were small, and I didn't dare hope to hear it was closed for fear of disappointment. I was pretty freaked out about this appointment. I popped antacids all morning because when I'm anxious my stomach revolts.
Liam was a champ for the echo. He laid down and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the TV above the bed. We waited for a bit, then the doctors came in to give the verdict.
His ASD is CLOSED!! There is no evidence of any heart disease/damage, pulmonary hypertension, or anything to indicate that his heart is anything other than normal. In fact, that's how they described it. Normal. I will admit to crying a bit when the doctor told us.
We met my mom and Juliana for lunch on the way home from the hospital. Liam picked his favorite restaurant, Bob Evans, and ordered his favorite meal, pancakes.
To celebrate his healthy, normal heart, I'm having a sale on all of my patterns. If you type in the coupon code "happyhearts" at checkout, you'll receive 25% off the cost of the pattern(s). The code is good through February 21, 2012.
Thank you for supporting me and my little fledgling design business.
XOXO
Fantastic news Mindy!! Definitely a cause for celebration!
Great choice on the pancakes Liam! One of my favs too :)
Posted by: Kelly | February 14, 2012 at 08:01 PM
What great news!
Posted by: woolyknitsnbits | February 15, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Mindy - I'm so happy - I'm all choked up and crying happy tears for you! Congratulations!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 16, 2012 at 02:25 PM
Oh my! What wonderful words for a mother to hear. I teared up a little myself. Yay!!!
Posted by: catherine | February 19, 2012 at 09:41 PM