Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Cardiac Christmas



Hope saw the two most important people yesterday: Santa and her cardiologist. She was ho-ho-hum about Santa, but kicked, giggled and waved her arms for the cardiologist. The girl's got some suspect priorities.

But maybe she was on to something. The cardiology appointment is a biggie. We've worried about it for weeks, in our familiar way. First, we deny and refuse to discuss. Then, as it approaches, we feel sick to our stomachs and paralyzed by dread until we're in the waiting room thinking, "Oh God, we're going to spend Christmas in the hospital."

It's not the ideal strategy, but so far, so good.

And it sort of works: Hope's appointment went well. Her heart is still a bit abnormal. She has a narrowing of her aorta, which could be suggestive of a mild coarctation. Some blood appears to be flowing a wee bit faster than it should, which could lead to other problems down the road. But not now. Her numbers are great. Her heart is working as it should. There's no change from seven months ago.

In short, good news. We don't have to see the cardiologist again for nine months.

Merry Christmas indeed. Phew.

8 comments:

Misty said...

MERRY CHRISTMAS! i love the giant tree in the video and then hope's beautiful face pops up with her santa hat! melted my heart!

we had some VERY similar issues this week that i hope to post about today...

i want to wish you the very best christmas!

Pam said...

Merry Christmas from Singapore! LOVED the video, and the good news!
xoxoxo
Pam and Lar

Anonymous said...

I'm all teary-eyed; she's so beautiful, and you are such good parents! Cherish one another and celebrate the good times. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Love from Grandma K.

Lisa said...

That is great news! Whew! Think it's normal to be afraid of Santa. Liz is four and still screams in terror just looking at him.

Debbie said...

I love your video creations, they are so fun, wacky and so....YOU! Of course it does help to have such a cute star in them like Hope :-) I hope your Christmas was wonder-filled!

heidi @ ggip said...

Merry Christmas!

That is good news from any specialist if they don't want to see you for 9 whole months! :)

Very fun video. She looks so cute in that red knit hat.

Rachelle said...

Hope is a star in her Santa hat! Love the videos! I'm so glad you had good news at the Dr.'s appt. Thanks also for the great Christmas card ~ I love the picture of Hope you sent. We enjoyed meeting you all too. Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

Ditto on every compliment!
Barbara