Chase's Cardiology Appointment

Our day started out crazy, but ended pretty good. After having Children's change Chase's appointment multiple times, when we arrived today, not only did they tell us that we didn't have an appointment, they also told us that Chase's doctor was out sick today. I was very frustrated, but it really turned out to be a blessing. We like Chase's cardiologist, but today we were able to get a second-opinion without really trying.

Chase had an EKG and an echo today in addition to seeing the doctor. We were successful with the echo without sedation which was an answer to prayer. Chase did very well during the echo...he just watched a movie and really didn't complain. The results were very positive. His valve is still leaking, but the leaking has not increased and may have decreased a bit. Chase's heart rate was higher than normal today (I'll get to that later), and the doctor said that Chase's heart seems to function better with a higher heart rate. All of his pulmonary veins looked very good and the doctor was pleased with the echo. She said that she did not see a need for the valve replacement surgery anytime in the near future.

Chase's heart rate was elevated today which could be related to a number of things....he was running around the waiting room before the read and very active during the entire appointment. He also has some congestion. Regardless, they sent us home on a monitor that Chase will wear for 24 hours. They want to watch his heart rate at different times of the day including when he is sleeping. Below is a picture of Chase wearing the monitor. He has not complained about it at all. He is such a trooper!!
The first report on his EKG was normal; however, a couple of hours after we got home the nurse called and said that they want to do another EKG. A couple of other doctors looked at it and compared it to his previous reports and apparently there is some concern. I'm not sure about the specifics, but I will be talking to the doctor in the morning to get more information. He will have another EKG on Thursday morning when we return the heart monitor. We are praying that the EKG on Thursday is normal and that today was some sort of anomaly.