Maddie's Heart

Yesterday Maddie had her cardiology appointment. It has been one year since her last check up. Time really flies. I am writting this with such mixed emotions. I am so proud of my little girl for being so tough through all of this. She is such a fighter and a strong little girl.

To say that Maddie has stranger anxiety is an understatement. She doesn't even like anyone to look at her much less touch and examine her. The doc did get a good listen to her heart and said she sounded good. We know that she is doing well developmentally and emotionally. Her growth is right on track. She is bigger than Ella at the same age. (Not saying much since Miss E is a peanut.) The doctor wanted to try to do an EKG since it is standard procedure for a check up. Maddie didn't want much to do with it. I was holding her and Bret was trying to hold her feet still. She was struggling and crying (SCREAMING) loudly. But, they got the test in. It showed a slight abnormality on the right side of her heart. The Dr. said because she was so upset it could have been inaccurate or there really could be a slight problem. Bottom line is she has to be sent for a sedated echo cardiogram. We opted to send her back to the hospital that she had her surgery at. It's a better set up, it will be easier on her and they can compare her old films directly. The hospital should call me soon with the date and time for her appointment. If you could please say a prayer for her and for our strength. I need to keep in mind that the doctor said she would be, "surprised to see anything on the echo." And she said IF they do find something with the right side of her heart they will likely watch it for a while. This does NOT mean she needs surgery right away or again at all. It's a precaution. We may even be able to tell if she is "out of the woods" after this test.

I do not like the idea of her being sedated again but I know it is necessary. There is not much chance of her being still enough for them to get good pictures or for her to be calm. Like I said she is really struggling with the stranger anxiety so it would be a true shock for them to be able to do it with out. The sedation medication is given orally. I remember the look on her face and the struggle she had at one month old when she was given the medication. I do not look forward to her doing it again. The plus is, she will not need an IV.

Thank you all for your thoughts and love and concern for our family and epically for little Mads. The Lord had blessed her and we trust He will again.