Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Disappointed

Payton had her cardiology appointment yesterday. She's always had the cardiac muscle hypertrophy they've been keeping a close eye on, but unfortunately she's developed the narrowing as well. Noel referred me to this doctor - and after everything Abi went thru I know Payton's got a great doctor. I still feel sad, though. Obviously, for now, just keeping a close eye on it. She's really started growing lately, so we are guessing this is the reason for it.

We were actually able to get a blood pressure on her. It was 155/111, but she was upset. The doctor said the only way to get a blood pressure would be to sedate her, and that's too much of a risk just to get her blood pressure, so he said until she starts complaining of frequent headaches we will assume it's okay. I've been having a lot of blood pressure problems lately and I thought my head was going to explode, so I really think Payton would tell me if her head was hurting that bad. For now, I'm going to try to buy a child's blood pressure cuff and practice with her at home to see if I can get some readings.

The doctor asked if she had any narrowing in her kidneys. I told him she hasn't had her kidneys checked before, so I guess we need to get that done(Noel, if you have a good doc on this one, let me know!). I felt sorry for Payton because she hates having all of those tests run, but we made it thru just fine. Now that we've got this appointment behind us, maybe I'll be able to get in the Christmas spirit :)

6 comments:

Heather said...

Oh Tara, I'm sorry to hear about the narrowing. You definitely should have her kidneys checked. I think it is recommended for every other year as children, unless otherwise advised. We have our cardio right after the New Year. I am keeping my fingers crossed, but will be seeing a cardio who knows WS for the first time. It's a little scary, but will totally ease my mind if they find nothing. Caleb just got used to bp readings in the past year. We only just started to get a good reading. He hates that squeezing. The doc usually makes him sit down and take some slow deep breaths before we start.

Amy said...

It is hard getting into the "dr. loop" again, when you haven't been for a couple months. I know it is "bad news" but this could be just something she has her whole life that never causes a problem. Av has mild aortic and pulmonary narrowing, it doesn't ever change and I hope it stays that way! Also Payton could have always had the narrowing, it is just now they are picking it up.

Tara, there will always be tests for our kids, don't let them control your happiness. You are in charge of that!
xoxo
Amy

Julie said...

I am sorry about the narrowing. I have just learned to take it one day at a time. I am certain more heart surgery is in Noah's future, but I try not to think about it because it isn't happening right now. You are in my thoughts.

Penny said...

Thinking of you and hoping all turns out well.

Have you tried taking it when she is asleep? That's when I take Keith's and actually now, he does not mind at all, even when he is awake. It's kind of sad that it has become "normal" for him, but he is de-sensitized from it now.

Hugs

Kerry said...

:( Sorry for the bad news Tara. Blood pressure is a funny thing - Brady hates it too. Thinking of you guys out here~

Unknown said...

Tara I am sorry for news you got at the doctors.