Cardiology Check-up

Jersey #2 had her annual Cardiology check-up.  I love that word:  annual.  Once a year.  In the Cardiology world, a once-a-year heart check-up is the ideal.  That means that her heart is in such good shape that the doctors do not expect anything to change much anytime soon.  Surgery is not around the corner.  A series of tests are not necessary right now.  Keep living your life and enjoy, for another year.  Whew!  Annual check-ups are awesome!

Jersey #2 did great.  She commented over the summer that she actually missed her heart doctors.  She has seen them so frequently in recent years, that it was an adjustment to suddenly go a full year without an appointment.  She missed the attention, for sure.  Jersey #2 was fully cooperative for her evaluation.

After her vitals were checked, and her growth was measured, Jersey #2 had an EKG (electrocardiogram), to check her heart's electrical activity...

Her Pediatric Cardiologist came in and chatted with us about lifestyle improvements since surgery, and any concerns.  She then examined Jersey #2's heart sounds, pulses, and abdomen.  

Next was the echocardiogram, an ultrasound of her heart.  The tech is a pro.  He has a movie playing to keep the kids entertained while he runs his magic wand and captures all the images and blood flow.  The Cardiologist can view the images from the room next door, in real time.  If anything is of concern, she will step into the echo room and ask for additional images from specific angles.

We return to the exam room, while the Cardiologist completes her review of the echocardiogram.  Then, she joins us and gives her report about the current status of Jersey #2's heart.

The report was excellent.  Any leaks, sounds, or enlargements are the same as they were a year ago.  That lends to the belief that there is no concern at this time.  Jersey #2 is free of medications and activity restrictions.  She was encouraged to keep playing, growing, and enjoying the life of an 8-year old.  She does not need to have another Cardiology check-up for 1 full year!