Two Doctors, one day

Brennan had TWO Dr. appts. today. First we headed to see Dr. Hashmi, our favorite pediatric cardiologist. After waiting for almost an hour in the waiting room (sadly, he has too many heart babies to tend to), we finally made it into the first of the three exam rooms. I always dread these appts. for the simple fact that I know they are going to be long and they are going to do things that Brennan won't especially like. But, today Brennan was a dream, a real trooper. The echocardiogram was great, he was perfectly still for the EKG, got his blood pressure on the first try (unlike when he was a baby and we tried 5 times and finally gave up), and he held super still for Dr. Hashmi to check his pulse points. When all of that was done, Dr. Hashmi's conclusion, PERFECT! Our little man is doing great! His aortic arch (the surgically repaired piece) is growing very well, the "leaky" valve is holding strong, and blood pressures are all equal. We had a long talk about the "future" and what that will entail for Brennan's health. We will continue seeing Dr. Hashmi every year. We will also continue to watch the progress of the arch as he grows, as well as the valve. He has a 10% chance of needed a balloon catherization to open the arch if it constricts again (we already know how Brennan LOVES to fall in that 10%), and a fairly good chance of eventually needing a valve replacement when he gets older. But, right now, Brennan has a perfectly healthy heart! And to think that the scar we see everyday, the one that has faded to almost nothing (can you see it?), is becoming more and more a distant memory.
If that appt. wasn't enough, we also saw the ENT specialist about Brennan's ear tubes. Wouldn't you know it, the tube in his left ear has come out! Part of me was super excited, until the Dr. said...that he already has fluid buildup behind the ear drum. Great. So, he is on another course of darn antibiotics (we just finished some two weeks ago). And we will go back to have it checked in 4 weeks, as well as have a hearing test. But, the right ear looks great, tube still in place. Brennan's speech has improved immensely since the tubes were placed and I certainly do not want to take any steps back in that area.

So, it was quite an eventful day for our little guy. He was amazing all day, no one tear for any Dr.! He even sat all by himself in the big exam chair at the ENT office today. Wow, he sure is growing up fast! So after a long day...this is how he relaxes.

Lots of love,

The Grady's