Update on Liam's Heart

Today, Liam went in for a check-up on his heart. Liam sat very still as the nurse performed the echocardiogram, which took quite some time. He spent most of the time sitting on Dave's lap, but did lay down so the nurse could get clear pictures of the areas of concern. He was also good for the nurse who took all his vitals. We then had to wait an hour for our consultation with the doctor. That was a challenge. It is difficult to keep a busy (almost) two year old occupied in a small waiting room for an hour. Thankfully, I came equipped with snacks and our IPad with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes on it. I am so glad Dave was with me!


Last time Liam had an echocardiogram, the doctor found three areas of concern. The areas of concern are coarctation of aorta (narrowing of the main artery), two fused parts in his left ventricle valve, and a hole between the upper two chambers of his heart. As they checked those three areas, they found that there are no major changes, which is a good thing. As long as things remain stable, there is no need for surgery. We will check those three areas again in six months. If after six months things remain stable, we can cut back our visits to once a year. If the hole in his heart has not closed by the time Liam is four (the age when most holes fuse together on their own), then he will need surgery. For now, we are happy that things have remained stable.


The doctor did find two new areas of concern. The first was that Liam has fluid build-up around his heart. This is probably caused from the viral infection (stomach bug) we all got at the beginning of January. It is normal to have fluid around the heart when sick, but sometimes with children with heart problems, the fluid persists or increases instead of decreasing once the viral infection is gone. We will go back in six weeks to check the fluid. If the fluid is the same amount at that point, we will try to decrease it with medicine. If the fluid increases, the doctor will extract the fluid. The doctor gave us things to look out for in the meantime, but we are hopeful this will clear up on its own.


The second new area of concern is in the mitral valve (another valve leading to the heart). This may have been a concern earlier, but was just now noticed on the echocardiogram. The doctor didn't seem too concerned with the stress this is placing on Liam's heart and said we would add this to the list of things to check in six months.


Overall, the appointment went well. Liam's heart will continually need monitoring, but as long as things remain stable, he shouldn't need surgery in the near future. He certainly doesn't act like a kid with a heart defect! I continue to pray for a miracle, because I know God is capable of doing that. However, I know that God may work more miracles in the lives of the people that encounter Liam through this obstacle. I keep reminding myself that these experiences are molding Liam into the person God wants him to be and He will use this for His glory.