It has been a little over one year since Bilal had his last cardiology evaluation by his PC, Dr. Colvin at UAB. He had repair of his Tetralogy of Fallot on September 18, 2006, when he was a mere eight weeks old. Since then we have been blessed that he has not required any further cardiac interventions. After the frequent cardiology visits of the pre-op and immediate post-op period the need for frequent follow ups went down, initially to every six months, then once a year. For the past two years Dr. C has suggested we bring Bilal back every 18-24 months since he has been doing so well. But I have been a bit leery about doing this; it seems so long to go between visits even though Bilal is doing fine. The routine is typically like this: I call to make an appointment for Bilal about 2 months before it is due, put it on the calendar and gradually build up stress little by little until his appointment time. Then we come back from seeing the PC, I relax, and things fall back into the usual mode. Then we’re good for several months until it comes around time for the next appointment. I don’t know why, but those appointments always make me anxious. I’m sure the peace of mind I get after the fact probably makes it all worthwhile, but if only I could overcome the pre-appointment anxiety!
Bilal has severe pulmonary regurgitation, so the need for a valve replacement in the future is highly probable, but not inevitable. The timing will depend on how well he tolerates the dynamics of what is going on in his heart post-repair. According to Dr. Colvin this is most likely several years down the road; we are hopefully looking into adulthood. That time frame should help improve the chances of a transcatheter procedure for pulmonary valve replacement, so maybe no more open heart surgery? It could be true! I am hoping for medical technology to hurry up and catch up!
Well, his last appointment was on 7/7/2009. That’s a year and a couple of weeks ago. And I haven’t made an appointment yet. Whew! This time I thought I’d be brave and try it differently. How about actually waiting the suggested 18-24 months before going back? That’s what the plan is. No appointment, no stress. Right? Actually that does seem to be true with me. The decision to wait longer until we go back has me more curious than anxious. Curious because I’m wondering if the physiology of Bilal’s heart has changed since last July, although I’d be surprised if there were a significant change. Also curious because I’d like to check out the Pediatric Cardiology group’s new home at the new UAB Women and Infants Center (note to self: remember to ask hubby to come to the next appointment with me, otherwise I'll surely get lost!). I’m not anxious, and that feels good.
These days my biggest challenge is keeping up with my energetic three year old; actually three for only a few more days, because his birthday is coming up this Saturday. Mama still begs for baby to take naps, baby still fights them; they’re actually for my benefit rather than his! Bilal may be able to wake up at 6:30am and run around wide open until 8:00pm, but I’m the one who needs a little quiet time in the middle of the day! But this energy itself is a wonderful blessing; it continues to remind me how strong my son really is, and that includes his body, his spirit and his heart. ♥
