Today was Liam’s visit to the pediatric cardiologist.

For any new readers, Liam has an atrial septal defect (ASD).  40-50% of babies with Down syndrome have a heart defect.  Liam’s was diagnosed when he was about 3 weeks old by an echocardiogram.  An echo is strongly recommended for babies with DS because of the high prevalence of heart defects (if heart problems don’t present immediately).  Liam’s defect is a hole between the two upper chambers of the heart.

Last year, the cardiologist didn’t see any immediate problems and as long as Liam was growing and healthy, there was no reason to see him for a year.  Today was that year checkup.  After the EKG and two different cardiologists listened to his heart, Liam’s cardiologist says, "After looking at what’s presenting to us today, I don’t need to see him for another two years, if that’s okay with you."  He then said, "I really think that this is resolving on its own.  He just needs more time for it to heal." 

The plan is to see Liam again at 3 years old and assuming all is well, he’ll be seen again at 5 years old.  When he’s 5, they’ll do another echo to look again at the defect.  They think it’ll be gone.

I feel like a melty puddle of relief.