Have I mentioned how much I dread cardiologist days?

[JTsMom]

I don't mean this as a bitch, so much as a "I know others have to go through this type of thing too, so come tell me to get over myself" type of post. ;)

We have to go once a year for a checkup with the cardiologist. I start freaking out about it 2 weeks in advance, can't sleep the night before, and am like a basket case the whole day of. It's far, it lasts forever, and Jason hates going. The whole day I spend wondering why it had to be my baby that's subjected to this- not that anyone else's baby deserves it either.

[jess_g]

I can only offer :22: and let you know that we go through the same thing with my 10 year old ds. He sees about 8 different specialists in Boston and each one follows up at least once a year. I know how hard it can be to go to these appointments and wonder what they will say. I think the worst is the Neurosurgen as he can easily recommend surgery which I am realy hoping we can avoid for a while longer. I am lucky in that my ds does not mind going. He thinks its a day off from schoool and he gets to ride the train and get a special lunch. I on the other hand worry about getting there and what the doctor will find and what will be recommended for him.

Not sure my post makes any sense, but I just wanted you to know that other parents and kids go through this too.

Jessica.

[JTsMom]

Yep, it makes perfect sense to me. The surgery thing is definitely nerve-wracking. We went through that stage at the beginning, then again at a year, and for now, we're holding steady. You just never know though. It could be at any appointment. I think they're going to want to do more invasive testing this time too, so that's adding to my dread.

:hug: for you too.

[elephantmeg]

yep, I get it. We go back to visit plastic surgeons next week. I don't think they'll do anything more but I am nervous that they'll decide she needs a neck wrap

[sunshine873]

I don't mean this as a bitch, so much as a "I know others have to go through this type of thing too, so come tell me to get over myself" type of post. ;)

We have to go once a year for a checkup with the cardiologist. I start freaking out about it 2 weeks in advance, can't sleep the night before, and am like a basket case the whole day of. It's far, it lasts forever, and Jason hates going. The whole day I spend wondering why it had to be my baby that's subjected to this- not that anyone else's baby deserves it either.

I understand completely. DD's 1st appointment happened while she was still in NICU, so didn't affect me too much. Her 1st appointment after coming home was LONG and dreadful with a pediatric cardiologist that still wasn't equipped to handle such a tiny baby. (Still under 5 pounds.) Their smallest blood pressure cuff was still too big for her, yet the nurse insisted on trying to get a blood pressure from both arms & legs. What seemed like 30 minutes later, DD was screaming and DH told her to get a smaller cuff from the NICU next door or give up. I mean, it wasn't going to be an accurate read after all that anyway! After getting our tiny girl in a really bad mood, then they wanted her to stay still enough for an Echo. Ugh. Her 1 year follow-up went pretty well, but there was still crying & squirming involved. We ended up bribing her with goldfish. We'll have annual appointments for the next few years at least (she's too small to do surgery right now, and there's still a remote chance she may grow out of it.) and I'm concerned about getting a 2 year old or 3 year old to sit still for some of these tests. ugh. Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack your post and write a book. I guess I'm just saying you're not alone. I'll be writing a post very similar to yours next Jan.

[citymama]

Big hugs to you. :grouphug: Hope all goes well at the doc's - and then you're done for a year.

[HIU8]

Oh man, that was the worst for me. DD went when she was 6 days old to the ped cardiologist and I as a mess. We have not had to go back (there was nothing to what they saw in utero, but made me a mess saying we had to be sure). Thankfully, once it's over there is a full year before J has to go back. Good luck and :22: