9 week old with abnormal Echo-cardiogram...?
My 9 week old son had an echo at 5 weeks old because of issues with breathing and nursing. His lips would get a slight blue tint to them and he would sometimes stop breathing in his sleep for a few seconds. He would also at times have milk spill from his nose in his sleep.(I thought might be reflux.)
I just got a call yesterday (Sept.7) from my son's Pediatrician's office, he is now 9 weeks old. The pediatrician's office said the doctor noticed some abnormalities in his echo and my son needs to see a cardiologist.
I made an appointment to see the cardiologist for 2 weeks from today. They said that was the soonest he could be seen. Should I be worried they won't see him sooner?
I am currently on IL Medicaid and not sure what my options are other then waiting. I however do not want to wait if this could effect his health. He is gaining weight and nursing very well. (15.1lbs at 2 1/4months is pretty good I think...) But the fact that he does seem to strain a bit while feeding and still sometimes has a blue tint to his lips worries me.
Advice? Would you say the wait is to long? Any other Cardiologist suggestions who may take il medicaid or Children's Hospital in Chicago IL area?
The Cardiologist he will be seeing is Dr. Griffin at Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn IL
*** I really don't know much about what is going on... When his Pediatricians office called, the nurse didn't tell me much other then there were some abnormalities... When I asked him what they were, he said he wasn't sure and that's why I need to contact the Cardiologist. Not to mention they called me after office hours so when I call back I have to rely on the answering service...
**It is a Pediatric Cardiologist. at Children's Hope Hospital in Oak Lawn IL
After reading every ones replies I am thinking of calling the after hours number anyhow. My only problem is the after hours number is an answering machine and I have to depend on them calling me back. I'll do it anyway.
I just got a call back from his Doctors office, the partner pediatrician told me to bring my son in early in the morning. What should I keep an eye out for till then?
**Update** 9/9/2011 next day... He has a PDA,his lower ventricle wall is a little thicker then it should be and there is a small amount of water on the heart, the two lower heart chambers are smaller them normal. They believe he may have been born 3 weeks earlier then what they believed his due date was... And the doctor says she doesn't want us to be worried but to take precautions... that the 2 week wait isn't to long Because he is showing good signs... and we are only a 2 min drive from the local e.r.
I wouldn't leave it at that. I bug them all so much they would get me in to shut me up! I pray he is ok ans its no big deal. Please keep trying. Call everyday if you have to. Good luck mama.
you may want to have your pediatrician call & move up the appt. Some drs will do that.....
Yes, I will not sugar-coat it: the blue tint is a concern. Ask the dr for a heart monitor for your baby to wear until the appt.
I wish you Peace. Please remember that as parents we are our children's advocates....not the dr, not the insurance provider. Let your voice be heard, but remember to be calm & respectful at all times. You'll get further.....
Have your Pediatrician, himself or herself, CALL the Cardiologist office, and make the appointment for you.
This is what our Pediatrician does.
That way, you get in FASTER.
AND the Doctor needs to say, it is crucial.
Call your Pediatrician back, and ask them to do this.
You must, speak up.
I hope, this is a Pediatric, Cardiologist?
I'm sure they can see you sooner! Like the others said, have the pediatrition call to make the appt and make SURE they know that his lips are turning blue!
My son who is 6 weeks old was born with a heart defect which they had suspected while I was still pregnant so they knew to watch him after he was born. After being in the NICU for 4 days and having 3 echos and STILL not being for SURE if he REALLY had the problem, they sent us home with instructions on what to watch for and blue lips, hand or feet was one of the things. Also, tiring or sweating while nursing and we also needed to watch his breathing. They told us to call IMMEDIATLY if he had blue lips, hand or feet though so I think he needs to be seen sooner!
I hope they can get you in very quickly and I am so sorry that you are having to go through any of this because I know you have to be worried and stressed out! Did they tell you what was abnormal about the echo?
Good Luck!
PM me if you want to talk!
If your son was asymptomatic, I'd say that the 2 week wait is ok.
Since he DOES have symptoms--the turning blue--I'd insist upon an earlier appt. I agree with the other replies--ask your son's peds office to make the appt for you. It is amazing how the schedules can suddenly open up if they hear it is urgent.
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