Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Nika's Heart

When we adopted Nika, her medical records reflected that she had a 3.5mm Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) at birth. This is the same defect Payton had, although hers was much smaller and had closed by six months of age. We knew there was a possibility that Nika's VSD would still be there, but we also hoped that it would have closed by now ... and it has! The cardiologist did an echocardiogram today and there is no indication of a VSD ... great news!

But ... yes, there is always a BUT ... she does have a leaky valve, which we did not expect. Her valves look normal, but one is leaking mildly. The official diagnosis is Aortic Regurgitation. If it continues as is, there is no need to do anything. Our course of action for now is to visit the cardiologist again in 2010 ... clearly it isn't anything too important, just something to monitor.

Oh ... and she weighed in at 25 pounds. When we were in Russia and had her medical exam done, we were told that she weighed 27 pounds. So ... either their scale was off or she has lost weight, which actually would not surprise me. She is a chunky little monkey and with all the food she was fed in the baby home {like 2-3 course meals for every meal}, I wouldn't be surprised if she lost a little weight. I'll see what the pediatrician thinks on Thursday.

8 comments:

  1. That is such great news and I will pray the leaky valve only gets better between now and 2010!! I know you are relieved~~

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  2. Yea! for no VSD! Such a blessing.

    And here's to hoping that 2010 brings un-leaky valves!

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  3. As a VSD survivor, I am so happy Nika doesn't have to go through that surgery. Hope the valve stops leaking too.

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  4. That's great news, Bethany! When I read the title of your post, I held my breath. I'm loving reading about Nika's progress and wonderful transition into the family! You know you'll be mobbed at the holiday party, btw...

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  5. So I haven't written since crying every day I read your blog while you were in Russia. Update, I have loved getting to know Nika and already love her as I do Mason and Payton.

    Love Mom

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  6. That's so awesome that it closed! Praying that the valve leak resolves itself too.

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