Enlarged Right Ventricle in My 8.5 Month Old

Updated on December 10, 2013
S.T. asks from New York, NY
5 answers

My sons been ill for the past month and a few weeks more. Massive congestion was his only symptom really but at night he would have significantly bad retractions and periods of apnea lasting 5-10 seconds. His pediatrician failed us miserably and after three visits back to her and two different antibiotics plus zyrtec I went for a second opinion. This dr walked in and said "oh, he's retracting... We need to figure out why." She didn't have the best bedside manner and her jokes were a bit off color but she told me my son had a viral infection...not bacterial...so no antibiotics...then she said to help with his congestion (we have tried everything for him) to offer Benadryl per his weight...and added albuterol due to course lung sounds. But due to my sons shallow breathing she wanted an X-ray to rule out pneumonia. His lungs were clear but she then said she saw that his right ventricle was enlarged. She sent us over for an EKG...the results were abnormal. She scheduled us for an echocardiogram. We had this done today. Results are tomorrow. I'm freaking out. His viral infection symptoms have been improving but he always seems to be slightly gasping for breath which I don't think I've noticed until lately. My husband noticed it tonight when he was playing with him that he seemed winded easily. Now I'm not sure if its due to him being sick recently or due to potential heart problems...as a nurse I think up all possible scenarios...which doesn't help. Just wondering if anyone can share a similar experience of offer some advice on how to get through the wait...we are so worried.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Well...it was a shadow that had been seen. Nothing else. Very glad!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D..

answers from Miami on

S., I'm so sorry that the first poster to your query here is by a crappy robo spammer. It will disappear in a few hours.

I'm so very sorry about your son. My own children didn't have this issue, but a friend of mine's had a similar heart problem (I can't remember the specifics) and had heart surgery as an infant. She is now 4 years old. Around the age of 16, she will need to have another one.

I do hope that you will write a letter to the original pediatrican and tell her that ANYTIME an infant is retracting, that she needs to pay attention to it and not just pass it off. Include your child's diagnosis. The reason to do this is to help other children.

This will all be a process, and the best thing you can do is follow the process diligently. Though as a nurse you know so much more than the normal layperson and can be overwhelmed by that knowledge, try to use it as "knowledge is power" rather than being frightened. That is the best way to help your son.

Prayers and well wishes for you and your son~~

1 mom found this helpful

D.P.

answers from Detroit on

(((HUGS))). I know the wait is difficult. Just go through it minute by minute, hour by hour and I hope that tomorrow will give you results that will allow you to take the best possible route for your child. Hoping for the best.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

My son was born with a complex congenital heart defect. He is 5 and has had 3 open heart surgeries. The medical field is amazing. Hopefully, the echo can figure out what is wrong and the cardiologist can give you a solution. Best of luck!!

F.W.

answers from Danville on

I am sending healing thoughts!

I would suggest you begin to look at 'pediatric cardiologists' and perhaps pulmonologists as well while you are waiting for the results. I am sure you will want to see one no matter what the results yeild.

Waiting is hard...but hopefully tomorrow's answers will give you some direction.

best!

And keep us posted

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions