echocardiogram

Well, PJ had his repeat echo today, out at the Children's Health Center at Duke Hospital. (It's where the DS clinic is) The Dr. was very nice. He didn't have the pictures from PJ's original echo that was done in Nashville, TN at the age of 2 weeks. In that first echo, we became aware of an ASD (atrial septal defect) measuring about 5mm in length. At that time, the Dr. was not too concerned, he wanted to repeat the echo after 3 months because he felt confident it would close up on it's own. Well, it's not gone completely, but it has closed up quite a bit, leaving only two small pin hole sized holes, which, the Dr. says, would be more trouble to close than to just leave alone, and that he doesn't need to see us again for 3 years. So, that's good. One concern he DID bring up is PJ's growth pattern. Apparently, on the DS growth chart, PJ places in slightly OVER the 50th percentile for weight, but UNDER the 5th percentile for length. He's a short, fat little boy. Well, if you've ever met his parents, you'd know why. But if that's not the reason why, then it could be his thyroid. We have his 6 month checkup scheduled for later this month, at which time they'll draw blood to test his thryroid functions. I'll let you know, when I know. 6 more days, and PJ will be 6 months old!