Question
Hey, Nurse Red, it's me again. I've got yet another question for you. I called my wife tonight after I stopped for the evening and got a bit of news that has me unable to sleep. Apparantly she took our 12mo. old son to the doctor for a check up and the doc. told her he "thinks he hears a slight heart murmur" Now, after talking to everyone she can about she says it's nothing to worry about because most kids can get them and most out grow them. However, I'm not convinced because I wasn't there to interrogate the good doctor myself. I was wondering what you could tell me about this situation. Don't spare my feelings if it's a bad thing. I can't sleep. However, I do know the doctor said it's barely there, very slight and he can only hear it from a certain angle. Thanks Nurse. Have a good one. I know I can be pesky can't I?
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If it aint a CAT, it must be a dog!....Dogs always chase CATs
Answer
Spanky,
Did you want the "GOOD NURSE" to answer this or me? LOL
What you are being told is MOST OFTEN the case. Most children do out grow this, however, for your piece of mind, you may ask the pediatrician to refer your little one to a pediatric cardiologist. This will be an expensive endeavor if you don't have health insurance.
A pediatric cardiologist will (Or should) perform a 12 lead EKG on the baby in addition to listening to heart sounds. They can also do an echocardiogram. This is a simple non-invasive procedure that will show the actual beating action and blood flow through the heart chambers to determine if there is any abnormality in the blood flow that could cause a problem in the future.
Heart murmurs in children are generally a result of a valve in the heart not fully opening or closing. This allows for a mild backwash of blood from one chamber of the heart to the previous one. What the doctor is most likely hearing is a slight WHOOSHing sound. Often, it is merely a case of an immature heart valve that matures with time and performs it's job properly from that time on.
But, if you want to be sure, and I do understand your concerns, follow up with a specialist.
Please check back and let us know how things go.
Now just where did that "GOOD NURSE" go? I want her to go to work for me today!
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
Visit us at www.Truck.net/abms
[This message has been edited by Nurse Red (edited July 13, 2000).]Visit us at
Answer
Thanks Nurse, you're the greatest. Once again you've provided me with some reassurance and advice. You're the one who helps me feel better when I get some bad news or into a bad situation when Spanky gets a boo-boo. Have a good one and I'll talk to you again soon.
Your Pal, Rick "Spanky"
"Gee....I wonder if the Nurse is married....."
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If it aint a CAT, it must be a dog!....Dogs always chase CATs
Answer
No Spanky, I'm not married. Been there, done that twice! Wasn't any good at it either time! Me thinks I'm a bit too much of a free spirit for most men. Translation: I pretty much don't take orders well.
But you are married! And I'll bet if your wife catches you asking about my marital status, you are gonna get some boo boos FOR SURE! ROFL!
However, I do have an extremely handsome and sexy significant other at home.
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
Visit us at www.Truck.net/abmsVisit us at