NIC, just remember that the heart and lungs are very much tied together. What affects one will inevitably affect the other. Example, both of my boys, after having a tangle with RSV, developed asthma. When they finally had the surgical interventions to correct the problems with their hearts....the asthma has been in remission. And asthma doesn't always present with wheezing....there is a cough variant that is very tough to catch and pick up on.
One last tip, before I totally destroy everything you know. Whatever you do....listen to the parents of these kids. They know their kids and how they act and react better than even the doctor. If necessary, be prepared to advocate for them and WHATEVER you do, PLEASE don't treat them like they are crazy when they say their child is not acting right. Chances are that they have spent enough time in hospitals and ERs to pick up some rudimentary basics...especially if they are good parents and have fought to educate themselves as to exactly what their child is going
through. These parents may look crazy and one the panicky side of things, but they live under extraordinary stress.
Speaking of medical interventions, our oldest underwent a radiofrequency ablation and our youngest had a clamshell
device put in to close an ASD. Talk about a scary procedure, that one they do not do unless they have an OR with a heart/lung machine primed and on standby.
OK, I will get off my soap box now, shut up and go back to my homework.
Anne
