Timothy

We had Timothy's regular checkup with his cardiologist. If you've forgotten, or never knew, Timothy has a bicuspid aorta valve. Normally the aorta valve has three flaps, so its called tricuspid. this is more common than people know and it doesn't limit Timothy as far as physical activity goes (Arnold Schwartzenegger has a bicuspid aorta valve. Think of years of body building!)  We've known since he was born so its been watched since. Eventually, when he's much older, like around 60's, he'll need to have valve replacement surgery. (Also like Arnold). The reason is that the valve becomes worn down, as it is weakened by the extra force of blood being pumped through since the heart has to work harder to get the blood through that valve. 

The valve of a bicuspid aorta is given a range of normal as far as size, which shows the strength or weakness of that valve. Timothy's is at the high end of that allotted size, so his is being watched closely, but the cardiologist felt comfortable letting another two years go before seeing Timothy again. And by the time Timothy is 15 or 16, they'll know whether or not Timothy is someone they'll have to see more often and know if he will likely be someone who has to have the valve replacement surgery earlier in life, such as his 20's or 30's.

Otherwise, Timothy is doing good. He loves being homeschooled and is still working at the bagpipes, and now skateboarding too. ;-)