So you think your child's safe?

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   tobey100posted 14 years ago

   Millions of children every year get the required 'sports physical' before participating in organized or school sports activities.  As parents we appreciate the precaution however, should we feel so secure?  I've found out the hard way we shouldn't.  My 14 year old is a soccer player and has been for the past 4 years.  Each year he has the physical and is approved to play.  Last week he had an episode of rapid heart beat at 2 o'clock in the morning.  As it didn't disapate we took him to the emergency room where, after an EKG, it was determined he had a severe condition of Wolff Parkinsons White Syndrome.  Normally this condition is not life threatening but his was.  He's had the condition since birth evidently and it has never been detected during any 'sports physical'.  After a long cardiac procedure at Vanderbilt hospital the condition has been corrected.  We were informed that if he had participated in early soccer practice he had a good chance of cardiac failure.  I no longer rest easy.  Any of my five boys planning on participating in organized sports now receive an EKG and the approval of a cardiac specialist before they receive MY approval.  Might be worth your time.

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      manthyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the information - I agree with you 100% I had a similar problem with my oldest son playing basketball, he was diagnosed with Marfans Syndrome after the doctors had cleared hom to play football & basketball.

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      Obscure_Treasuresposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      A parent can never think that a child is safe...even if he is protected by the god.A child can only be safe if he/she is within their parents grasp....

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2. 60

   tobey100posted 14 years ago

   I think this happens all the time.  My son's cardiac surgeon firmly believes many of the sports deaths that occur annually are the direct result of subpar sports physicals and is actively campaigning here in Tennessee to make a more comprehensive physical mandatory.

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3. 64

   Sinea Piesposted 14 years ago

   My nephew also has recently been discovered as being at risk with his heart.  He is only 14 years old. He cannot play extremely active sports--which is so hard for him. Basketball is his passion.  But it is a life & death decision that had to be made.

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      tobey100posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      We were very lucky.  The cardiac surgeons at Vanderbilt were able to correct my 14 year old's problem and he will be able to play soccer in the spring.  My son was crushed when he learned he couldn't take part in any strenuous activity until next year.  I can't imagine not being able to play at all.

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