Monday, September 28, 2009

One Crazy Week!

This past week has been a bit tough. Last Tuesday we we're instructed to take Carson the ER because of vomiting. Taking someone to the ER because they're throwing up may sound a bit overkill, but when your dealing with a person who has Spina Bifida it could be much more serious. Vomiting can indicate a neurological issue which needs urgent attention.
On our way to the hospital I thought that we were finally at the beginning of more surgery. I imagined that Carson's neurologist would have to arrive and suddenly perform a scary surgery of some sort. I was terrified! I hoped that Carson's diaper bag contained enough supplies and toys for what I thought would be a several day stay.
Thankfully we were released from the ER several hours later. The doctors believed that Carson's vomiting was most likely due to a stomach bug of some sort (Even though he had no temp. and was his normal self).
Yet, almost a week later and Carson's still throwing up almost daily. His pediatrician feels that this is probably simply Carson's new norm. As long as his wet diapers and weight gain continue, she is not concerned.
Of course I am relieved that were not looking at surgery or infections, but I still can't completely shake the fear. Please pray that Carson will cease vomiting and wisdom for myself and his doctors.
On the bright side, Carson will finally receive his standing AFO's early Oct! AFO's are plastic and velcro ankle braces designed to help with standing and walking. Carson loves standing upright with help from Nate and I. I hope he'll be eager and excited to try it in his braces!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

8 Months Old




It's hard to believe summer is over; time is just flying by. I also cannot believe that my little guy is already 8 months old! Sometimes I wish I could hang on longer to certain days and just savor them. Carson sure is keeping us busy!

After a few weeks of constantly yanking off his glasses, Carson finally seems to have made his peace with them. What a relief! He pretty much leaves them alone. Our next goal: Getting him to actually look through them instead of over them like an old man.

Carson is still continuing with physical therapy, but starting this fall he'll be doing a lot more of it. He'll receive therapy through Early On, Mary Free Bed, and also a group class. We're also considering taking a swim class and a session at the Conductive Learning Center.

So what's new in Carson's world? He is mesmerized by his feet. Nate and I are thrilled that he has the strength and flexibility to reach them. Carson is also sitting up; he's not completely sturdy yet, but he's getting pretty close. He's certainly progressing, but the area he has always thrived the most in is eating. Carson now eats chunks of food like meat and loves it! He'll eat anything in his path with little trouble and washes it down with sips of water from a glass with help from his mom. The other day Carson and his dad ate sizzler steaks, yum:)

Wednesday we had another head check with the Neurosurgeon and everything still looks stable. There is still concern about Carson's lack of upper body strength. We're hoping it is something we can work through with physical therapy. There is a possibility that his syrinx, tethered cord, or chiari malformation is causing it which would lead to a surgical intervention. For now all we can do is watch and wait. His next MRI will probably be January.