Today we met with the Pediatric Neurologist, Dr. Madeline Chadehumbe to discuss our baby's diagnosis of Dandy-Walker Syndrome. She gave us great news that there is not excess fluid on the brain (this would have required a shunt immediately after birth) and both cerebellar hemispheres are the appropriate size and appear to be 'talking' to one another. The only cause for any concern is baby's under developed cerebellum (an area at the back of the brain that controls movement). At birth, the only immediate cause for concern is that baby may need help learning to suck in order to eat. How feeding goes will depend on how long he/she will have to be in the NICU. Dr. Chadehumbe will visit baby in the NICU. We will see her when the baby is about 4 weeks old so she can determine baby's progress and how to proceed.
We are praying that this will not have any affect on his/her development. Please keep praying!
We greatly appreciate all the prayers, love, and support we have been shown over these difficult months.
With Love,
Steve and Michele
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Car Seat Safety
Who knew there was so much to know about car seat safety? We took a free class last night offered by Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and Safe Kids Greater Grand Rapids. It was well worth our time!
Did you know? Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 4 and older. Counting children and teens up to age 21, there are more than 5,000 deaths each year. Fatalities are just the tip of the iceberg; for every fatality, roughly 18 children are hospitalized (90,000) and more that 400 are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment (2,000,000).
For more information visit: www.devoschildrens.org/safekids
Did you know? Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 4 and older. Counting children and teens up to age 21, there are more than 5,000 deaths each year. Fatalities are just the tip of the iceberg; for every fatality, roughly 18 children are hospitalized (90,000) and more that 400 are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment (2,000,000).
For more information visit: www.devoschildrens.org/safekids
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
30 Weeks Along!
On Monday, we had a growth ultrasound at
Spectrum Health Maternal Fetal Medicine.
Our baby is now 4 lbs. 1 oz. (66th percentile), has a normal
heart beat, and normal amniotic fluid level.
They still feel very strongly that he/she has Dandy-Walker
Syndrome.
After the ultrasound we met with a
Neonatologist and a Social Worker at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. The Neonatologists role is to coordinate care
for the baby once he/she arrives. The
Social Workers role is to help is with supplemental insurance and
developmental/educational programs we may be eligible for as well as answer any
questions and concerns we have. We
discussed what we may expect when our bundle of joy arrives and had a tour of
the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). He/she is expected to go to the NICU either
immediately or shortly after delivery and they have no idea for how long at
this point.
What’s
Next?
Dr. Madeline
Chadehumbe (Pediatric Neurologist
@Helen DeVos Children’ Hospital) - November 8
Perinatal Visits –
November 16, November 30, December 21, December 28, & January 4
Growth Ultrasound
– December 14
We are very anxious
to meet with Dr. Chadehumbe next week.
We hope and pray that she can provide us with some answers and additional
information on our miracles condition.
Please keep praying for a miracle!
Thank you for all of your love and support!
With Love,
Steve and Michele
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