Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Finally, the Results are IN

So, it's official now, Keelan does in fact have spina bifida occulta... the pediatrician is referring us to a pediatric neurosurgeon. She said that they will probably just want to monitor him for now, since he's pretty much asymptomatic, but she wants the specialist to be the one to make that determination. I am feeling an odd mix of relief and anxiety... relief that it's the mildest incarnation of the defect, and some serious thanks to the Man Upstairs because really, this was a close call. Open spina bifida defects can cause serious paralysis and bowel/urinary problems. I like to think that taking my folic acid may have kept this from being much worse... although it is proof that folic acid is not an end all for neural tube defects. I'm anxious about the future though, because while it's not causing him any trouble now, it might in the future. The pediatrician said its one of those things where they can't really do anything until a problem develops. Unfortunately, that could mean surgery at some point if he does develop some nerve impingement. Everything I've read says that people with spina bifida occulta don't usually have any nerve problems, as it is primarily a bone malformation, but you know there are no guarantees... good thing I have therapy tomorrow, eh? :-)

5 comments:

Bella said...

OMG. I'm happy that you have a sense of relief knowing what is actually going on with the litte guy but at the same time, I wish I could comfort your fears in some way. Being a parent is the hardest job in the world, but from what I've read about you, I know that you and your husband are darn good ones. No matter what comes your way with your son's diagnosis, I know you will take care of him and be there for him. It may not be all smiles, but take things day by day... And if you ever need to vent your anxieties or fears.. or anything, email me. Give Kieran a super big hug from me. Take things as they come.

Bella said...

Keelan! Keelan. Sorry. I have an uncle that just came into my family a few years ago by marriage, who's name is Bob and I keep calling him Jeff. I'm very bad with names.
:)

haggardmom said...

Thank you bella, for your kind words. It means a lot to me! My husband is not exactly New Age Sensitive Man, so I've been feeling a little isolated in my mommy anxiety. :-)

Amy Linder said...

Hi There -

I'm brand new to your blog - just found you minutes ago - but I wanted to say hi and that I wish the best for your little boy. My oldest brother has spina bifida occulta, but didn't find out until a routine exam at 16 years old (he's almost 40 now). He's never had any symptoms from it, that I know of anyway, and I think that's pretty much the norm. Hopefully the same holds true for your little one.

I, on the other hand, have myelomeningecele(sp?) - the most severe form of spina bifida. I can walk, but I wear short leg braces & use a walking stick to keep steady. I'm also a blogger - I blog about being a disabled mom to my healthy, active toddler daughter. I'm married to a wonderful, healthy man. Life is good. :)

Anyway, I'm thrilled I found your blog. I'm going to add you to my blogroll. I think I'll put you under "raising special kids" even though, like I said, I'm sure Keelan will be fine in the long run.

Take care. :)

haggardmom said...

Thank you Amy and welcome!
I too hope that Keelan is in the norm for SBO. I am trying not to overthink things too much until we see the specialist. (hee, *trying* being the key word here LOL)