The main reason we did the MOM's trial was that chance that Charlotte wouldn't need a shunt. But each doctor visit our little baby's ventricles kept growing. Dr. Wu even said that he wanted to get the full ultrasound to make sure her head wasn't getting to big that I would need a special c-section. I read the notes of the doctor who did the c-section and they said that they had to keep cutting me open wider cause her head wouldn't go through. I guess that was a sign that a shunt was most likely inevitable. We never did meet back up with Dr Gupta the neurosurgeon but I read his notes as well and he said that if she wasn't part of the study and if she had any other signs of bad hydrosephelos other then the big ventricles he would have done a shunt surgery before we left. She was such a great baby at the hospital. no side affects or any kind. Her back healed all up in the womb and was able to be on her back the next day. Anyway back to the reason for the shunt.
We got home 8 days after she was born and her head was measuring at the 75% for head size. On day 12 of life her head had grown and was now at the 95%. Still no signs of aggitation or anything to show she needed a shunt other then the growth so Dr Shaffron said to come back in a week to do a quick MRI and see who her head inside looks. We'll one week later her head was now off the Charts for head size at her age. He said that even though she is doing fine the ventricles are starting to put pressure on her brain and could cause brain damage. We opted for the surgery right away. We went in the next day Friday the 14th for surgery at 3:00pm. Our little one didn't get to eat from 8:00 that morning tillabout 8 the next morning. She did great though. She wasn't fussy at all. I feel so blessed. She ended up having her surgery pushed back to like 6:00 pm. We waited in the waiting room at watched Princess and the Pea.
I wasn't worried at all. Just anxious to see her and make sure the surgery went ok. 2 hours later we got to go back to her room and they said everything went beautifully. She was still under the anesthesia so she was still sleeping and had a breathing tube in her mouth. It was so scary to see my little one all tubed up and bandages everywhere. I think they should have waited a little longer to have us come back. her skin reacted to the adhesive they used so her skin was all red and blotchy. That is what made me cry. She was in the hospital all day Saturday and then we brought her home Sunday afternoon.
She still has her bandages on the top of her head and behind her ear. I've put a little headband on her head for church and my little shower and you could hardly see she had anything on her head. I'm not ashamed for her I just am not ready for all the questions. She's just so beautiful to me, my normal little baby with a few challenges.
One of the best things I like about having a new baby is after I've fed her I put her on my shoulder to burp her and get to nuzzle into her head and kiss her little face. I even like the feel of the shunt agains't my cheek. I think it reminds me that we did and are doing everything we can for her.
Charlotte is such a joy to have in our little family. Kathryn adores her little sister and loves giving her kisses all over. I know both will be the best of friends!
4 comments:
your such a great mom! Strong and faithful. She is so lucky to have you. You have such a great outlook. Good luck and she is sure in our prayers!
She looks like the sweetest little baby.
Thank you for your post. It is good to read about your daughter. I hope she feels much better with the shunt. Congrats to you for being so strong for the Mom's study.
What a wonderful attitude and perspective you have. Praying for a speedy, uncomplicated recovery for little C and no shunt problems for EVER. :) That's what I pray for my shunt-baby. God bless.
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