We had a terrible day yesterday. We had an ultrasound scheduled for Brandon to check out his large head. We had to wait 2 months for this appointment! The first bad thing that happened, Scott backed our truck up into a concrete partition in the VERY tight parking lot. He didn't see it at all. We think we will need the back bumper replaced. :( But, don't sweat the small stuff, and that is small stuff.
We went to Brandon's appointment without any worry. We joked around (about the truck) played with the babies in the waiting room, made the best out of having to go to this appt. We were really positive nothing would be wrong with this child. He eats well, plays well, "army" crawls around, always has a HUGE smile or is laughing! Much to our surprise, the Dr came in to check out the ultrasound images and told us and showed us.. Brandon does in fact have fluid on his brain. We were stunned. I felt numb. We asked a lot of questions. The Dr did show us an example of some of the larger pockets of fluid he has seen in infants. Brandon has 2 small pockets of fluid. The Dr was very honest in saying that since that was his first time seeing Brandon's head, he has nothing to compare it to. He doesn't know if the fluid pockets are growing or if they are getting smaller. He did say that quite often, infants will have fluid on the brain that will slowly go away on it's own. However, if there is a blockage (which he could not see) fluid will just continue to build up. In that case, he will have to have surgery to have a shunt inserted. This is a valve that will allow the fluid to flow away from the brain. It is my understanding that he could have this shunt in his body into his teenage years.
Brandon has had a large head since before he was born. The techs always commented on what a big head he had. I always asked if that was a problem.. and was told no. After he was born, we also asked the drs and nurses if his head looked "abnormal". It looked like that to us. His forehead stuck out some and we could see his veins. It wasn't until his head size percentile continued to move up with every regular check up that the pediatrician ordered an ultrasound. Apparently, there is only one specialist in this area that can do the ultrasound on babies? So that is why we waited for 2 months. Now, he wants to see Brandon again in 2-3 weeks to see if the fluid is growing or draining. If the fluid is building, we will proceed with treatment.
This is called Hydrocephalus.
Common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus include:
An unusually large head (Brandon has)
A rapid increase in the size of the head (Brandon has)
A bulging "soft spot" on the top of the head (anterior fontanel) (DOES NOT HAVE)
Vomiting (DOES NOT HAVE)
Sleepiness (ummmm... all babies are sleepy! However, he does sleep more than Faith)
Irritability (NOT ONE BIT!)
Seizures (NO! Thank God!)
Eyes fixed downward (Nope!)
Developmental delay (I don't think he is delayed at all!)
As you see, Brandon does not display a lot of the symptoms. However, more symptoms could appear if the fluid packets get bigger.. but hopefully that will be prevented if its heading in that direction.
I am glad we found out and are addressing this asap! Scott and I are both so worried but we are trying to be positive. Please add Brandon to your prayers! I am adding a cute video of Brandon taken a couple nights ago. He looks like such a happy, healthy baby boy:)
9 comments:
Oh, Peg, I can't even imagine how difficult this must be to hear about your precious baby boy. Luckily, his pockets of fluid appear to be small and he doesn't have the other more severe symptoms, so I would think this is a good sign. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and hope that fluid drains on its own. When do you go back for a follow-up?
I'm sorry to hear that Peggy. I know it is diffulcult for you, but try to stay positive. This could improve itself in time. I am so sorry though. He is in my prayers!
Dawn
I'm sorry Peggy. The unknown and waiting is always the worst. I'm glad that the doc wants to see him again in a few weeks so you don't have to worry and wait too long for answers. I'll pray that everything is fine and if treatment is necessary then I hope it makes all the difference in the world for a positive outcome in the long run. Love Ya BBBFF!!
OMG!!! Peggy! All three of my kiddos have large head but my middle one with autism has an even larger head with the veins showing. But he seems to be fine. My prayers are with you and your family. Keep me posted! By the way those two are so cute!
I'm so sorry Peggy! Brandon does look to be very healthy and very smart! I think it's good that the docs are being very proactive. Brody has a very large head as well (90th perc.) but we've never looked too much into it. There is another girl on TMMB that has one boy with fluid on the brain, I wonder if you could talk to her? Her son seems just as fine and healthy as Brandon, so maybe it is just something he will grow out of. Sending lots of prayers your way - hang in there!
Oh Peggy!! I'm so sorry! Everyone has already said what I could have thought about saying. What more can I say? I'm sure he will be fine. The video you made is very cute!! I can't wait to see them in 2 days! They are so precious and of course I will keep you guys in my prayers. Love ya lots!
You know I am prayin, my friend! I lvoe ya!
you'll be in my prayers. Please keep us posted.
I know that these things can be terrifying. When Nicholas was about a month old or 2 a nurse though he was having seizures, and it ended up he wasn't but those days before the appt with the pedi I was a basketcase.
Brandon does look very healthy and happy. He is getting ready to sit and everything looks great from your posts. It sounds like if it is something, that is is a mild case and if anything, he will just improve with any support, not get worse. I have met and taken care of kids who later I found out had a shunt for the same reason and I never would have known. They were healthy, smart little kids running around. My prayers are with you all.
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