The Story of Jacob: HEP

Monday, January 31, 2011

HEP

I was thinking about going to CVS to pick up our prescriptions when I decided to side-swipe a moving vehicle in the parking lot of Jacob's daycare. Apparently I was texting because my head was down. But I wasn't. I don't text. If my head was down, I was probably asleep because Matthew decided to wake me up at 4 am this morning. I don't know where my head was. A little paint off the front bumper to match the rear bumper after parking at Hasbro Children's Hospital in October...

Jacob said hep today as opposed to heh for help. And he is bringing the syllables oh and pen oh so close together to say open. We have been working on this word for months and months. He is also saying buhbroh (shovel) because he likes to clear snow from the driveway with all of us.

Tomorrow? I can't wait.

1 comment:

Danielle February 2, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Seems like when I'm just about ready to think it'll never happen...

...Trevy surprises me. And does something crazy...like saying...

Mom-MEE

instead of mama or mom mom. MOMMY.

I can't wait to watch Jacob keep amazing you!
ReplyDelete
Replies

Add comment

His Story

Jacob was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms on May 7, 2009, two days after we observed his first jacknife seizure. He was admitted to Hasbro Children's Hospital that afternoon to begin a course of treatment with ACTH. The next day, an MRI revealed the cause of the Infantile Spasms - a stroke in utero. Two-thirds of the left hemisphere of Jacob's brain was replaced by cerebrospinal fluid. We were discharged after four days and continued the ACTH treatment. After four weeks, the Infantile Spasms and hypsarrhythmia on his EEG were resolved but another seizure type emerged, complex partial epilepsy and myoclonic seizures.

Jacob was also diagnosed with right hemiparesis, a slight paralysis of the right side of his body. He made great strides walking independently but had limited functional use of his right hand. In February 2010, Jacob participated in the Constraint Therapy Program through Hasbro Children's Rehabilitation Center and participated again in August. The program involved intensive therapy with his right arm and hand. Jacob also received physical and occupational therapy and speech therapy through his Early Intervention Provider.

On December 22, 2010, Jacob underwent a left functional hemispherectomy, disconnecting the left hemisphere of his brain from the right hemisphere. Our hope was that he would be seizure-free and off of his anti-seizure medication.

Jacob did not have another seizure following his surgery and within nine months, he was weaned off of his anti-seizure medication.

Although early detection, aggressive treatment, intensive therapy, and self-advocacy have been essential to Jacob's rehabilitation, Jacob is blessed. He is an amazing surprise.

Pages

Monday, January 31, 2011

HEP

1 comment: