The Story of Jacob: School

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

School

Where did my Mojo go? I have been teaching for 11 years and today was like my first day after being out for the last 10 weeks. Time to dust off my brain and find it.

Jacob had a fantastic day at daycare. When I came to pick him up, he showed me the toys he was playing with. He was talking to his teachers and classmates with his gobbley-gook words and gave hugs goodbye. And he was so tired from his very busy day that he fell asleep on the car ride home. Just like old times.

2 comments:

GrammyJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:19 PM
Jacob, I was thinking of you all day. I'm so glad your first day back to school was a good one. I know how much everyone there loves you. They must have been so happy to see you. Did you do the Dinosaur march today? Did you wash your hands in the sink?
Hugs and Kisses to you, sweetheart.
Grammy
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Danielle January 19, 2011 at 6:44 PM
Know he's happy will help clear the cobwebs...

(((((((hugs))))))))

...danielle
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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.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

School

2 comments: