The Story of Jacob: Before, Before, Before, and After

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Before, Before, Before, and After

The following movie includes a clip from each of Jacob's pre-therapy evaluations (February 2010, August 2010, and February 2011) and a clip from his post-therapy evaluation last Friday.

Constraint Therapy is regarded as an experimental treatment and therefore is not covered by insurance.

5 comments:

ShannonMarch 20, 2011 at 8:59 AM
That is simply incredible! What an amazing little boy! That gives me so much hope for Marissa.
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GrammyMarch 20, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Jacob, I'm so proud of you. You have worked so hard and done such good work. And I'm so proud of your mommy and daddy for fighting so hard for you. What an effort - and what a payoff! Hugs and kisses.
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AnonymousMarch 20, 2011 at 4:57 PM
Yay Jacob!
Grandma Christe
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Danielle March 21, 2011 at 1:37 PM
Sweet!

...danielle
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Jacob's MommyMarch 21, 2011 at 8:47 PM
Shannon - Marissa is full of strength and tenacity... there is so much promise in our small people.
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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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Saturday, March 19, 2011

Before, Before, Before, and After

5 comments: