Update on Ty...

Hi everyone...sorry I don't have a picture today. We have no idea how the day got away from us without a picture. We decided to come home a little earlier tonight so that we can rest. We got Ty's test results today...the MRI results showed that little Ty had a stroke some time in the last week of pregnancy or first half day of birth. The stroke affected a part of his brain that is causing seizures. The first seizure is what alerted the doctors that something may have been wrong.

So, it is good news/bad news...the damage to his brain looks small. Also, infants seem to be able to develop new neural pathways around any stroke damage...unlike someone older. (Now, I'm thankful that I have learned all about neural plasticity in every one of my classes the last two semesters.)

If he has any motor problems, it may be more to his right side of his body. But, they think it might be more in fine motor skills than gross motor skills. (That seems to be the picture to me because he seems awfully strong with all of his limbs when he decides to kick his legs and grab wires). He will be on anti-seizure medication for the first two months, but he may not need it after that. He could show really no symptoms from the stroke to needing physical and occupational therapy. The neurologist (and us) are hopeful because his external physical vitals are so strong. (Also, one of our pediatricians today told us that she has seen a lot of "stroke babies" over the years and that it is getting harder and harder to know that they ever had any initial problems...so, we're holding on to that thought).

So, when do we get to bring this kid home? The path home is to get Ty stabilized on his anti-seizure medications so that he doesn't have any more seizures and that he isn't too sedated to start eating. Also, he is still working to improve his breathing enough to start eating. (That problem was from the meconium). And, once we start feeding enough, we can bring him home! Once he is home, he'll be on anti-seizure meds for a few months and then we'll do follow-up with the neurologist and then figure out whatever additional therapy Ty needs.

Thanks again for all of the phone calls and support. We definitely need and appreciate it! Again, I'm sorry if we haven't returned phone calls yet. While I feel really great and strong when I'm in the hospital with Ty, I can't quite talk yet without getting weepy. Oh yea...we got to hold Ty for over half the day. Tim (AKA the new Dad) got to spend lots of holding time with him. I am, of course, busy being attached to a machine pumping in anticipation of Ty's big appetite.

We'll shoot for pictures tomorrow!
Lesley & Tim