Long Overdue

I had meant to post an entry on the blog about something that Andrew was experiencing when he was younger, but wanted to wait until we knew for sure what was going on. Then, I just forgot to. So, this post is long overdue. My apologies, but better late than never.

Anyhow, let me begin from the beginning. Sometime in August, I noticed that Andrew would shake for a few seconds while nursing. It was like his whole body shivered, but only for a few seconds. After the first time it happened, I called my pediatrician's office who told me if it happened again to make sure that Andrew's eyes did not roll back during and to notify them. About a week later, it did happen again. We discussed the matter with our pediatrician who recommended us to get an EEG and referred us to Texas Children's Hospital. James knew more about this than I did from his degree and days as a teacher. He read online as much as he could. We were worried about epilepsy, but Andrew's shakes did not seem to be epileptic in nature.

About a week later, we had an appointment at TCH for the EEG. We had to keep Andrew awake so that he could sleep during the EEG. Poor kid started to fall asleep on the way to hospital. Anyhow, we got there; and the nurse proceeded to hook Andrew up with lots of sensors. Theoretically, the best case scenario would be for Andrew to have a spasm during the EKG so can evaluate it, but of course, no luck. Well, the EEG started while Andrew was awake. We kept Andrew entertained by playing with him with toys we brought and some toys they had there. Then, we needed Andrew to sleep for a bit. I nursed him and thankfully, he fell asleep not too long after. He was such a good sport. Anyways, the EEG came back totally normal. James and I were relieved that the results were good, but were still anxious to know what was going on with Andrew.

The next step was to see a specialist. We were referred to the TCH's Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology. After many conversations with many people, we managed an appointment for late September. Typically, it takes months to get an appointment, but we had some help from our pediatric office as well as a friend who knew some people at the clinic. The normal procedure was to see a nurse practitioner. Then, she would consult with a neurologist. Then, if need be, we would get an appointment with one. We took Andrew to his appointment; and the nurse came in to see him. We had been playing with Andrew on the floor when she came in, so she decided to do her part of her examination then to evaluate Andrew's development. She asked us lots of questions about the things that Andrew was doing as well as the timeframe Andrew had learned different things. Next, she inquired to the shakes. Then, she left the room to talk it over with a doctor. When she came back, she told us that Andrew seemed to be suffering from infantile spasms. Typically, they occur because a baby's neurological system is immature and not fully developed yet. And in most cases, the baby will grow out of the spasms at least by age two. James and I had both read about infantile spasms, so were somewhat glad to hear of the diagnosis knowing that it was not too serious of a condition. We were also relieved to hear that it would not affect him in any way later on. Mostly, we were glad to have some answers to our many lingering questions.

The nurse said that as long as they did not become more frequent, then we need not worry too much. After the appointment, Andrew did have a few more spasms sporadically. But they seemed to be occuring less and less with more time in between them. I really can't recall the last time he had one...thankfully!!!

I can still remember how scared and concerned James and I were. Poor James was wrought with worry. He is such a caring Daddy!! I know that everything is a lot more scary when it's your kid, but when it's your first kid, a first time mommy is probably even more freaked out. James and I had so many talks about what was happening; and we were both scared out of our minds. I remember trying to not think too much about it for fear that I would drive myself crazy or have a nervous breakdown. I tried to remain calm and rational and unemotional (not always easy for me). Part of me didn't want to think anything was wrong. I tried to play things down a bit. I think I was partly in denial. I was so scared that something was wrong that I didn't want to believe it. I just wanted Andrew to be okay. All my life I have prayed for healthy children. And when I was pregnant, I would rub my belly and think of that little human growing inside me and pray to God for him to be all right. And now, there are times when I still silently pray for that. I am grateful that the spasms ended up not being serious. And I am so grateful that we have a healthy little boy who amazes me more and more each day.

Why I remembered to post this blog after all this time was because there have been two or so times, Andrew will shake when he is really happy or upset. And Ngoai saw it too and asked if he has had any more spasms. It's nothing like the spasms because Andrew is willing the shakes. Ngoai also noticed that sometimes when I joke reprimanding him, I shake my fist. So, I guess we know where he learned it from. Bad Mommy! But the point of this entry was of course to let you know what had been going on with Andrew...although be it, several months later. Again, sorry for the delay. Secondly, I wanted to pass along some information in case someone else was going through the same thing. I love the internet and love that we have so much information at the tips of our fingers. But sometimes, it helps to read a firsthand account.

I will end this post with pictures taken from the EEG (performed on August 28, 2008). It breaks my heart to see Andrew all hooked up, but am also moved just thinking about my sweet boy and knowing he is fine. We are counting our blessings!