***RICKY'S NEWS FOR OCTOBER 2005***
~~~ MRI RESULTS & OTHER NEWS ~~~
*October 5, 2005*
Well I went to the doctor (pediatrician) and got the official results of the MRI.
The spine one seems to be fine, no issues there aside from the scoliosis (which unfortunatly is still an issue and not improving), but the BRAIN MRI showed that the CT scan results were unchanged.. so he DOES have brain issues, though because they have not worsened at all, means that the issues are likely to be minor....which is good news :) His struggles will still be there but the prognosis (I hope) is more hopefull now.
The most problematic news of the MRI was his KIDNEY and that was a surprize to me... and that seems to be a possibly big problem. He has his ultrasound and VCUG exam (an evasive test where they apparently stick a thin tube up his private area to see how the urine goes through... OUCH!), that is set for October 31st. From what I understand this problem can be very mild with nothing to be done but followup u/s, or it could be moderate where he would be on preventative antibiotics indefinetly, or severe where he may require surgery... so I am hoping for a mild or moderate case :)
**SIDE NOTE** (Oct. 8/05)
I received the MRI photo copy yesturday and the report states SIGNIFIGANT hydrpronephrosis (enlargement of kidney).
So I am praying this is not so signifigant on the ultrasound or with the vcug exam.
Please say a prayer for Ricky that this kidney issue turns out to be non-signifigant!
**PHYSIO THERAPY (PT) APPOINTMENT (10/19/05)**
Today Ricky had his hospital (monthly) PT appointment. Overall it was ok, she was pleased that he can now stand up on his own at least with the playpen and crib. She still wants to work on him walking around the playpen/crib as well as learn to get up on the furniture which is lower, and scoot around... THEN we can attempt the walking. Still a LONG way to go to accomplish this but we'll keep trying. Today she had him try the walker (like the ones the elderly use). She put him so that it was backwards (the front part supporting the back) and walked behind him. He looked soooo good trying and was so straight, which is great for his back (scoliosis), BUT he was struggling so hard at every step it broke my heart looking at him!! But that seems to be what he needs to help him. The only thing is his balance stinks so the therapist said she does not suggest it at home till at least next month as he needs to learn more the natural way but if he is still at the same point next month (at 18 months) then she may "prescibe" the walker to come home and help him here. Its just such a long hard struggle for him, I can't beleive he is having to deal with this but boy he is a fighter and I KNOW he WILL walk one day, maybe not the best walker, but he will... I just wish he'd get there sooner than later LOL... cuz he is awfully heavy to lug around!! :(
***ENT UPDATE***
October 25, 2005
GOOD NEWS - his latest ear infection (that we caught this weekend and is on meds for it now) is clearing up nicely and both ears are 90% clear, Yay! So a follow up is scheduled for Feb. 2006 to see how his winter is ear infection wise :)
NOT-SO-GREAT news is the ENT did see his tounge and it IS tied and DOES need to be clipped as its severe enough to be contributing to his chewing problems and possibly his speach delays too. This would be day surgery where they do a fast 5 minute procedure where they clip the tongue. ONly danger is the slight possibility of access bleeding. He will wait to see IF Ricky needs kidney surgery first as if he does he can do the procedure while he is under for that. Otherwise we will schedule it in February.
****KIDNEY U/S AND VCUG****
Oct. 31, 2005
This afternoon my little guy went threw alot.
First was his ultrasound...and yes the left kidney is definatly messed up.
it looks so bad. The doctor who came in after the tech did the photos said this can be a minor issue if reflux and just need preventative meds to help him, or it may be something that needs further testing at nuclear medicine to see the cause.
Had the vcug...NOT FUN....and the findings were that he did not have reflux but the doctor did see something, had another u/s done, and he still couldnot find reason for it, so he referred us to have further testing done at the nuclear medicine where Ricky will have a test done by IV fluid and xray (or u/s, not sure) to do more testing to figure out the cause and what to do.
So I am very affraid. But I won't know more till after I see my doctor later this week with the official results and ask her what we will do next, and how long it will take for the nuclear medicine test to be done.
That's all for October, I am sure NOvember will be another month of news/developments on Ricky.
That's all for now!
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c. Oct. 2005 by mommy
