Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Possible shunt malfunction

I can't even believe that this is happening. My heart is breaking at the thought of our precious little girl going back to the hospital for a shunt revision. We saw the neurosurgeon on Tuesday and he confirmed what Branden and I felt on Monday night on the top of her head. I called it fluffy, Dr. Javahery called it bulging fontanels. Any way you call it, it is not good. The bulging / fluffiness is a possible indication that the CSF
(cerebral spinal fluid) is backing up and therefore the shunt is malfunctioning in some way. Annabelle was extremely fussy during the entire doctor's visit, which has not been her way until the last 72 hours. He was surprised by the amount of crying, grunting and straining she was doing - I was too. We noticed that she was a bit more sleepy and not eating well this past weekend, but in light of the fact that our house has been upwards of 100 degrees (not really sure of the actual temp. but it was horribly hot!) we just figured she was hot and tired like the rest of us. So, now the decision is that she will have a Cat Scan either tomorrow or Friday to see what's going on with her shunt. Obviously, this is extremely scary and stressful for our family and we are once again asking for your prayers. Please pray for Annabelle, our boys who are seeing a very sad mommy and for Branden who is doing his very best to juggle work and taking care of his family with very little sleep.

6 comments:

ErinBW said...

I'm thinking positive thoughts for you all. Please let me know if I can do anything.

christine mcclain said...

Aww Nicole...I'm really sorry. I am of course sending prayers out for you. Please please keep us updated. I am loving all the photos you post. Your family is so beautiful, and Annabelle's pictures are just SO sweet.

xoxo
Chris

Anonymous said...

I'm following your blog (My daughter is also seeing Dr. Javahery--that's why I found your blog) and I laugh and cry together with you. I'll pray for your precious baby and family. Amy

Sarah Hull said...

We will remember you all in our prayers at this time.
Annabelle is such a doll. I am so sorry to hear about this news. I really believe the first year or so is the hardest and it does get so much easier.

Cathy O said...

Glad to see they schedules the Cat scan sooner than later! Good thoughts are flowing your way. And I LOVE the 1 month pix, hard to believe she is already that old!

The Beard Family of 5 said...

Call me if I can do anything at all this weekend... drop the boys off for some play time, come over there for play time - anything at all. Love you.