Fall 2013

Fall 2013

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Sleep study results and Thankful Thursday

I almost forgot what day it is, but can't overlook reasons to be thankful.

  • First, Maia's sleep study results showed very mild sleep apnea and only when she lies in her back. It isn't uncommon in people with neurological conditions like spina bifida to have sleep apnea. They tend to have lower muscle tone in general and this affects their throat and airway muscles. So when Maia lies on her back, her airway collapses a bit. Again, it is very mild case and the only recommendation is that Maia sleep on her side. She does have some narrowing of her nasal passages which Dr. K thinks may be allergies. He didn't feel any testing is necessary now, but did prescribe a nasal steroid spray to use at bedtime. I was so very impressed with Dr. K. He was very thorough, asking about Maia's neurological progress and making some suggestions for school as well. He was also very kind and acknowledged how difficult it must be for Maia to have lost so much function, but did provide a bit of encouragement. He said that Maia's new baseline may not actually be evident until two years after her "injury." Dr. K also reviewed CT and MRI results and confirmed that the most recent scans show that Maia's ventricles are not any larger which is reassuring.
  • Today, I am thankful for the gift of adoption. Although both kids have their "moments," I would not trade them for anything. God blessed us when He brought them into our lives.
  • I am thankful for the gift of Grandma Hansen. I have commented about this before, but I was thrilled that both of Mark's grandmothers were alive when we got married. Grandparents are truly a special blessing.
  • A tolerant husband. My sweet hubby has much patience with me and I love him dearly.
  • Again... Central air conditioning. I am so ready for these 90+ degree days to come to an end. But, at least our house is cool!
What tops your list?

3 comments:

  1. Hello dear friends...

    1) I am thankful to read the good news of Maia's sleep study.
    2) I am grateful for your blog and for the opportunity to share your life with you, especially since lately I have felt it was all about me and shockingly, (not really) God has felt far away.
    3) I am thankful for my new little home, although it feels surreal to be sure
    4) I am thankful for my husband and two little loves and friends who are learning how to keep in touch long distance
    5) I am thankful that "Laurel" aka Alexandra Hope Harlan is now the official child of Colleen and Nathan, another RR beautiful child kept protected.

    I'll email soon...

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  2. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about and assist and advocate for waiting children and committed families! BTW, I see that Natalia is pictured on your blog - she is on Reece's Rainbow's "My Family Found Me" page now! Such good news - I hope her family will blog, as very few children have been adopted from the institution where Natalia has lived for many years. She is a beautiful and promising little girl, and I am thrilled for her.

    I am also grateful that you got such encouraging results from Maia's sleep study, and such insight and encouragment from Dr. K about her recovery and progress. So good to read...

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  3. It is a blessing that Maia's apnea doesn't require intervention. Seems to me that CPAP for sleeping would be very difficult for her to adjust to, and she is having to make so many adjustments already. I am glad that the dr. confirmed that Maia's new baseline cannot be settled on for more than a year. She has improved already, but that gives you real hope that her improvement will continue. So far her greatest improvement is in motor function but cognitive gains are more difficult, and will improve with time. Thank heaven you are patient and persistent parents. Hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend since your "vacation" has been anything but relaxing!

    ReplyDelete

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