4.14.2010

Milestone


Roxwell took his first steps today,just shy of 18 months. This is quite an achievement for out determined little one. He has been working so hard these past few months, but progress has been slow.

After taking him to the doctor last month for delayed motor skills, getting an MRI and having it all translated by a pediatric neurologist, we learned that Roxwell has a small amount of scar tissue in the right-center (semiovale, corona radiata and corticospinal tract) part of his brain. It is the result of bleeding in the brain which most likely occurred around the time of birth and the cause is indeterminable. His grey matter (the area that tells the body what to do) is well developed but the scar tissue interferes with the transmission of information to the spinal cord. While the spinal chord naturally tells everything to be stiff and the brain tells everything to relax, this affected areas are rigid. The technical terms are; hemiparesis from hypoxic ischemic brain injury.

We are so fortunate that it is mild and feel very good that he will able to fully recover. I have been working with him a lot; immobilizing his right hand while initiating play with his left, massaging his left side 2-3 times a day, using essential oils and cold laser therapy at the chiropractor. Hopefully we will start formal therapy soon, he is being evaluated this week for that.

It is possible for his brain to heal, but the main focus is for his brain to be made aware of the connections that are missing. Even if the scarring does not heal, young brain cells are very capable of taking on extra duties when there is a need to. Before three years of age the brain can rewire when given the right stimulation, so physical therapy is key right now.

Brik is the supportive big brother behind the camera. I didn't even tell him to cut me out because I hadn't showered yet, but he did anyway, he is so thoughtful. Roxwell got bitten up by misquotes, that is what is on his head and why his left arm is covered (to keep him from scratching.)

10 comments:

Marc and Ingrid said...

Thanks for the update! Congrats Roxwell!!

Emily Ruth said...

Oh my heavens, this is adorable. Thank you for sharing this milestone--- so exciting! You are such a fabulous Mom and have sweet kiddos.

Rachel said...

We love our therapists through AZEIP - is that who you'll be working with? I hope you find lots of success in the coming months! Around our house little milestones are just as exciting as big ones.

fish said...

yay! we all loved the video. my boys especially loved brik's commentary.

Diane said...

Yeah Roxwell (and good job Brik with the encouragement) Can't wait to see those little guys in just 10 days!!!!

Nancy Pitney said...

I'm sure you're glad to finally know what's going on! I always thought Roxwell was adorable just the way he is--and he has proved that in this video! I can't believe Brik can film it by himself--they all grow up so fast!

Sarah said...

Way to go Roxwell, he is so adorable, and Brik sounds so cute on the video.

Candice said...

Babies brains are amazing. With a Super Heroic Mom like you, I do not doubt that your feelings of full recovery will come to fruition.

He is in our prayers.

Congrats, Roxwell and Family!

Kara said...

We are hoping to get in with AZEIP, but have heard with budget cuts that they have been known to have the rejection letter in the mail before they even come for the evaluation.

I was very impressed with how still Brik held the camera while keeping Roxwell in view. My kids are amazing :)

Rachel said...

By the way, we went to Horizon Pediatric Therapy on Higley & Southern for most of Ty's therapies. You may want to consider them if you get approved through AZEIP or are willing to pay out of pocket. I was impressed with everyone we worked with there! Let me know if I can help in any way. :)