Here is the latest on our family...

Sunday, November 30, 2008

MRI results

At rounds this morning, we learned that all of Henry's levels are either normal or very close to normal.  He is still free of clinical seizures.  

Our pediatric neurologist arrived rather unexpectedly and told us that he would go over Hank's MRI results after rounds had finished.  After a few anxious minutes, we learned:

The MRI shows NO evidence of hemorrhage.
The MRI shows NO evidence of stroke.
The MRI shows that the vessels going in and out of his brain are still clear.

Basically, we got the best possible news.  

There are still two concerns:
1.  We need to continue to watch for seizures as his medication levels continue to reduce.  We hope that he'll be seizure-free.
2.  Henry's head is growing too quickly.  This is due to that fact that his body (and the human body, generally) is really good at producing and absorbing spinal fluid, but not so good at clearing blood from the brain.  The blood is being cleared out, just not as quickly as new spinal fluid is produced.  Since his passage ways are clear, we are hoping this problem will resolve itself.  If his head continues to swell, however, we may need to consult with a neurosurgeon about putting in a shunt.  

Henry's uncle Ross has been living for 30 years with a shunt, and we all know how well that has gone.

We hope to begin giving him Meade's milk starting tomorrow.  The nurses will be using his feeding tube until his sucking reflex gets strong enough.  

I'll post pictures later.
 

12 comments:

Mary said...

Hooray!! I'm so glad to hear that little Henry gets better and better each day. We are all hoping and praying that all three of you get to go home soon!

Mary

Paul, Jenn & Phoebe said...

We just found out about Henry's birth and his challenges.
We are so happy to hear that as of today Nov 30 he is doing better.

What a joyous occasion for all three of you. Henry couldn't have more loving, caring and giving parents then the two of you, and what a beautiful child he is.

We send our thought, prayers and love to all three of you, and look forward to communicating with you again very soon.

We love you all.
Paul, Jenn & Phoebe

TheJerkMan said...

Sean And Meade-

It sounds like Henry is healing like a champ!We are so glad. Ethan and Maddie have been so concerned and have been praying for "Little Henry". Congratulations and we hop you get to all go home soon!

Colleen

Unknown said...

Meade and Sean, I am glad to hear about little Hank's progress. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Leticia

Dori said...

I am so thrilled with the awesome news! He looks so content and peaceful in all the pictures. Babies are amazingly resilient, which is a miracle. I'm so glad that he's doing so well. And I can't believe the size of his feet!

Dori

Unknown said...

Meade, Sean, Henry and family,

I am thinking of you all and sending my love your way!!!

Thank you for keeping us all up to date by posting this site about Hank's progress. I was thrilled to read about the results of the MRI!

Henry is a lovely little boy. I can't wait to meet him : ) And, to see you, his loving strong parents, to whom he takes after!

Much love,
Kate

anderson said...

What wonderful news! Babies are amazingly resilient. Little Hank is such a lucky boy to have such loving parents. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Jenny and Ben Haworth

Will Jones, esq said...

What a fighter! Get em Henry!

Unknown said...

Meade and Sean,

So relieved and happy to hear your little son is recovering so well and the news is progressively positive! He is a beautiful baby and I'll keep him and you both in my prayers, and looking forward to the wonderful day that he comes home with you!

Congrats and much love,
Elaine

janis byers said...

Sounds really good!!!!!!!!!!!Janis

Jenny and Toby said...

Dear Meade and Sean and Amazing Henry,
What wonderful news,(Judy called us on her way to the hospital, too, spirits are soaring!) We certainly continue to send our positive energy and love as you learn about this journey. We want SO MUCH to be there! Give Henry a hug/touch from us!
Take care, Love, Jenny and Toby

Unknown said...

That is the best news ever!!!! My thoughts and my prayers are with you guys night and day.

-Jimmy

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