Hydrocephalus.
This condition took over Vanna, me and my family. And we will continue to look back from this experience & how it affected us. It had been a year that Vanna survived her condition.
Yes, she is a Survivor.
March 2010 Her Hyrdocephalus condition was when we found out to be in arrest.
Let me share to you what and how it happened.
At 3 months old, September 19, 2009--This was when i found out that Vanna had a condition called Hydrocephalus and from this day and on... everything was not easy.
Lucky to have the knowledge, since I went to Nursing school, I applied my pediatrics background by following the milestones of my child. I noticed that she was not able to have neck control at that time. Another thing, her anterior fontanel was buldging making me wonder because both signs are not normal.
And I told to myself, "something's wrong".
So quickly I brought her to the clinic, checked up by her Pediatrician. She noticed the problem too, so the doctor ordered for a Cranial ultrasound, and that's when I had the feeling already. I'ts like the mother-instinct, and with my assessment as the cranial ultrasound was ongoing, I saw how dilated her ventricles were.and there you go, I was right.
The physician who did the ultrasound sadly said:
"I'm sorry, She has fluid on her brain, she got Hydrocephalus."
At once we tried to weigh options for treatment, and the only treatment is still the VP shunt. She was scheduled for an operation September 26, 2009. Everything was ready for that day but something happened, I don't know if this is a blessing but a storm passed by Philippines which caused to cancel her operation. I may sound pathetic, but the storm Ondoy saved her in a way. It killed thousands of Filipino that day, but that storm saved my daughter.
During that night, I decided to look for 2nd opinion and fortunately I just made the best decision ever. With the help of my Mom & Friends, I was brought to a good neurosurgeon of well known hospital here, PGH. The Neurosurgeon's call was to treat her by going first on medications & worse comes to worse is to operate her and place a VP shunt for the rest of her lives. So we did try meds first. After months of treatment and observation, Vanna responded well with the drugs. which was good!
And after 6 months the doctor stopped her medications, and she is now okay. We will still go through continuous monitoring with her development.
Her neuropediatrician said:
"Vanna is in a good progress, she might be delayed but she is catching up."
And as a mother, I cried with joy. Knowing the fact, that your daughter is saved.
This I owe to the Lord, who healed her and brought me to the right doctors, right people, and right treatment. So you see, my child is a living proof of a Miracle. Because up to this date, there is no cure for Hydrocephalus. According the Hydrocepalus Association support group that I joined only 2% survives it without having a shunt in place. And Vanna was among the 2%.
Vanna will turn 2 in a couple of months. and we will journey Life together with Her story.
To motivate people.
To let them know, that the power of Prayer and Miracles work.
It happened to me, so it may happen to you too
Just keep up the Faith.
She battled with Life at 3 months and I will continue to be with her in this Battle.
