The last two weeks have been scary and full of tests. We have spent around 15 hours in the last two weeks at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. Today we met with the Pediatric Neurosurgeon. The surgeon says our baby has Meningocele, which is the least common and least severe forms of Spina Bifida. Our baby does have a defect in his Neural tube but it is small and covered by skin (which is why I passed the screening test). The Dr said our son has the best 3-5% of all cases.
The defect happened the first few weeks or pregnancy. The defect cant get bigger or worse. It is just a gap that didn't close. He has no nerve issues.
He will need surgery to fix this. They don't know when and won't until he is born. If this hole is completely covered and no spinal fluid is leaking he can wait until he is a month old. If not surgery will be in the first 48 hours.
His long term prognosis is excellent. The Dr said cases like this have no impairment to movement or bowel function. Many cases of Spina Bifida can cause damage to the brain. Our sons cases is NOT one of those. His brain looks normal. Everything else besides this one defect is normal.
The Dr said "You are one of the lucky ones. Most cases do not have a happy ending but your baby does".
Needless to say I cried for much of this consult.
There is nothing else that be done now. Now we wait until he born, likely at 38 weeks via c section. Once born he will be taken to NICU right away for evaluation with the surgeon. The surgery part is scary but I cant think about that right now.
I am so relieved his is a mild case. yes, this will be a rocky start but to know some day he will run around a playground means everything to me. Now I can imagine a happy future for him.
I appreciate so much all the prayers, kind words, good vibes. It has meant the world to me know we have people pulling for us. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
Re: XP: Update on Baby Boy
Me: 31 | DH: 33
DS1: 12.23.13 | DS2: 05.06.16
BFP: 06.30.19 | EDD: 3.9.20
TTC3: 11.18
BFP: 02.05.19
CP: 03.07.19
*really traumatic recovery*
Emily and Brad; married 12/27/08
began TTC 10/2011
BFP#1 12/9/11 (EDD 8/13/12)- our sweet little girl diagnosed with Turner's Syndrome and large cystic hygroma 2/2/12; D&E at 16 weeks 2/24/12
began TTCAL 8/12
BFP#2 10/28/12 (EDD 7/6/13)- cp at 5 weeks 11/5/12
BFP#3 12/4/12 (EDD 8/12/13)- cp at 5 weeks 12/14/12
2012 was a bust... here's to 2013
blood work normal (1/2013)... HSG normal (2/2013)
My Ovulation Chart
"Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it the more it will elude you but if u turn your attention to other things it will come & sit softly on your shoulder."
BFP! 04/26/11 - DS born 12/28/11 - BFP #2! 04/02/13 - DD born 12/11/13 -
My Ovulation Chart
BFP#1 1/31/12, EDD 10/6/12 Harrison Gray born sleeping @ 18w6d. You changed our lives little guy.
BFP#2 EDD 10/29/13, C/P 2/25/13, Bye little Ish, we barely got to know you.
BFP#3 EDD 12/21/13, Baby Boots born 11/23/13 My rainbow baby!
January PAL Siggy Challenge: Good Advice
Emma Kate - born 10.16.03 @ 29 weeks, weighed 1lb 13oz and 13.5" long.
TTC #3