First Birthday

SCAN

Prior to Caleb's first birthday, we were scheduled for a scan to follow-up with his undescended testis.  The pediatrician and the urologist wanted to perform surgery to correct the problem, but wanted to time the procedure with other procedures he may have.  This decision was based on convenience and one-time sedation and recovery, since there was discussion about possibility of removing the cerebral cyst, as ordered by the neurosurgeon.

To our dismay, the scan in December 2009, originally for the testis, revealed cysts in his kidneys and spleen.  We were devastated.  The pediatrician was concerned about the findings, but she decided to monitor the cysts for the time being.  We were so thankful that despite everything, Caleb was turning one in a few weeks!

Yo Gabba Gabba Themed First Birthday

Presents (Mostly Yo Gabba Gabba themed toys)

TEMPER TANTRUM

Caleb started developing a bad habit as well.  When upset, Caleb learned to hold his breath, exhibit seizure like behavior, and turned blue (sometimes it looked as if he "passed out").  We thought it was odd and attributed the behavior to a temper tantrum.  Doctors were concerned as well, but they ruled out seizures.  They agreed it was a tantrum.

CEREBRAL CYST

During this time, the neurosurgeon decided to schedule an endoscopic defenestration of the cerebral cyst for March 2010.  Due to the "temper tantrums" and Caleb's cardiac problems, the doctors decided against the surgery as suggested by the urologist.  They felt simultaneous surgeries along with his other medical issues may be detrimental to his recovery.


Recovering from the surgery



CHIARI MALFORMATION

The surgery went well.  Caleb was free of the cerebral cyst.  This meant the possibility of the shunt is out of the equation.  We were relieved.  However, the neurosurgeon informed us that there is a small chance the surgery has to be repeated in the future.  The doctors continued to follow-up with Caleb. 

They also diagnosed him with Chiari Malformation - structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. When the indented bony space at the lower rear of the skull is smaller than normal, the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) and can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headache, and problems with balance and coordination (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes).

We went home after the surgery and things were back to normal - except Caleb earned a scar on his head.  Amazingly, his "tantrums" decreased.

Scar on his head, reminder of the surgery