Brianna's Appointments (March 11th post)

So we've proceeded on the next step of the seemingly never-ending quest to answer the question, "What's wrong with Brianna?". Her helmet therapy following her surgery is proceeding very well. It took multiple fittings to finally get the helmet right - it kept needing more and more padding on the front and back. The helmet needs to keep pressure on her forehead and the back of her head to keep it from growing in that direction, and leaving room on the sides for it to expand, so it will round out to the proper shape. Well, she finally got the fit right less than two weeks ago, and already she's filled out the sides of the helmet. Which is good, but she'll be getting another helmet fitted tomorrow. And right after I got it decorated!

Garin checkin out Brie's helmet decore:

Hearts and flowers!

Well, we had the appointment with the developmental pediatritian today, Dr. Scurry. We got referred to them about 6 weeks ago - the same time that she was referred to the neurosurgeon - because we were concerned about her poor muscle tone and her slow weight gain. So Dr. Scurry met with Brianna and I today and evaluated her. Basically, she's classified as "failure to thrive" because her weight gain is so slow. She's well below the third percentile, even for her adjusted age, wich is a little over five months. She weighs 11lbs 6oz. Six weeks ago she was 10lbs 10oz. On top of that, he's quite concerned about her weak muscle tone, or hypotonia. Basically, she's still very floppy. She doesn't have total control of her head/neck movement. She does fine for a few minutes, but she has no stamina and her strength just gives out. She can't roll over either. When put on her tummy, she might try to push up a little, but she can't get her chest lifted, and after a moment she'll just plop her head down.He said he was going to consult with the pediatric neurosugeon. The concern is that she may have cerebral palsy or some other neuromuscular disorder.

It's all a lot to absorb. And with an impending move and not knowing where we're living next just adds to the stress. It's just hard to imagine anything serious being wrong with my perfect little girl. I know whatever the problem turns out to be, she's a special and amazing girl, and God has some special plan for her, so I know it will work out for the best. Please keep our family in your prayers.