Andrea's on the Right Track

It's been almost a year since Andrea started her therapies. So far so good. Right now, she's been able to strengthen her muscles on her back, arms and abdomen. Her sitting balance improved a lot compared to last year. She was able to loose weight or rather maintain her weight since she's getting taller.

She doesn't talk yet but she's learning a lot of things. Simple tasks like taking off her shoes and socks. Holding her spoon towards her mouth when eating. Managing to sit on a chair on her own. Although she still needs to be motivated from time to time.

These are good signs that we're on the right track.

Thank you, Lord! ^_^

Facts about Diarrhea

Andrea is having diarrhea for a week now. Thank God she doesn't have any fever at all.

Her doctor said, few years back, as long as there is no fever we can treat her at home. We only have to keep her off from being dehydrated. So he suggested giving her a Gatorade instead of plain water. It should help to replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes in her body. We did not know that this could make things worst. After reading an article over the net, we gave her Pedialyte instead. Oral electrolyte solutions are regarded as the best choice because they offer the right amounts of water, salt, and sugar needed to replace the essential fluids lost during a bout of diarrhea.

Food taken could also worsen the diarrhea. Andrea's nutritionist suggested food that should not be given to her. Dairy products like milk, cheese. Vegetables that are high in fiber like green leafy vegetables. Fatty and spicy food like fried food. We are also advised to give her bananas and apples.

Hope she get well soon.

New Things for Andrea!

What am I so excited about?!

Andrea will have her modified wheelchair soon! We already found a company who's modifying wheelchairs. Handicap International lead us to Freedom Technology who manufactures and distributes wheelchairs specifically tailored to the body measurement, posture, lifestyle and environment of persons with disability thus ensuring optimum safety, function, and fit. Only God knows, she might be able to walk someday! ^_^

Rosalyn, a physiotherapist, who took Andrea's measurement for the wheelchair, mentioned about Trichet Learning Center here in Taguig. We asked if they can accommodate Andrea. She said the only available slot is for PT. So we enrolled her this morning! And she will start her rehabilitation on Monday! She will eventually have a school uniform and ID. I can't wait to see her in uniform. ^_^

Thank you Lord for providing everything! We love you so much!!!!!

Body Brace

I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

We went to Ortho Frey in Pasig to ask any recommendation for Andrea's body brace. But as they see her spinal x-ray, they concluded that bracing is not an option for her right now unless after spinal surgery. Her spinal curve is already at 80 degrees and braces are only recommended if the curve is around 50 degrees. To cut the story short, body brace won't help my Andrea.

On the other hand, when I saw a sample brace, I was relieved that she's not going to wear one. Seeing her on that brace would only make her very uncomfortable. She only have limited movements now due to her paralyzed lower extremities. And this would only aggravate the situation.

I don't know now what will happen next. We don't want her to go through any surgery right now. Hopefully this aqua therapy would ease any pressure on her back. Still praying for what's best for her.

Lord, please be our guide. We know we're on a crossroad right now. We do not know what to do next. Please help us do the right thing and lead us to the right path. Let your will be done, Lord.  
By the way, thank You for easing the pain. Thank you for always being there. I love you! We love you so much!

Special Education Week

Children with special needs like my daughter Andrea don't have an illness, so there is no cure and it's not contagious. They want what we all want - to be accepted and loved. Thanks to all of you who copied and pasted this in the past few days. It's special education week and this is in honor of all the kids who need a little extra help and understanding.

Aqua Therapy

Andrea enjoyed her aqua therapy today! I'm so happy for her! ^_^

During Aquatic Therapy, A child is immersed in water and is able to perform exercises. Water reduces the pressure on bones and joints which enables the child to move freely. This benefits the child by strengthening muscle tone, improving coordination and increasing endurance.

Mommy, will you please stay?!

I was so touched with the letter of my niece Bea to her mommy Gie, my sister. She ask her mom to stay home or let her go with her at the office. She said she will just sit on her lap or hide beside her computer so nobody will see her. So sweet!

I remember back when we were at her age, we always wanted to be with our Mama Connie. When she goes out for a business meeting, we plead to accompany her wherever it maybe. There's also something special about my mom's smell... a relaxing feeling of security. I guess the bond between a child and a mom is stronger than anything else.

Here's a portion of Gie's blog:

"While I was preparing to leave, she approached me and gave me something rolled and tied with her red sanrio rubberband. It was a letter, a plead i guess... and as i read her handwritten note I felt something warm flowing below my eyes... It made me teary eyed...well, it made me cry... her letter literally was cutting my heart into pieces... then I rolled it again. "

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love.  ~Mildred B. Vermont


Now, I miss my Andrea and can't wait till I get home and feel her hug!


I love you, Mama. Wish I could be there with you always. 


:")

Crossroads

It's our first visit to an Orthopedic doctor. As recommended by Andrea's physical therapist and referred by her pedia dev doctor, we went to the Philippine Orthopedic Institute in Makati today. Our main concern was to know more about Andrea's developing scoliosis. And if there are any precautions we need to take during her therapy.  Recommendations on the wheelchair modification as well.



But it was more than what I expected to know. I tried to consume all of what the doctor had to say so I know what to do next. :'(

Andrea had a series of spinal x-ray. It's actually my first time to see an xray of her spine. We know that she has a thoracic level of spinal cord defect (T5-T8). That's why her legs and trunks were paralyzed. The doctor said her spine had a moderate outward curve which is why she has a tendency to slouch when sitting. And when not properly handled, the bone might protrude and may cause further problems. He said she also had a congenital rib gap defect which constrict her lungs and this might cause some pulmonary complications as she grows up. This is also one of the possible reason why she lost her speech because of the insufficient air thru her lungs.

He suggested having these corrected through surgery. But he still have to meet with her pulmonary doctor. They still need to talk about her case and how they will handle it or if it's really necessary at this stage. She is at the growth stage, so having this operation will still cause some problem as her bone develop.


We told him that as much as possible surgery is not an option for us since we're not sure if she can handle it. He suggested putting braces on her as well as wheelchair modifications. But avoiding surgery might also cause complications and restrictions for her in the near future.

Being on a crossroad again gives me chest pains. Because the last time we decided to do what's suggested to be best for her, she lost her eyesight. Now, are we ready to take another risk?

May the Lord God guide us.

Kudos To All Nanny

Sometimes, I feel intimidated when Andrea's nanny knows more about her than me. Well, maybe i'm just jealous of the fact that she's there for her most of the time. I, as a working mom, have to spend the whole day at the office. So to compansate, I see to it that we still have some bonding time and quality time together.

Getting someone to do house chores is easy. But entrusting your most precious angel to the hand of a stranger is a different thing. That's why I'm very thankful to all of Andrea's nannies. I know they loved her so much and cared for her. They have been a part of Andrea's life. They've been a part of me too.

Thank you for being there.

Kudos to Ate Rolly, Jen and Ces. Kudos to all nanny.

Reality at a Glance

Last weekend, I am very emotional. But I haven't shared this feelings with anyone. I can't... because I know the moment I open my heart, I will cry. I tried to detach my mind and heart from reality, but still, it hurts me the most.

I've already accepted Andrea's condition after I gave birth to her 7 years ago. I know the fact that she may not be able to walk someday. At least she can hug me tight and kiss me, recognize my face and my voice.

I planned to teach her some computer games that i enjoyed playing, maybe she will also enjoy it when she grows up. I also pictured us doing some hairstyle on her and wearing the same dress. We can read books together, sing together [I know she has a very beautiful voice] and go shopping at the malls together.

But these are just mere deceptions now.

Andrea lost her sight after her last operation 4 years ago. A pressure inflicted to her brain caused an irrevocable damage to her eyesight. Two years ago, she just lost her speech for reasons we, and her doctors, could not explain. She's on therapy now, hoping for some progress.

The truth is that she can't see my face again. The truth is that I could not hear her saying "Mommy" again. These realities are breaking my heart into pieces. I cannot think about more of the other "What-if"s.

I'm just not ready. Not yet.

T_T

A Mom's Journal

When it comes to my baby. I am very emotional. I guess every mommy does. But i tried to compose myself when I'm getting too emotional.

They said being a parent alone is hard. What's more being a parent to a very special child? It's always been a struggle for me not to cry when there's some serious talks about my daughter's condition.

To help me lighten up during some tough times. I'll just try to share it to you.

Starting from today, I will write my life's journal as Andrea's Mom.