CP = Cutie Pie Update...MRI Day

Photo sourced from Google

The other day our little man had his MRI at the Children's hospital under a general anesthetic.  The purpose of this was to 

a) possibly determine the cause and time that the damage causing the CP happened 

b) find out exactly where in his brain the damage occurred 

c) check his spine and make sure there are no problems going on there

d) get some bloods while he was under for some genetic tests and to test for likelihood of coeliac disease (as I have it myself). 

It was a bit of a mammoth day, but everything went really smoothly. BoyWonder had to fast from early in the morning and coped pretty well throughout the day considering his lack of food and sleep! I have to say though...who's idea was it to put play-food and a play-kitchen in a waiting room full of fasting kids?  The first thing BoyWonder did after admission was waltz into the day-procedures waiting room, pick up a plastic banana and try his best to suck some sustenance out of it. 

The next thing he did was toss the apparently useless banana on the ground, find every toy with wheels and drive the mini-coup around the room 'beep'-ing and waving to everyone until they waved back.  Persistent little fella! He had a great time playing, and finally it was his turn to go in for the scan.  

Waiting and playing patiently.

TechoHusband volunteered for the unpleasant experience of being there while BW went 'under' (for the second time in less than two years) and then we went and had some lunch while the scan took place (just over an hour). The staff were all so lovely and reassuring and caring.  They called us in just before he began to wake up.  Poor little man was dazed and confused coming out of it but settled after about 30 minutes, a cheese sandwich and a cup of milk. And some vegemite crackers.  And a banana.  And the remaining crumbs from the cheese sandwich. 

He was pretty suss of anyone in a uniform and the lovely nurses made their observations from the doorway where possible so as to not freak him out too much.  He was distracted fairly easily by games on the iPad, and only really fell to pieces each time he looked at the bandage covering the cannula in his hand (or a nurse).  Slightly pathetic, but cute and hug-worthy none-the-less.   

Sleepy-byes.

 

Nothing like a cheese sandwich on Dad's lap to make everything better!

By the end of the day we were all pretty stuffed, but it went fairly quickly and very smoothly thanks to the help of both our wonderful Mums, and TechnoHusband's sister who all helped with food, transport, and distractions throughout the day. And thanks to our many friends and family who were sending their love.

We won't have any results for a week at least, but I'll be sure to share when we do.

I think that one of the biggest things about this day that I'll take away with me are the faces and families of the other children in the waiting room preparing for procedures.  While it was a small ordeal for us, we waited with young children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Children with debilitating deformities and disabilities.  It really put things into perspective.  We have certainly faced some challenges as a family, but we have a healthy, happy child.  There are so many others facing more than we could even fathom having to think about.  You know that there are kids and families out there really doing it tough; but seeing their faces, waiting in the same rooms, sharing the same toys - makes it very real. I committed the faces and some of the names of the kiddies we spent time with to memory, and said a little prayer for each one I saw as we were there.  And I'll keep doing this, because it's something that I can do.  The boy with no more hair, waiting with his mum as though they'd been here plenty of times already.  The young girl who had a really rough time coming out of anaesthetic.  The sweetest little buddy who gently brought BoyWonder books and toys to play with in the playroom.  The father and his son who exchanged 'dad' talk with TechnoHusband in the hallway.  The very tiny young girl who looked as though she would be facing a lifetime of many very serious difficulties, and her parents- who looked tired. Another little boy, losing his hair who sat and drank a contrast dye even though he really didn't want to.  A shy little fellow who cuddled into mum's leg when BW waddled up to say 'hi'.  The young girl I saw while having lunch with a halo brace screwed into her skull, practicing 'spins' in her wheelchair outside by the garden. They are all someone's precious bundle, someone's Girl or BoyWonder.  And once again, I am SO thankful for ours. When times get a bit tough, or you are having a bad day... think about those in your community who are doing it tougher.  Do something to help them.  Or if you can't, pray for them.  Or think of them, or remember them.  And I can guarantee you will feel better about your own situation pretty quickly.