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IVH Questions

happy2b - 09:36pm May 14, 2009 EST

Hello--

My daughter was born at 33 weeks. She was 3 1/2 lbs. On day two of life we were informed that she had a grade 4 IVH on the left. The doctors were shocked as they said she was too old to have such a bleed. Later the doctors told us she also had a grade 2 on the right. Then she was shipped to a university hospital due to her hydrocephalus and the neurosurgeon said she had bilateral grade 3's. Then right after that the neonatologist said she had bilateral grade 4's. Unfortunately, nobody agrees on the grading of the bleeds. Things only get more frustrating. Any time we ask for any kind of prognosis all we are told is that it is too early to tell but they did say she could be blind, deaf and have CP. Our daughter was discharged and did not need a VAD or shunt. The hydrocephalus is not resolving but is not growing. At one point she had a stiff right leg for 2 weeks but that went away. Later her right ankle became stiff for 1 month and that resolved also. They say even with the stiffness it is still too early to tell her function. Now our daughter is 2.5 months corrected age. She is doing everything a 2.5 month old should do. She passed her hearing test. She can hold up her head, moves both arms and legs spontaneously, coo's, smiles and tracks. I am so scared, confused!!! Does anyone have experience with this scenario. Specifically I would like to know:

1. When should we start seeing any motor deficits or signs of CP. Will she just suddenly lose function of one of her arms or legs as she gets older?
2. If she has a bleed shouldn't she have lack of function of her arms or legs from the day she was born?
2. If you have a child with IVH how are they developing?
4. Is it common to not have a consensus on the grading of the bleed?
5. Any other information would be greatly appreciated.



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( Desiree ) - May 15, 2009 1:23 pm (#1 Total: 3)  

Devin 36wks, Nia 29wks, and Cade 36wks  

I am sorry about all your baby is going through. I didn't deal with any bleeds however my daughter still ended up with CP. First I wanted to let you know that CP doesn't mean your child wont'be functional. My daughter falls into the mild range and can run, walk and jump like other kids (just a little clumbsy). The first sign of her CP came when she was one month adjusted and rolled over from belly to back. At the time we didn't know this was a sign of muscle stiffness but of course we do now. We actually began to realize by our daughter's first birthday when she still couldn't sit up on her own that her delays weren't just due to prematurity. We got our official diagnosis just before her second birthday. Our daughter is fully functional. She began walking at 30 months old. I know all kids with CP are different and only time will tell how your child will be effected. I would get started with physical therapy through Early Intervention as soon as possible. It does wonders for your child.
Best Wishes.

Angel Love - May 15, 2009 1:41 pm (#2 Total: 3)  

Looking forward to seeing you at Shareunion October 1-3 in Atlanta, GA!!  

Welcome to Share! I'm so sorry that you're having to go through such a confusing situation with your daughter. I don't have much advice to offer, but wanted to let you know that we're here any time you'd like to talk (or vent), and I hope that you find the answers that you need to feel at peace!

Tracy

Katelyn'smom - May 15, 2009 6:04 pm (#3 Total: 3)  

 

Welcome to Share and congratulations on the birth of your daughter. She sounds like one tough and determined little girl! I also do not have any expertise in IVH's, so cannot provide and advice, but did want to welcome you!

Love, Kelly



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