(sir-ing-o-my-eel-ya)

On Thursday I will have a MRI on my neck. It is to determine if I have Syringomyelia. Syringomyelia can accompany Chiari Malformations. Syringomyelia is a condition that forms a pocket of spinal fluid that has collected inside the spinal cord, which is called Syrinx (see-rin-x). This pocket of fluid, like a long blister, is formed due to the herniated cebeller tonsils. The Syrinx obstructs the flow of spinal fluid and causes pressure on and disruption of the normal functions of the spinal nerves.

Syringomyelia can be present without Chiari Malformation. Chiari Malformation can be present without Syringomyelia. Chiari Malformation can be present with Syringomyelia. Sometimes a syrinx is not present, but if the Chiari is left untreated, it can form. Sometimes the syrinx, left untreated will remain the same, other times it will continue to grow and can cause scoliosis.

Tomorrow I will not be on the computer. I will be "fasting" from the Internet. I will be devoting that time to prayer that I do not have Syringomyelia. I again ask for your fervent prayers. They are affective!

photo example here.

2 Months

[I wrote this post on Saturday, but just now getting around to add the pictures]

Juliet has been blessing our lives for 2 months now and she is amazing! The love we have for this little one is incredible. It's neat to be on this side and realize the depth of our parents' love us! Wow! Which takes you to God's love for His Son and how He gave up His Son to die for all mankind. There are days when I wouldn't give you 2 cents for some people, but God gave Christ for them. What a lesson that is!! AND I'm just as crummy as my sinful self. Another lesson...humility!

Juliet impressed her pediatrician once again. The doc commented how alert she is and was impressed with the control she has over her head already! She said by four months she should have total control, but is almost there now. She should also be seeing in full color by that time as well. Yesterday she took notice of Justin in his blue shirt and this morning she's making a new friend with the purple toucan in her jungle gym. It is so neat to see her discover new things. Everyday it's something new!

As we suspected, Juliet is long and lanky! Who knew I would have a long, lanky baby! That is not a trait I enjoy. Her height could come from Justin, but I do have tall and lanky genes on my Mama's side. Juliet weighs 10 lbs. 6 oz. (25-50th percentile), 23 1/2 in. long (75th percentile!!) and her body caught up with her head 15 1/4 in. (50th percentile).

Yesterday was also the dreaded shots. She did so well though. Justin had her all warm and asleep. The first immunization was oral and she likes the sugar concoction! The next three were shots; she got upset, but not as mad as the shot she received last month. Justin was able to hold her for all the shots and as soon as the last one was over, he wrapped her up and she was back asleep in less than 2 minutes! She slept for another 2 hours, ate and went to sleep again for 3 hours. She wasn't fussy except for the first time she woke up. She even played in her jungle gym. She really is the best ever!

Take a look back to last month.

This month was much more difficult to take a picture. Her hands are apparently SO tasty!

Note the hand progression.

Quick Chiari Update

Heard from the neurosurgeon in ATL, said no reason to panic, but keep my appointment for the 23rd.

The neurosurgeon in Birmingham called to schedule an appointment. It's set for the 18th of this month.

It is so amazing how caring and sensitive everyone is! Thank you so much for your prayers!! God is hearing them!!!

3 days = 3 new things

Juliet is growing up so fast right before our very eyes! This past weekend I noticed when picking her up, she was helping pull her own head up! Monday I decided to pull out the Bumpo seat and see how she would fare. Juliet did great!! It is so adorable seeing such a little person sit up. She would slump over every once-in-a-while, but overall she did so good and loved it!

Then Monday and Tuesday night, she slept through the night!! Of course, this might not last long, but I had to share. This morning, when Justin's alarm went off at 5:30, my heart began to race as I realized I had not been awakened by a little voice! I think this is the first time I've slept uninterrupted since pregnancy. I feel so well rested, here I am blogging at 7:30 am!

Juliet is developing a pattern in her daily activities: eat, dirty diaper, play, sleep. (The dirty diaper can pop up at any time though) When play time is over she usually fusses and I rock/bounce her to sleep. Just a few moments ago after our play time, instead of getting fussy, she fell asleep while I was singing to her! She has fallen asleep before on her own at night, but not for a nap time. I am so proud of her!!

Juliet at 2 weeks

Chiari Update

***Update to the update! My Aunt Becky, who is a nurse in ATL, called the neurosurgeon. He said he would look at my MRI Tuesday or Wednesday and see if it was serious enough to bump my appointment up this week!! My next MRI is 3/12 and the neurologist is scheduling another appointment with a neurosurgeon in Birmingham who is a member of the church! God is moving fast. Thank you for all the prayers...keep them coming!***

Just received a call from my neurologist, my next appointment is scheduled with a neurosurgeon in Atlanta on March 23rd @ 1:45.

The research I've been doing this morning leans towards not performing surgery for asymptomatic patients, but monitoring regularly.

There is a Chiari community out there and one "Chiarian" found my blog already! Her blog has very helpful resources: http://livelovelaugh-lace1013.blogspot.com/ (Thank you Lacie).

Chiari Malformation

Thursday (2/26) I was diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation. Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance and motor skills. When the bony space at the lower rear of the skull is smaller than normal, the cerebellum can be pushed downward through the skull and into the spinal column causing pressure on the brain, nerves and affecting the flow of spinal fluid.

The first doctor has suggested surgery to correct. The surgery would cut a small wedge from the back of the skull to relieve the pressure. Currently I have no symptoms and would not have known about it except it was found by accident, looking for something else. I will have another MRI scheduled and I am working on getting a second opinion (maybe a third too).

Pray that they will find the problem is minor and surgery will not be needed. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!!