Max's MRI

Max had an MRI a few weeks ago that the neurologist had been pushing for since his birth.  He had to be completely sedated and I didn't feel comfortable with it while he was younger. Besides it was easier to take one day at a time, watching his development, as opposed to having a specific diagnosis. That being said, I was kinda was looking forward to the day of his procedures.  Along with my not-typically-optimistic-self believing that Max's brain would be fine, I thought that perhaps being under general anesthesia, along with his little surgery, Maximo would be totally chill for at least a day.  

He wasn't. 

Upon his arrival home, he was running around with his brothers like a wild man.

Anyway, the results from his MRI weren't quite what I wanted.  Maybe I expected that through Fr. Stu's intercession Max's brain would be completely formed and we could move on with life in a more normal manner.  The neurologist says that he believes Max has Dandy-Walker syndrome.  It sounds so awful typing it out.  It affects the cerebellar area, typically the cerebellum, vermis and corpus collosum.  Thankfully, there is a very broad spectrum that this syndrome encompasses, from wheelchair-bound with limited verbal skills to not really being noticeably affected.  The neuro did suggest beginning speech, occupational and physical therapy soon to optimize Max's development.  

At this point it does appear that Max would be more at the not-so-affected end of the spectrum.  His balance, fine motor skills, etc. are all pretty darn good.  As I watched him stand and jump on the bouncy horse the other night, his coordination appears more on the extraordinary end of the scale.  His speech is a little slow, but after an evaluation last week, I'm feeling more optimistic about that as well.  We'll meet with the neurologist in early June, so we'll know more then.  I don't really think physical therapy will be necessary, the others we'll take one step at a time. 

I just hated hearing an actual diagnosis, a syndrome.  It doesn't change anything really, but it just seems worse somehow, with a label.  No matter what the future holds he's still totally awesome, another of our wild and crazy boys!  

                         Max's hospital gown. It was kinda sad, but kinda cute too!

      

As soon as he was home, Maximo was ready to play.  He'd had enough sleep for one day.