Dynamic Stander

Paton is getting around these days -- at least at the therapy center -- with the help of a "dynamic stander." It seems like he really enjoys it, though he does get a little frustrated at times. The plan is for him to use this while he develops the skills to stand upright for extended periods. It should help him acclimate to getting around in an upright position. Then later he'll transition to a "gait trainer" to help him try to take some steps upright.

The Bray Crew Aug 2011

Everybody is doing well. Paton's crawling around all over the place. And talking! He loves to listen to people intently and then copy words. He loves talking about dogs. He's supposed to stand some, but he doesn't like it much. Going to therapy once a week. We just love the little fella. Love the whole crew!

I can crawl! (If I have to.)

Home Again

Paton is home again. He was released yesterday afternoon. They finally determined that the fever he's been running wasn't a sign of shunt malfunction. They did do some tests to make sure the shunt was working properly. They also feel better about the rate of flow. Paton's feeling much better today, and we are all glad to be back together!

Shunt Adjustment?

Sunday morning the little fella (though he's not quite so little any more!) seemed to be feeling pretty bad. He was listless and the surgery site on his back seemed to be a little puffier and a little redder. Our doctor told us we needed to take him to the ER at TX Childrens. So Jen left the morning service and spent the next 8 hours in the ER. Finally, they decided to admit him so they doctor on call Monday morning could take a look. They did CT brain scans to check for fluid build-up, body xrays to examine the entire length of the shunt, and multiple other tests, including taking blood samples. So Monday the docs decided that his shunt was not draining the fluid at the proper rate, so the adjusted it. This is a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of a magnetic "remote control" -- pretty cool. They kept him for observation all day Monday. However, he began running a fever Sunday night and it has yet to go away. The doctors also thought he was becoming a little dehydrated, so they've now (as of last night) put him on IV fluids. Today they said they are concerned that there might still be something wrong with the shunt. They're going to continue to observe -- if he begins to feel better, he'll be released. If he doesn't seem to improve, they may put a pick in the shunt in order to make sure it's working properly. So, thank you, friends and family, for your prayers. He's doing well. We just hope he can be out soon!

Home Again

We praise the Lord that we are all home together again! Paton was released today. The doctor did another scan and said it looks like the shunt is working -- he said that it will just take some time for his body to adjust again to equilibrium. Hopefully he will feel better in the next day or so.

His siblings were very excited to have little brother (and Mommy!) home again. Hannah is so, so good with him ... just like a little mama. They all love the little fella.

Tonight we were able to host another lady whose little girl also has spina bifida. We met her when Paton was first born. She comes up on the bus all the way from the Texas/Mexico border. We are praying for her and her little one.

Well ... here's hoping that it will be a long time before Paton has to be back in the hospital!




(Feeding Mr. Bear a "gold fish")

Struggling

Well ... the little fella may have to be in for a little longer. Paton threw up a few times yesterday (Sunday) morning. The doctors had said that vomiting could be a sign that the shunt is not working. Paton was very lethargic all morning. But then around noon Jen fed him some pudding -- miracle food! He became his old self again, and had a great time with his siblings all afternoon (see picture below). But then this morning, he started vomiting again. So we are not sure he will be able to go home today, like we hoped. We want to make sure everything is working well so we don't have any more complications ... especially with Christmas coming! So right now we'll just have to "wait and see."