Starting out in November probably, Emily started having issues with balance. She went from walking normally to gradually falling more and more. It got to the point that it was ridiculous, then it got to the point were it was frustrating and annoying. During this time she had her 18 mo check up. This was when the balance was just starting to go, so I thought she had an ear infection. Nope. No ear infection. So I wasn’t sure what to do. There wasn’t anything wrong (i.e. temperature, vomiting, aches and pains) with her, she just kept falling. So it kept getting worse and worse. It got to the point where one morning I counted and in 2 hours she had fallen down 5 or 6 times. That was one of the worst days, but she was constantly falling, at least 3 times a day. I knew it wasn’t an ear infection, but I wasn’t sure if you could take a toddler to the doctor for falling over. I finally gave in and took her. I was SO glad that I did. Our doctor was really great. She listened to my concerns and took me seriously. The main reason I went in was the balance, but there were a few other things I was worried about. She was getting more and more sedate. At first I thought she was just being shy, but then one night we were at home and Em was acting NORMAL. Running around playing and talking with her sister and I COULD NOT remember the last time I’d seen her do either. She was making weird grunting noises, and the weirdest was her spacing out. Sometimes I’d be talking to her, holding her and she would be responding, then all of a sudden she would stop. Nothing. I would have to snap or clap before she would respond again.
So the doctor said she had fluid in her ears, which could cause the balance problems. She prescribed some allergy medicine and she was concerned about the spacing out. So an EEG was ordered. We had to wait a couple of weeks before the EEG. Those were some nerve racking weeks.
My friend Coreina watched Kaitlyn while Ryan and I took Emily (and Logan came with) to get the EEG. I was so glad Ryan was there. He is really good at keeping me calm. So we get there and wait in the waiting room forever. –Oh and I was thinking an EEG was the big tube thing, and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to be in there with her and she would be claustrophobic. So they take us back to a small room and it was MUCH less intimidating than I thought. The tech was very nice and explained everything she was doing. She washed Em’s face with a special soap. Then measured and marked Emily’s head where she was going to put the electrodes. Then she glued all the electrodes to Emily.
Emily did an AMAZING job. Most kids her age get really mad and fight her off. Emily just sat on my lap and hugged me. She didn’t like her touching her, but it didn’t hurt so she let her. The hardest part was the gluing. Em couldn’t sit on my lap anymore, she had to lay down (the wires are only so long). I just kind of leaned over her so she could hold on while the tech worked. Right after the tech glued the last electrode Emily fell asleep! I couldn’t believe she just conked out, which actually was what she needed to do. Here’s Em sleeping during the EEG.
The tech monitored Em for about an hour while she slept and then we woke her up. This was the hardest part. Right after waking up she flashed a bright light in Em’s eyes a few times. Emily didn’t like that. Then she had to get all the electrodes out of Em’s hair. Emily was a trouper though. It was a long process, and uncomfortable, but she did it. Afterwards the tech gave her a sucker and that made it all better!
So a week and a half later we got the results (aren’t you glad you didn’t have to wait!-you get to read the results right away) and she is normal, no seizure activity! Yea!
Also the allergy medicine seems to have worked. It took awhile, but Em can actually walk across the room with out falling down. It’s wonderful! And she’s no longer a zombie. She is talking and playing and much happier. No more space cadet. No more weird grunting. She seems to be back to normal. Although there are some moments I wouldn’t mind the zombie. Em’s going to be 2 soon and is definitely hitting the terrible two’s.
Grumpy Emmy
5 comments:
Wow that's so scary! I'm so glad everything's ok!!
Oh my goodness Christi!! That is crazy!! I an glad you didn't make us wait for the results!! I was getting anxious just reading it! I am so glad you took her in. All that would have worried me too. I can't believe that all you needed was a bit of allergy medicine...I would have never thought of that, thats crazy...but great at the same time!! Thank goodness it did the trick!! She is a cutie...and have fun with the terrible twos...I think we are coming to the end of it here with Ben...but of course, now come the horrible terrifying 3's!! AHHHH!! Love you Christi!!
Aww... Emily looks so cute laying there. Definetly a scary sight haveing it be your child hooked to all the wires. I'm so glad that everything is working out with her! I can NOT wait till I can see all ya'll guys again!(ha ha) :> Love you!
Just a thought and the voice of experience: after going through a year of figuring out what was wrong with me, I have learned a lot about food. Dairy products can cause a lot of ear and sinus infections and imbalances in children. You could try to feed her food for a week with no dairy and see if her symptoms go away. Even though the allergy medicine is easy, it isn't good to take them long term. Sometimes just eliminating a few foods can cure the problem naturally and easily. For what it is worth!
I was so glad to hear the results when you got them. She's too cute...her and her grumpiness! That is kind of freaky as a parent just to see a child with all those wires hooked up to her. Mothers' instincts are the best! nice work!
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