OK. So for now, the neurologist is not suggesting surgery as Stacy has not had a seizure since the hospital induce one in October for her test. They have lots of data and it is always an option if needed.
On Feb. 26th we are seeing a movement-disorder neurologist about her tremors. While they are not as bad as they were 2 weeks ago, they are still slightly worse than before that.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Bye Mom. I love you. You were my rock during Stacy's hospitalization.
My Mom - Click picture for an amazing blog
Bye Mom. I love you. You were my rock during Stacy's hospitalization.
Jeff Bowman - Ryan's previous brother-in-law
Stacy Ritenour's History
Stacy was admitted to our local hospital 12/2003 with headaches. While during a CT scan, she became unresponsive. The CT showed a brain tumor. That evening the neurosurgeon drilled a hole in her head to reduce extreme fluid pressure (hydrocephalus, once called water on the brain). Then she woke up and was doing very well. The neurosurgeon said that a cyst was blocking her 3rd ventricle which drains Cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into the spine.
The next day the neurosurgeon removed the cyst and we thought that she would be home in a week. Unfortunately that less than 1% chance of complications got us and she got bacterial spinal meningitis from the surgery. This can cause anything from no problems to death. Stacy ended up with a limited short-term memory, seizures, tremors, and because of her seizure medication, extreme tiredness.
She spent 7 months in a Rehab facility in southern Illinois, but when returning home, would just stay in bed unless told otherwise. My income does not allow us to hire anyone to help her but is too high to receive government help.
With full-blown seizures continuing for the last 4 years, I decided to look for something better for her and found Dr. Ebersole at the University of Chicago. He is highly trained in epilepsy and has worked at the National Institute of Health and the Yale Epilepsy clinic before starting the Epilepsy clinic at the University of Chicago. Her neurosurgeon also has worked for the NIH and has specialties in surgery for epilepsy and Parkinsons disease.
Stacy and I have 4 children from 9-17 and Anthony, our 17 year old had brain cancer at 8 years old. His tumor (one of the worst cancers) was removed at the local hospital and then we followed up with Chemo and radiation at the University of Michigan. After almost dying from pneumonia, they stopped the chemo and decided to see what happens from then. He is now 8.5 years in remission and will be considered cured in 1 more year. He is currently in good health although because of the radiation and chemo, has stopped growing at 5 foot tall. However we are just glad he is alive as survival rates from his cancer is only 30% at best.
The next day the neurosurgeon removed the cyst and we thought that she would be home in a week. Unfortunately that less than 1% chance of complications got us and she got bacterial spinal meningitis from the surgery. This can cause anything from no problems to death. Stacy ended up with a limited short-term memory, seizures, tremors, and because of her seizure medication, extreme tiredness.
She spent 7 months in a Rehab facility in southern Illinois, but when returning home, would just stay in bed unless told otherwise. My income does not allow us to hire anyone to help her but is too high to receive government help.
With full-blown seizures continuing for the last 4 years, I decided to look for something better for her and found Dr. Ebersole at the University of Chicago. He is highly trained in epilepsy and has worked at the National Institute of Health and the Yale Epilepsy clinic before starting the Epilepsy clinic at the University of Chicago. Her neurosurgeon also has worked for the NIH and has specialties in surgery for epilepsy and Parkinsons disease.
Stacy and I have 4 children from 9-17 and Anthony, our 17 year old had brain cancer at 8 years old. His tumor (one of the worst cancers) was removed at the local hospital and then we followed up with Chemo and radiation at the University of Michigan. After almost dying from pneumonia, they stopped the chemo and decided to see what happens from then. He is now 8.5 years in remission and will be considered cured in 1 more year. He is currently in good health although because of the radiation and chemo, has stopped growing at 5 foot tall. However we are just glad he is alive as survival rates from his cancer is only 30% at best.
3 comments:
This is all so confusing. Her seizures stop, and her tremors worsen. 4 years out and still changing. Glad you are seeing the movement specialist, as that is what you are dealing with right now. One step at a time.
I know this is your next step. We never know when our step is the right one. Keep moving forward. It was so good to have you all here the other night. One of these days, I will be able to ride better and we can come your way also. We love you all.
Mom and Rex
I'm jumping in here again as I know you have been to Chicago again. Maybe you aren't hearing yet what you want to but we will keep praying that you will eventually get some help. I know you are both trying and holding steady, and I am proud of you both and of course your children (who are some of the best grandchildren in the world).
God bless you all. Mom and Rex
Post a Comment