EEG, Orthopaedist and Audiology

So much has happened in the last week.

AF had his neurological follow-up, and we got the results for his EEG (electroencephalogram ). The EEG is a test that is done by applying a netting like apparatus, with small electrodes that connect to the scalp with a gel like substance. Those electrodes than transmit Brain Waves activity into a computer, that is monitored by the technician. While we were in a quiet, dim lighted room, AF was asked to sit quietly, try to take a nap, look at strobe lighting, and blow a windmill for a couple of minutes. Each electrode measured the rhythm of brain, and detected any abnormality in electric activity during each test.

EEGs are often used by neurologists to detect seizure activity, brain damage, and even Sensory Motor difficulties. For AF the results of the EEG did not show any seizure activity, thank you Lord. His measurements were in the 7Hz range, which the Doc felt was a little below the normal (8Hz) for his age, but he did reach the normal range a few times, indicating there is no cause for concern.

Incidentally (literally) this summer we found out that AF has a Single Kidney, and Spina Bifida Occulta. When I got the phonecall from the doctor, I nearly fainted. it boggled my mind how this had not been found before. We found this out, because AF had recently undergone x-rays and ultrasounds to find out the cause of his Stomach Pains. Most people with these conditions do not know they have them, until they have ultrasounds for unrelated issues, so however shocking and worrisome, our situation was not uncommon.

A single kidney (Renal Agenesis) happens in 1 out of 750 births and is more prevalent in males. Children with a single kidney grow up to have healthy and normal life expectancies. However, doctors recommend that they avoid contact sports - AF LOVES Ice Hockey, so for now we have him enrolled in a Special Needs Ice Hockey team. There is no Checking, and it is a lot more "peaceful" than regular Hockey Teams. So he can still enjoy playing without the greater risk. We'll need a regular check up on his kidney yearly, but no special diets are needed, but of course a healthy diet is good for everyone. People with just one kidney, have a higher incidence of hearing loss.

Not wanting to leave any rock unturned, we had AF's hearing tested by an audiologist. He was placed in an enclosed, sound insulated booth, while the audiologist, from an adjacent room, asked him to repeat words he heard through a pair of headphones. A computer test was also done to measure any damage to his inner year drums, and AF did well on both tests. I was not schocked, I didn't think he had an hearing issue, however at times, he does seem to have sensitivity to loud noises, or perhaps a hard time self-adjusting to them. Uhmm....

Spina Bifida Occulta is the mildest form of Spina Bifida. It occurs in 10 to 20% of the population and many don't know they have it unless problems appeared in childhood. Occulta means that the spine is open, like in Spina Bifida, but is covered or hidden by a layer of skin or muscle. AF does not appear to have symptoms for us to worry about, which mainly appear in the lower body. He walks well (although he mostly runs or skips everywhere he goes). He can skate and ride his bike too. And the neurologist is not concerned with it.

We finally got to the much awaited orthopaedic evaluation for AF's scoliosis. The medical assistant who measured his legs, indicated that one leg was significantly longer than the other. AF said " Oh no. More things wrong with me?" So while we waited for the Orthopaedist to come in, I attempted to distract him from this new finding by measuring my own limbs. It turns out that I appeared to have one arm significantly longer than the other - "hahahaha!!!" AF laughed. After a short wait - thank goodness - the doc came in and measured his legs again, and behold, his legs were just fine. The assistant did not carefully place his legs at a straight angle and that little infraction caused an inaccurate measurement. Thanks a lot MS. Assistant!!! - lol.
Doc says for now, there is nothing to do, but to re-X-ray in a few months and come back to review any changes in his spine. *** Mental Note - Pray for No Change ***.

Some days, I feel sorry for AF, I wish his life, and ours was uneventful, free of doctor appointment after appointment. But then it hits me, just how "lucky" and blessed we really are, and how much more difficult our lives could have been, should he instead have Kidney Disease, Classic Full Blown Autism, Spina Bifida non-Occulta, Cleft Palate, Severe Scoliosis, and so on. I am truly thankful that God knew just how much I'd be able to handle, and he gave me not one ounce more.