Letters to Lior

Trsiomy 18


There are 23 pairs of human chromosomes. In Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), there is an extra chromosome with the 18th pair. Like Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 affects all systems of the body and causes distinct facial features. Trisomy 18 occurs in 1 in 3,000 live births.It is three times more common in girls than boys. Unfortunately, most babies with Trisomy 18 die before birth, so the actual incidence of the disorder may be higher.Infants who survive, experience serious defects and commonly live for short periods of time. Trisomy 18 affects individuals of all ethnic backgrounds. Trisomy 18 severely affects all organ systems of the body.The majority of children who are born with Edward's syndrome do not live past their first year of life. Their average lifespan for half of the children born with this syndrome is less than two months; approximately ninety to ninety-five percent of these children die prior to their first birthday. The five to ten-percent of children who do survive their first year experience severe developmental disabilities. Children who live past their first year require walking support and their ability to learn is limited. Their verbal communication abilities are limited as well, although they are able to respond to comforting and have the ability to learn to smile, recognize and interact with caregivers and others. They can acquire skills such as self-feeding and rolling over.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Dont want to jinx it ......

Good morning my precious precious little bunny.


I just want to start off this morning by telling you that I love you so so much, more than words or expressions could ever say or more than anyone could ever imagine!!!

I really really dont want to jinx it but, we have had a relatively good run with you, only been to the doctor once in two months - normally its about 3 or 4 times in a month - and I am proud to say he is very happy with your progress. Although you dont seem to be putting on any weight, but you arent losing any either - so for now a stable 6.5kg it is

We think part of the reason you are doing so well, is because we decided to stop giving you solids for a while, because every time we push the solids you seem to get sick, so we need to listen to your little body. The scary thing is you are actually thriving just being on formula only, yes we add a litle fibre and malt to help with weight gain, but only been doing this for a week or so .... time will have to tell.

Although you are doing really well and we havent had to go to hospital for a little over three months now ........ woooo hoooo .... Lord please please please let it stay that way ..... the last few weeks definately havent been without its problems. You see two of your sisters have been in hospital ..... what is it with that place that we can seem to get away!! Anyway Tannyth had to have her appendix taken out after collapsing on the hockey field and Brenda-leigh had an infection that was causing her heart to beat irregularly. I know we shouldnt ask questions and we should just accept, but sometimes I wonder how much more God is going to give us, how much more does he feel that our family can deal with. I really feel that I am pretty close to giving up, but yet somehow just keep going.

You have also had two seizures in the last two weeks, which isnt very out of the norm, but they were a little different to normal. They happened really late at night and really early hours of the morning. with both of them your breathing was staggered and it was as though you were gulping for air, but the first one you body was shaking violently  - more so than normal  - but there wasnt any screeching. Afterwards your little body was shivering so much it took a while to "warm you up" - it also lasted about 4 minutes - much much longer than normal and with the second one you little body wasnt quite as stiff as normal but your screeching was so much more "violent". We know its not your meds, cause we checked with the doctor and for your weight you are on the same dosage because your weight has stayed the same. So I guess its something that  we will need to keep an eye on for now. We have also been battling with a little constipation, but not too serious. Some olive oil or pegicol gets it going chop chop.

Anyway my little angel, we continue to cherish each moment, each little smile, each little pull of our hair, each little giggle, each little scream, each little uh uh, each little moment of cheekiness that comes through and each little moment of silence where you will stare intently into my eyes and move your little mouth around as if you are saying mama - a little moment that is ours and ours alone.

Love you angel boy



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