Baby Kennedy

Baby Kennedy

Monday, April 11, 2011

MRI - March 17, 2011

Kennedy had her MRI March 17, 2011 at Duke Children's Hospital. One of my very best friends Angie Phillips took the day off work to join me since Nick was unable to get the day off. The nurses and doctors ran right on time! It was extremely impressive!

When we got back to her individual room, we undressed her top so monitors could be placed. The radiology doctor explained the procedure and answered all of my questions including my question about contrast. I had read that it is usually used in MRI's looking for tethered cord. She said yes, it would likely be used. She explained the IV medicine and it's effects and also offered us Versid (I do not know how to spell medicines!) which was an oral relaxation medicine. I was hesitant to give her extra medication but when I considered how active Kennedy is, I decided it might be best to give her the Versid to help her relax when the IV is placed. My decision was a good one and I do recommend that to other families considering this option. I understand it may also be an option before her surgery. She calmed to the point that she was just laying in my arms but awake and content. She did not fight the IV placement. She did however, fight the IV medication/sedation. She fought hard but Mommy was kind of proud inside that she was such a fighter! I had hoped I taught that to her but it was likely me just trying to calm myself in the moment. When she gave in, it was lights out!

My biggest fear with testing and surgery is the part where they wheel her away so when they began to do that for the MRI, I started to feel the anxiety warmth attack my body and the tears well up in my eyes but it only lasted a matter of seconds because they turned around and said "follow us." I was THRILLED and SHOCKED! I got to stand right beside her through the entire test! I was literally IN THE ROOM beside her and could have touched her if I needed to. I watched her chest rise and fall the entire time. The test took in total about 35 minutes. This included the time where the test was stopped to give Kennedy extra oxygen via a nasal canula. I was a little worried but not too concerned since I was seriously watching her chest rise and fall the entire time and I seriously thought she was fine. I honestly think it may have been an ornery O2 sensor. I was concerned that including that break the total time was 35 minutes because I was informed before the test began that it would be 45-50 minutes if they did contrast.

So, I asked questions which I encourage every parent to do. You find out so much more when you do! I asked her primary doctor "Did they use contrast?" and she said "No. They didn't need to." My heart dropped. I knew right then and there, they had found something and didn't need the contrast to confirm it or look for anything else. Right or wrong in my reasoning, I was right in my feeling. Call it Mom's instinct.

2 comments:

  1. Martha I loved that you started a blog!! I bet you find other blogs just like this who were told their baby had a tethered spinal cord and were in total shock ...all you know is there is cause for concern and that's enough for a mother and father to be nervous! I had never heard of this before and I'm glad you are sharing your story on your blog, it's a great way to raise awareness! Hang in there, you will get through this!! <3

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  2. I am so grateful that a Dr caught this as she is still young....wish it didn't happen to such a wonderful family. But you are right about the fact that she is a fighter, and a beautiful one at that! Prayers are with you all!

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