Ahren's big appointment

The day had finally arrived. After 2 years of trying to figure out what is just not 'quite right' with Ahren, we will be seeing a pediatric neuro-muscular specialist on Wednesday. There is nothing horribly blatant about what Ahren is dealing with. No smoking gun, no giant red flag that would have helped us find answers more easily. Instead, it is a compilation of factors and a mommy's gut instinct.

Here is what we see and are concerned about. In fact, this is the list I will have to hand the Doc on Wednesday.

1) Born prematurely to a woman with no prenatal care

2) Major physical delays

rolled over at 10 months

sat up at 15 months

walked at 22 months with lower leg braces/boots

3) Sacral dimple (defect at the base of the spine often associated with neuro issues)

4) Very low muscle tone, muscles feel spongy

5) Constant falling

6) walks on curled feet or totally flat footed with limp floppy feet

7) incontinence, especially with #2, chronic severe constipation

8) kidney involvement, thought to be compensatory mechanism for underlying condition

9) low energy, easily fatigued

10) speech issues, floppy tongue

11) difficulty chewing and swallowing at first (age 3) better now with lots of work

12) one eyelid droops at times

Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill. I HOPE I am making a mountain out of nothing. Unfortunately, even our pediatrician has been very concerned. He sees something not right too. As much as I dread the appointment, I am also so relieved to think we will finally be uncovering the truth and THEN we can make a plan. I need a plan. No matter what, we can handle it, we just need a plan.....