Child Of The Month
By Nicole Sergent
Clinic Director
Programa Pro Niños Incapacitados
This pretty little girl Izel came to Niños Incapacitados in February 2011. Her sister joined our program the previous year. Eugenia is a single mom as the father abandoned the family while she was pregnant with Izel.
At birth Izel was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus which is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. A shunt was surgically implanted in Izel’s brain to drain off the excess fluids.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus include headaches, nausea, eye problems, unsteady gait and leg weakness, and sudden falls. Between the ages of three and four, Izel was experiencing all of these symptoms. She was referred to an orthopedic specialist who recommended special orthotic boots and braces to help with her walk. She was now on meds for headaches and then more meds as she developed pulmonary infections.
It was never ending. She started having severe abdominal pains and had trouble urinating. She was referred to another specialist who diagnosed her with a Neurogenic Bladder. This is caused by neurologic damage which symptoms can include overflow incontinence, frequency urgency, and retention.
The specialist informed Mom that a Vesicostomy surgery was required. This is where an opening is made from the bladder to directly outside her body below her navel. This opening helps in draining urine to prevent urinary tract infections and prevent damage to the kidneys. Special diapers must be worn to hold everything in place. The doctors determined that by age 7 or 8 they should be able to reverse the procedure.
This was very traumatic for Izel but with the support of her sister and Mom she was handling it like a pro.
As of her last visit and with all her positive test results, the doctor determined she was ready and surgery is scheduled for mid to late November.
To date, Niños Incapacitados have reimbursed the family 182,665. pesos for medications, sterile supplies, diapers, consults, blood work, orthotics, hospitalization and transportation.
We will of course support Mom with the cost of the upcoming surgery.
If you would like to know more about Niños Incapacitados clinics, you can contact Nicole Sergent at 376-766-4375 or Barb Corol at 376-776-5452
- December 2024 – Issue - November 30, 2024
- December 2024 – Articles - November 30, 2024
- December 2024 - November 30, 2024