Finally, A Post from Dad (and about Isaac's condition)

Well, it has been a long time since I have posted something as Kristi has been the real trooper when it comes to updating the blog and getting pictures to facebook and such. But, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all our friends and family who continue to show us enormous amounts of love and support. It really has been amazing.

So, today (Jan 23rd, 2012) Isaac was back at CMH for a long (and I mean LONG) appointment with his spine doctor, Dr. S. After almost 4 hrs, here is what we can tell you about Isaac and the problems related to his spine.

1. His spine is stable

2. The areas in his spine that are narrowed (see one of our earlier posts if you need to see a picture of his spine) are also stable. (Spine Pictures w/ explanation)

3. He has movement in his legs, and feeling all the way into his toes.

4. He continues to have very little muscle development in his legs which will continue to decrease his chances at walking on his own. We work with him on a very regular basis in his stander and on pulling himself to a standing position.

5. His spine is still extremely narrow in the middle of his back and this most likely means few signals are making it to his legs (though some are). See the CT Myelogram Post explaining this.

6. There is NO surgery scheduled at this point. After a long consultation with his doctor, it has been determined that there is no need to do surgery at this point (but that is still certainly a possibility later this year). Isaac will undergo further CT scans and MRI's this May to determine more clearly if surgery will be necessary.

So, here is the best way I can summarize what we learned today. Isaac is progressing at his own rate, and his spine continues to be stable. Unfortunately, after asking the Dr. point blank about his chances for walking, it is pretty clear his odds are extremely long on walking on his own, unassisted. His doctor told us that he believes Isaac might be able to walk with braces on legs, but we obviously will not know that for years to come. For now, we are content knowing he is safe, happy, and cognitively is doing very well.

As Isaac's dad, and without sounding too snobby or whatever the word would be, this diagnosis is not a cause for sadness or disappointment. Kristi and I are thankful every single day for Isaac being with us, especially considering the initial prognosis we were given. Isaac is a fighter, he has proven that over and over again. He amazes us on an almost daily basis and if the kid is meant to walk, he will. If he isn't, then I believe (and I know Kristi does too) that it was meant to be that way. Isaac will still find a way to do what he wants. God has a funny way sometimes of sending signals to us and I think he is doing some amazing work through Isaac. We continue to trust in Him and in our doctors and are forever optimistic. Anyway, I will jump off my soapbox, I just really needed to express that we will not feel sorry for ourselves and that Isaac is the best son we could have asked for (and Eli is tied with him!!).

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, those obviously are working!