Zack, my little hero! :)

My baby isn't a baby anymore. He has came A LONG way. From looking at him he looks and acts like a normal little 3 year old boy. He didn't start that way..............
My little boy may act and look like he is normal but he has Spina Bifida. Zack had surgery when he was only 2 months old. Dr Andrew Parent at the children's hospital in Jackson, MS did a great job on my son. I thank God everyday for what Dr. Parent gave my little boy.

What Is Spina Bifida?
Spina Bifida occurs within the first month of pregnancy and results in an incomplete closure of the spinal column. Spina Bifida is the most frequently occurring permanently disabling birth defect. Seven out of 10,000 babies are born with serious birth defects like Spina Bifida. Every day, an average of eight babies are affected by Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine.

What Causes Spina Bifida?
The cause of Spina Bifida is not known with certainty. However, scientists believe that genetic and environmental factors may act together to cause Spina Bifida.

What Conditions Are Associated With Spina Bifida?
Special attention is needed to identify and treat condition associated with Spina Bifida. Due to the wide range of neurological damage and mobility impairments, it can be difficult to identify some secondary conditions. Attention should be focused on the psychological and social development of children and young adults with Spina Bifida. Conditions associated with Spina Bifida include mobility impairments, bowel and bladder complications, latex allergy, tendonitis, obesity, skin breakdown, gastrointestinal disorders, learning disabilities, depression, and social and sexual issues.

My son has been spared the conditions normally associated with Spina Bifida, so far. He has been in speech, physical, and occupational thereapy since he was 4 months old. Recently this past summer he was released from all therapies. He is doing well with the exception of his weight. A complication with his esophagus has had an affect on his weight but we are keeping a close eye on that. Otherwise Zack is a normal little boy.
Now with that said. Zack has yearly visits with his neurosurgeon to make sure everything seems to be working right. There could be some problems down the road as he grows and puts stress on his back. I like not to worry so much about the future but his is looking pretty good.

Well I guess the real reason I said all of this is to put information out there to others. I want other people to know they are not alone. Your kid may have a condtion, so what. Mine does too. That doesn't mean that you are the "only one" or that you are "too young" to deal with it. Just make sure that that child gets EVERYTHNG he or she needs. There are programs to get help. There are people that are there to help. Just ask questions and keep going. Even if you don't "feel" like not going to therapy try to do it for the child. Your child will reap the rewards in the end. I'm not saying that it's easy caring for a child with a disability, but sometimes life is not easy. And people will give advice, Doctors give opinions but when it comes down to it the decision is yours. If you don't feel comfortable with something say so. If your doctor doesn't listen to you, find one that will. Just don't give up.

If you are reading this and want to know more about me and my son. Email, messege me or whatever. I want to hear your stories and about your kids.