Dodge this......Okay, Dodged.
We are over this hurdle. 
But it still feels like we are at the starting gate
Derek got home last night and it seems like we dodged another blockage of fluid in the brain.
I have learned to identify new traits in Derek's behavior and what to look for when Derek might be experiencing swelling in the brain or having extra fluid built up in his brain. Both of these are bad. Derek did not really have the major identifiers of problems that the doctors normally look for as triggers or signs to come in and be checked until it was almost too late. It is not that I believe the doctors did not take me seriously when I called about 2 week ago, but after this recent episode, I think they will believe me more when I call with concerns. Lets just say, Derek will go to the top of the scheduling list if I call with concerns in the future. They understand now that I will not call with trivial concerns.
Basically the doctors installed the Ommaya Reservoir as a quick way to access Derek's brain to remove the extra fluid in emergencies without having to go into surgery. It can be tapped and drained very fast. It can easily be done in a clinic. I saw the doctor withdraw 51 ml of fluid in seconds. I asked the neurological PA how often they put this devise in kids and she said that she has worked there for nearly 2 years and Derek was the first kid they have installed this device into. Basically in emergencies they tap his head with a sterile butterfly needle attach it to a sterile syringe and pull the fluid out until his head is empty. Hopefully they will not have to use it again, but it is there if they need it.
Derek is still very tired and even though he is more alert when he is awake, he still gets fatigued quickly. So the doctor wants him to take it easy for about a month. I think Derek will be ok with that.
Thanks, all for now folks
Zell
Comments (8)
My goodness! I'm so glad they are taking you seriously and I hope they don't have to tap him again! Thank you for all the updates, we continue to pray for continued improvement!
we are confident that God is in control. With love and continued prayer, Judy and Lyle
Thank You again for the update. I think the entire family needs some good wholesome peaceful rest. Thank GOD for all the new technology, for parents that are very aware of their children's need's, and for a husband & wife that stand together in Christ. Please take care of yourselves ~ Angela & Ryan ~so that you can be strong for the children. Much Love comes your way. You are always in our prayers & hearts. Leroy & sandy
Very interesting and informative. Thank goodness you are a good advocate for Derek. I had to do that for Rudy once and it really takes a lot of talking to get them to believe you. Good work. Hope things go better now and Derek can get some rest. Take care.
Agree with GG Mortenson. Hope Derek gets well deserved rest. Eager to hear about Angela's last doctor visit. Hope she is progressing well! Thanks for this update Ry!
Thank you for the update and I'm so glad to hear that Derek is home! I hope all of you can get some rest now!
Also glad that Derek is home for some good rest. I am hopeful all of you can get some rest. I am thankful the doctors are listening to you!
Glad Derek is back home and resting. Angela it is a good thing you spot things that are changing in Derek's condition and report these changes to the doctors. Hopefully they don't have to drain Derek's brain again, but they will be ready very quickly to relieve the pressure. Hope you all can rest tonight and for awhile in the future. God Bless and keep your whole family.