Not much going on here, but I thought I’d post a short and quick update in case you missed anything on James’ Facebook page.
Appointment with the “Berry” Doctor
When James was born, one of his testicles—or “berries” as Stacy calls them—wasn’t fully descended into the scrotum. The doctors told us to wait and see if it came down on its own, and if it didn’t then we would need to consider surgery to bring it down. It did not come down on its own so James underwent surgery in February 2011 where they went in, brought it down into the scrotum, and tacked it into place.
If you’re a guy reading this, you’re probably squirming a bit right now, aren’t you? I am too as I am writing this. Anyway, when James saw the pediatrician a few weeks ago, he was a little concerned that the “berry” might have worked its way back up and recommended that James see a pediatric urologist to get their opinion. On February 18th, James went to see the urologist and he wants to get an ultrasound to get a better view. The ultrasound is scheduled for March 12th.
VNS Turned Back On
If you remember, James had a VNS (vagal nerve stimulator) implanted in September. This tiny device is designed to help combat his seizures. He got sick shortly after the surgery and we ultimately decided to have the VNS turned off until he got better. After several months of fighting some illness, we finally thought he was ready to have it turned back on. As of February 21st, it is back on.
The neurologist has it set for a low setting to start and will increase it in a couple of weeks. He said that when we hear James scream to swipe the magnet across the VNS. James has been letting out loud screams when he has a seizure, and by swiping the VNS with the magnet, the VNS will send a jolt to his brain which should hopefully stop the seizure.
One thing that we did notice is that James’ right eye and tongue have been a bit twitchy. The twitch in the tongue makes sense I guess because the lead from the VNS to the brain runs up the left side of his neck to the vagal nerve which runs to the brain. So I think that the tongue twitch might be a reaction to the sensations the VNS sends up the lead.
The right eye twitch is interesting, though. The VNS and lead are the left side of his head. So why is his right eye twitching? It might be unrelated to the VNS, but he didn’t have the twitch in his eye until the VNS was turned on. It’s weird.
James’ left cheek has been becoming red every so often. This might also be related to the VNS being on the left side. No redness on his right cheek; only the left. Something for us to keep an eye on.
A Robot?
With James missing so much school over the fall and winter months, I wonder if sending a robot in his place could be an option. Think that’s science fiction? Think again! I doubt insurance will cover the cost of this, but if the cost comes down a bit, and James continues to be sick and miss school, it might be something to look into.
https://www.insideedition.com/5892-high-tech-robot-gives-second-grader-ability-to-attend-school
