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Our youngest daughter, Sarah, has said she's had a few headaches the past three and a half weeks- maybe four. She's 7 years old, and normal in all other ways. She's also come in in the morning saying she's been seeing stars or clouds sometimes when she gets up. This has not really bothered her, but we took her to the eye doctor today, and the diagnosis was really awful.
After testing her, she is colour blind to just about everything. She has a giant blind spot in the centre of her left eye, and a small one in the middle of her right eye. She could not read the eye chart past the second line, and missed every second letter. Wheh trying to read words from a book, she only hit on every second or third word- using peripheral vision only.
They rushed her to a GP, then to the hosp. for a CT scan to rule out brain tumours- (OK so far) but she has optic nerve oedema- a swelling of the optic nerve that's cutting off blood to the retina. Cause in this case- unknown. No normal or expected cause exists in our environment (diabetes, obesity, MS, cyanide poisoning, no brain tumour...)
They are still trying to see what's causing it so they can start to deal with it and try & stop it before permanent damage occurs.
Fortunately she's a happy girl, and does not see the potential horrors of the quick onset of the problem. Somehow she manages and works around what she can't see. Her teacher did not even notice a problem.
In the meantime, some prayers would be really appreciated, thanks!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Ian, Prayers are coming her way as we speak. It is always scarry for anyone of us, but when they are our children and so young, makes it even harder. Keep us posted, and we pray they can get it figured out and takin care of.
-------------------- Patricia A. Raap Raap Signs 2615 Arthur Coopersville, MI 49404 616-677-0158 pat@raapsigns.com Posts: 578 | From: Coopersville, MI 49404 | Registered: Nov 2003
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Wow Ian, I can't imagine what your going through. Our prayers are with you also.
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1357 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Ian, no problem in sending prayers for your little girl. Thank God she is healthy in every other way and not worried. Try to locate the very best eye specialist, this is important and should save a lot of time. Bill
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I will pray for Sarah, too. I am glad that she had the presence of mind to say something was wrong at such a young age. When I was a kid I thought everyone saw things blurry. It wasn't till I went to school that the teacher noticed I had a problem. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Praying here for your daughter too. Hopefully they will be able to reverse her condition. They are doing amazing things these days. We'll keep praying for her.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Ian, This is not your normal "I'll pray" response. Forgive me if it seems blunt, but as I get older, I realize that sometimes we can be too passive in issues like this. We like to be "nice and understanding" human beings and we wish to remain cordial. As such, we don't normally like to be pushy or questioning for "fear" of upsetting someone, especially "Doctors". Remember, they are people too, and you need to force your way through their egos sometimes. Attack this as if it is your daughter's welfare that is at stake... that's right, it IS! Do not sit back and watch her being "treated", stand up and make sure everything that can be done IS being done.
I am a realist, and as such, I look at this as something you need to actively research... and don't rely on the doctors to do it all for you. They have many patients - you have your daughter.
I know you are very well versed with searching on the internet. Do your homework, and go to your doctors with every theory you can. If they dismiss your ideas as folly, find another doctor you can discuss this with. Take all the time with the doctors that you want during your visits, call them when you need, don't wait for appointments. THEY work for YOU. You are not imposing on them, don't ever feel like that. Your daughter's health is paramount. Every throbbing headache, every missed moment.
Check out links and see if any of them look promising. Of course, it will be hard to read some of the responses you will see, because many of them will indicate illnesses and diseases that you would never imagine your child to have.
Do the research, and you can weed out many of those illnesses, but keep an open mind. Don't just summarily dismiss a symptom or a particular disease because you can't imagine your child having THAT disease or illness. Just wishing it away won't make it less possible.
Prayers are all fine and good, and you can sit back and wait for them to work, or you can actively pursue every imaginable resource until this is figured out and resolved. Hopefully this post will give you just one more avenue to pursue, one more observation of your daughter's symptoms, one more moment in front of your doctor because you are a PARTICIPANT in you daughter's health, not an observer.
You brought her into this world, don't let up until everything has been exhausted, including yourself. It will not be easy - stay strong.
Gene
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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sorry to hear about your daughter, yeah do all you can You can count on my prayers...
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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My son got a headache one day and it turned out to be an IVM. I think that's what it was called. It seems a-lot of people are born with malformed arteries to the brain. They are hard to find some times as thay are between the layers of brain matter. They did a CAT-scan, and no luck,( I told ya so) then they did an M.R.I.(always a better way to go) They found it. It required surgery but it was near the outside so it wasn't so bad.
He was in from a few days before Christmas to a few days after new years, but didn't mind as he had his Mom all to himself. He also liked that he had a video game available 24/7, and room service.
It grew back and he needed another operation the next year, but this year he checked out fine and won't need a check up for 5 years. Some people don't know they have this until they are in their 20s or 30s.
If you want to know more feel free to call or E-mail. I too am prying for Sarah. She can call my son Nic (10) if she is worried about any hospital stay and he would give a good report.
[ March 07, 2008, 10:06 AM: Message edited by: Dana Stanley ]
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Ian, I'll definately pray for her, and I'm with Gene, unfortunately relying on the medical community is not always the best course, you have to educate yourself and advocate for your daughter. I know our daughters went through some stuff, though not as frightening as what Sarah is experiencing, and I had to go the second and third opinion route.
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Oh Ian, the poor wee girl. I too send Reiki to Sarah Stewart-Koster, and your whole family. So glad you listened to her. Now go and find your specialists, quickly.
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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Ian I'm sending good prayers out for Sarah.
Like Gene said, Fight for her and get the best you can get and strive for nothing less.
Your freinds are here to help lend a shoulder when you need it.
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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Definately keepining Sarah in yy Thoughts and Prayers!!
What at post to fond, my first time here!! My daughter, Briana, just turned 8..at 7 she also started complaining of headaches, so bad she would cry...Blurred vision, bladder inconsistency, seeing spots, ect. She seen a neurologist who did a MRI....same, he wanted to check her brain, he also checked her spine....Just talked to him this Morning...No brain tumors, but there is a cyst within her spinal colum..We go see him on Monday, and she is being reffered to a neurosyrgeon.
Like Gene said, find out all you can and don't assume that every medical professional who treats your daughter is always right. They too are human and make mistakes... be dilligent.
My only other advice would be to find the VERY BEST in the field.
I know this because my daughter was born with a hole in her diaphram which was diagnosed a month before she was born on a sonagram.
Had she not been treated by the best doctors, with the best resources, she would not have lived more that a few hours.
We were fortunate to live only an hour from Columbia Presbyterian in NYC, which at the time, was 1 of only 6 facilities in the world that was prepared and researching her ailment.
My Amanda is now a happy and healthy 21 year old.
I hope you and your family have the same outcome.
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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Ian and Joan, I was out all morning, to return and see your post. Little Sarah is so sweet, I can attest to that, as staying with your children and growing to know them during and after the meet in your home. You are in my prayers and The Great Physician's hands. As Gene and others have said to find the best of the best, and research as you are internet savvy, you don't know where you'll hear about the right specialists or research.
I will also consult some of the doctors here and in Ohio as some study unusual conditions as maybe the ordinary General practitioner may not know about others since it isn't their specialty. You just never know where new developments are discovered. I also was full of worry when my granddaughter had migraines and then stomach migraines and landed in the hospital for a week keeping nothing down, in excruciating pain, losing weight and weak; we just didn't know what was going to happen if things didn't change.
I brought my concerns here also and there were many, many prayers. She is fine and is on a mild medication and has to slow down sometimes and drink more water when active, but is very, very active and leads a nice normal life now. It's been three years since then and things are pretty good.
Sarah always has that nice, sweet smile and the big brown eyes; what a cheerful girl she is! Please give her my love; and yes, it is good that she told you right away, and soon maybe with the right help she'll be jumping around chasing the dogs and horses and guinea pigs!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Hang in there, Ian! We will be thinking of you and hope all goes well! Keep us all posted here.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Ian, Cleveland Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the best in the world: the division for children is called: The Rainbow Babies' and Children's Hospital. You could do a search as they are world renown. They work with any income and have a Ronald McDonald's house for the families to stay across the street: no charge. I have a friend whose children have been using this for years. Another option, depending on the situation is St. Jude's and it is completely free for any child. They are where I would take my children for anything that needed the best specialty. You can stay in the children's rooms overnight also if you wish; both hospitals are "very accommodating".
John Hopkins and University of Chicago, Harvard, MD Anderson in Texas, UCLA in San Diego, are other options to look at as the U.S.A. has the best with technology as my friend, a surgeon told me.
[ March 07, 2008, 08:27 PM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Sarah and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted,Ian. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Ryan Culbertson The Sign Shop at Quick Copies Greenwood, SC
Rock and Roll means well, but it can’t help tellin’ young boys lies. Mike Cooley - Drive By Truckers Posts: 453 | From: Greenwood, South Carolina | Registered: Apr 2007
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I pray tha her Doctors can find what's wrong and can know what to do about it. Children are very strong and can be healed of most things. I feel very bad for all of you. Hugs from me.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3816 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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Absolutely prayers from our family to yours Ian...may God awash your family with a peace and calmness as you go through this, and we pray for healing and restoration as well as expert diagnosis and treatment from your doctors.
Keep us posted Ian....we're thinking about you and your daughter!
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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Ditto about the strength of kids: our past president, Theodore Roosevelt, had a lot of physical problems as a child. My brother had terrible stomach cramps when he was little, but he's fine now.
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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Almost sounds like a similarity with me and migrane headaches. I get blind spots. As far as your daughter seeing "stars" with me and again kind of similar, it looks like somebody took a picture with a flash. Maybe she is having some form of a migrane headache.
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Please keep us posted for anything we can do as well- My prayers of you all from upstate NY- Cat
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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My heart goes out to you and your family. I too have a young daughter. We will keep her in our prayers.
-------------------- Charles Borges de Oliveira Borges Lettering & Design Snohomish WA Posts: 352 | From: Snohomish WA | Registered: Mar 2003
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