Here is Joey’s story.

Joey was born at 27 weeks gestational age, and God gave him his birth date of Nov.3, 2002.  Joey weighed a little over 2 lbs and was immediately taken to the NICU room and was hooked up to many machines.   During his stay, Joey was hooked up to a ventilator first then a CPAP machine, then oxygen, and had several blood transfusions and x-rays/scans.  He also was hooked up to monitors that went off when his heart rate decreased or oxygen levels plummeted.  Joey had IV needles that went into his arm that allowed him to get nourishment and medications into his bloodstream.   Around a month old, they put a feeding tube in his nose that went to his stomach, and then a couple weeks later I was able to feed him a few cc’s of milk from a tiny bottle.  He stayed in the hospital for a total 60 days.   At home, we had an oxygen tank and Joey has hooked up to oxygen and monitors.  Joey was followed closely because of his prematurity and his pediatrician noticed a rapid head growth and was concerned with the size of Joeys head size and ordered an MRI Scan on Aug.13,  2003.  After the scan, the neurosurgeon had informed us that Joey has hydrocephalus and immediately wanted to do surgery.   Joey was VP shunted on Aug.22, 2003.   After surgery, he had MRI’s/Cat Scans and the results showed no abnormities and the ventricles size was decreased.  Joey’s Neurosurgeon will watch Joey with follow-up appointments.   I’m blessed that it’s been a 1 ½ years with no complications but it’s always on the back of my mind, but I think positive (at least try—all Moms worry).   I know the symptoms of shunt malfunction/infection and I feel that the parents know their children the best.   Because of hydrocephalus and Joey’s prematurity I have an Early Intervention Program that comes to my house for therapy services.   Joey has a development therapist and speech therapist that comes weekly.   Joey is behind in speech, but is starting to say a few words and is doing great and is a typical 2 year old (running around, getting into everything).   I’m thankful for all the support groups (especially Aiden who started his own web page) and thankful for my family’s support.