December 2011 7th Visit to Hospital - Seizures

In December 2011, Stephanie's seizures (epileptic spasms, head drops and drop seizures) had increased so significantly that it seemed she was having seizure activity every few minutes.  After speaking to the neurologist's nurses the day before, if the seizures continued the next day we were to bring her in.

Of course they continued so off to the hospital we went.  The neurologist on call was expecting us and they admitted Stephanie right away.  This was on a Friday morning.  She was given a load of Phenobarbital on Friday which pretty much knocked her out for the entire weekend.  It was intended to break the cycle of seizure activity and when it wore off it was expected that her seizures would be less often.

She couldn't walk, couldn't talk, almost sleep the entire time.  By Monday she began to be able to stand with assistance and we were discharged on Tuesday.  The Phenobarbital didn't do anything for her...we continued to see seizure activity even while she was heavily sedated all weekend.  Oh well, they gave it a shot.  Next step was to fit her for a safety helmet while we waited to hear more about surgery options.

We could try the Corpus Callosotomy or the Vagus Nerve Stimulation implant.  These were discussed with the neurosurgeon in March, 2012.

Stephanie's IV was not checked properly and when I requested nurses to look under the wrap to flush it and check it's status, this is what was found.  IV was simply filling her hand with fluid instead of her vein.  Poor girl, it was uncomfortable for her for a day or so.