(In case you’re new-ish to comin‘ around this space, Asher (almost 3) has hydrocephalus, a condition in which the spinal fluid produced in his brain basically gets stuck. So. He has a valve in place near his cloggable (totally a word) ventricles, to drain the fluid. The valve is attached to tubing that goes all the way down to his cute little round belly. This is all on the inside.)
For a couple of days Asher has been complaining of headaches. This is new, he’s never really been able to articulate his pain or describe it. He’s still a bit unclear in his telling of it (when asked where his head hurts, he runs his hand all over and around his noggin), but it helps that he can say things like he did today, when I came to his room for a good morning hello, to raise my mommy red flags,
“Hi Mama. Did you just wake up and have a headache like me?”
He has had no other symptoms, which kind of makes it worse. Cause if he did have other symptoms, we could assume he just has a cold or allergies or something…normal-ish.
So. Because of his hydrocephalus, I called his neurosurgeon’s office in St. Paul, which is in a super great children’s hospital. We’re not taking any chances with this guy, you know?
This could be either because,
a) the tube that empties the brain fluid into his system (in his stomach area-after traveling down from the valve in his brain) may be getting restricted by…well, poop.
or
b) the shunt (valve) is simply malfunctioning.
We’re hoping the answer is a). So what we’re going to do is, well…um, clean him out. This will hopefully remove any…restrictions near his tubing.
The CTscan showed that the ventricles in Asher’s cute little noggin are a wee bit bigger than his last scan, and that’s not good.
So let’s go ’round again. These ventricles may be bigger because of the poo or because of another problem/malfunction that we’ll have to figure out later…and we won’t know until we clean out the poo. phew.
If it isn’t cleared up on its own, something else is obviously wrong and that could mean surgical correction, which would really suck.
I’m exhausted. Ryan is exhausted. Asher is exhausted.
Go team.
We’re back home now, ready for a good night’s sleep.
Please hope with me that clearing out the little guy’s system will do the trick and get things back to good.
And thank you so much to all of you who sent love across Twitter all through the day. I had a moment in the waiting room to read through your tweets, and they lifted me. Thank you.
Oh, and also. On the way home, Ryan asked me to list all the TV shows I can remember ever being totally into ever, even if I wouldn’t like them now, as an adult…or more semi-sane person. I named a bunch of shows including Ed and Friday Night Lights and Monk and Ally McBeal…and then I admitted that in my early teen years I looked forward to one show every week more than any other show in the whole world.
Boy Meets World.
My husband laughed at me. A lot.
I just thought you should know.
(It was a really good show. So there.)
Lastly. Please say some prayers for my boy, if you do that sort of thing. If not, you can still think thoughts like “I hope it’s just that Asher’s poop was in the way and it will come out and he’ll be fine.”
I’m worried while I hold on to peace at the same time.
The End.
{ 76 comments }
I liked Boy Meets World too! and remember Nickelodeon's "Hey Dude"? loved that…and of course of course Saved by the Bell.
thinking of you & your sweet sweet boy – hoping this s**t passes quickly – pun intended.
much love – xoxo
I'm not on twitter so had no idea until now. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Prayers, no problem. Sorry I missed your text earlier, I've been distracted. I can't believe the day you had. Thinking of and loving you. Praying. xo
Oh sweetness… I'm an expert on poop and this is totally just poop.
So I'm praying for lots of poop to get out and help this boy.
**this is the oddest blog comment I have ever written.***
Praying for Poop in Wisconsin…
The end.
LOVED Boy Meets World.
And I read that last line as "thanks for letting me POOP up in your inbox." which would kind of work, too. Haha
Praying for Ash man!
The good news is you are all over the problem and that's a good thing. Being an expert in the poopage department with my own issues, I'll pray everything comes out alright ASAP and in the right place.
Big rocking hug!
Saying some prayers for your sweet boy. I hope you and yours are doing well….I keep you in my prayers
All my positive energy to your sweet boy and his definitively "poopy" problem. XO. I can't imagine that kind of day, momma, love to you too.
I always wanted Tapanga's hair, and I'm pretty sure I cried at their wedding episode. It was the climax of something that had been building since I was like, 10.
I'm glad that today went smoothly logistically. I am glad that Asher can communicate and things can be taken care of faster. I'm sad I didn't get to hug you or bring you guac.
I'm hopeful that it's just poop… and when it is, I'm pretty sure you will write a super awesome metaphorical blog post about those things in our lives that look daunting but turn out to just be poop.
Now go take a nap.
Tell your husband I said to STFU because Boy Meets World? AWESOME.
Mr Feeny? AWESOME. Topanga? AWESOME.
Also, I missed your tweets today somehow, but I'm praying and hoping that it's just poop. Poor little guy. And poor mama.
Prayers for him, of course. Prayers for you and Ryan, just as important. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, but glad you're in good hands medically and that he's being such a rock star about it.
Thinking about you!!
one word: topenga
two words: sour cream
three words: thinking of you
two words: non stop
one word: breathe
Aww! I'll be praying for you guys! Hope you all get a great night's sleep!
P.S. I love BMW, too! My fave!
Love and prayers, my friend, love and prayers.
My first comment disappeared. What I said is that I keep a prayer journal… where I write down things I'm praying for cause my head is so full of other stuff, sometimes I forget. And I don't want to forget prayers. Tonight, your sweet Asher will be at the top of my list.
Thinking of you and Asher!
Also, I LOVED Ed. I'm still hoping that they eventually put it on DVDs, but I don't know if I would still think it was good or not.
Prayers for your little guy and the healing powers of a good poo!
Oh, and Full House was my favorite, right alongside Saved By The Bell. Awful stuff, in the very best way :)
Oh, friend. How I will pray for your little Ash man and you. You know I have a soft spot in my heart for that little guy.
And come ON… Ed and Boy Meets World? LOVED them. Totally. :) You have good taste… in boy names and in tv shows.
Praying.
Rest rest rest for all of you. Holding you all in my heart.
Poop. Definitely poop. Go prunes!
ps this is auspicious–word verification "squen" which is the sound of poop unclogging a stent.
I totally said a prayer for you, but I really think there are few things that aren't improved by getting rid of crap.
Hugs. Hopefully that does it and he's good to go (so to speak).
Maybe you already know this, but I've been praying all day. And I will continue to pray.
I wouldn't want to take any chances with that cute little guy either. God has this in His hands.
praying for you my friend and your sweet boy. thanks for updating us and giving us the privilege of surrounding you in prayer!!
by the way, while my daughter was home, we watched 2 seasons of Boy meets world!!!
I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts.
I loved Boy Meets World too and I *loved* Ed. Loved it.
praying sweet Heather .
I'm on TEAM ASHER!!
Oh, Mama. My heart goes out to you. Thank God for your expressive, communicative little guy. Prayers have been and will be with you.
And Becky, Allison, and Ann all made me laugh out loud with their comments.
(I'm on Team Poop, too.)
Love to you.
Praying that your night and day tomorrow will be crappy– in a completely different way than today was crappy.
Sending out many many positive thoughts that it's the poop.
And just to add…I can remember a bunch of us girls in my sorority (yes, I was a sorority girl) meeting up EVERY WEEK to watch Boy Meets World. So there.
he's such a little man in those glasses. i'll be praying for poop!
and boy meets world rocked the house. yes, i said rocked the house. don't judge me!
Hoping that all of this literally clears up :)
Big prayers that Asher is on the mend.
Yes, will still watch Boy Meets World if I come across a rerun. Not that I ever watch TV. Ahem…
Love Asher in his specs. CUTE. And we will keep him – and you guys – in our prayers. Here's hoping it's a poop problem (now there's something you don't utter every day).
My heart got a bit achy reading this, thinking of the crazy dips and swings in emotion you must have gone through today. So fervently hoping the problem is resolved by clearing him out!
Thinking of you guys, praying for poop :)
I'm amazed that he expressed how he felt inside so well! Yay for that!
(and yeah… totally know too much about Boy Meets World…. ;) )
Well, of course your worried and somewhat anxious over this…as moms, it's what we do No Matter What amount of Faith we Have.
I will say a prayer for that cute boy.
I believe in prayer.
The hardest part is having the faith to understand Gods Will
He is so dang cute
Poor darling boy. I will have him in my prayers.
praying for poo.
lots of it.
and an easy delivery.
Hoping AND praying that the pooping fixes it. And that you all have some peace and rest.
p.s. My hubs and I LOVED the show Ed!
We're praying for and loving your Asher. And you too, as always.. xo
Good luck with the pooping. We have been praying for you today and will continue to do so. I'm sure it will all work out well.
I had to smile at the BMW comment… my Ryan gave me the DVDs when we were just married and I watched every season… Yeah still love that show as an adult
Oh sweet Heather. Praying AND sending good thoughts your way.
And, for the record, I still look forward to Boy Meets World.
Thinking so many sweet thought about you and about poo.
Oh now that doesn't sound good at all. Except it is. Which makes me smile even wider.
Peace for you. And Asher.
Urg. How stressful. I will second the prayer request that this s**t passes soon.
Many prayers and candles from this side of the pond!
Although I have a good feeling about this. Asher's problems always seem to come to light at exactly the right time for you to be able to do the right thing. Okay, maybe that's in hindsight, but you know what I mean, right?
Holy Toledo those spectacles are cute on that little guy. Seriously cute.
Praying for poop to be the cause. Poor little guy–hugs from me!!!
i'm totally hoping it's ashers poop!!
thinking major positive thoughts ALL DAY for you!
You DEFINITELY have my prayers and good thoughts for the little guy…
I will be thinking of you and your family. Sending white light your way, and hoping for scenario A. ((you))
Praying for Asher and your whole family. Praying for the easier fix and that all will be right after the clean out.
You guys are in my thoughts. I hope that cleaning him up fixes the problem.
And I totally love Boy Meets World. It was the best show growing up.
You guys are in my thoughts. I hope that cleaning him up fixes the problem.
And I totally love Boy Meets World. It was the best show growing up.
You guys are in my thoughts. I hope that cleaning him up fixes the problem.
And I totally love Boy Meets World. It was the best show growing up.
Maverick,
With a full heart and weepy eyes, I read your post. Was SO glad to see this update as sweet Asher and you and the rest of the Heather of the EO's were in my heart all day. You'll stay there. Sending prayers. And hugs. And then some more.
xxoo,
Goose
I WILL PRAY!! I'll even take some deep breaths for you! Take care!
Prayers and stuff, coming your way. Also, I have a kid who has, um, poo issues. Water, and lots of it, is the best solution (after, you know, stopping eating anything white, which is no fun…). Back rubs, too, which are good soothers for both Boy and Mom.
Oh gosh, oh no. Sending many prayers your way. Huge HUGS.
Hey, just wanted to shout out a word of encouragement. My husband has hydrocephalus in his right front ventricle. He's had loads of operations as a child growing up, etc. Anyhow… he's 33, has a great job, sole provider of our family, father of two, lives a normal life, etc. Neither of our kids nor anyone else in his extended family has hydrocephalus.
It was kind of funny one time when we were at the hospital getting his shunt checked out. Yes, monitoring and scares still do happen this one was after a car crash.
Anywho, there was a man holding a 3 month old with a shunt and my hubby told him, "Wow, they shunt them young now." The man took great offence but calmed down when he learned that my husband had a shunt himself.
My hubby is 6'6" tall, and one of the first questions was, "Is your unsual height caused by your shunt?"
My answer? "Actually, I'd say he's stunted. He's the shortest of his siblings. His youngest sister is 6'7", and his two brothers are 6'9 & 6'10".
Hopefully that gives you some reassurance! {{{hugs and prayers that this is a minimal intervention solution situation!}}}
Aw, Heather, our prayers go with you. Keep us posted on the little guy. Love & hugs all around!
thinking of you and yours, lady.
Something I never, ever thought I'd write in a comment:
I'm praying it's poo.
Okay – I know it will sound weird but – praying for poop. Weirder still, not the first time I have done so (do you know any marathon runners?).
My daughters use to always watch Boy Meets World. Occasionally, one of them finds it on in syndication and we sit down and watch.
I pray and I'll pray it's poo too. LOL! Your Asher is so sweet.
<3 u, and tell the little man i'm praying for him.
my favorite post of yours was the one where you look in his face and wonder if he is in pain. I guess it's good to be able to know now.
i hate not being able to take pain away
Does your little Asher have brown eyes? If so, I'm bettin' it's poo. Seriously, I hope all it's nothing and that little Asher is on the mend soon.
I will pray for poop with as much fervency as the world has ever known there to be regarding poop.
I pray for rest for you and peace for your family and good things and Twinkies and yes, Boy Meets World.
(because, Shawn Hunter? OH MAH GASH I had such a crush)
So much love,
S.S.
Aw, I would be so worried, too! Praying that all is well with Asher!!! And that God will give you peace during this struggle!
Break out the Fiber One bars, and pick up some Smooth Move tea. It's a poop party!
Hugs and prayers for your little dude, honey. Love you.
Praying for you and your little guy, Heather.
And Ed was the best show ever. Still waiting on the DVDs.
I'm late to this prayer and poop party, but God's not limited to our time line, so I'm offering some words up on your behalf. :)
"Let there be poop! Amen."
I'm trusting that poop won. I'm waving you peace. I'm praying for health.
Blessings to the team. (And thanks for being so welcoming to those who pray and those who wish and hope and making all of us feel included. It makes a difference to me.)
I've never prayed for poop before, but I'm on it.
xx
Oh sweet mama, I've been gone, but praying for poop right now.
Prayers for the whole family.
Hi Heather – I am relatively new to your blog so did not know about your son's history. He is a brave little boy with all he has gone through in such a short life.I am not religious but just know my thoughts are with you right now, I cannot imagine how hard it is to have to wait and see, just waiting. So I very much am hoping it proves to be poop or something correctible without surgery.
Big time extra prayers coming your way from me, my friend.
Both the big-guy-in-the-sky kind, and the poop-be-gone kind. Just to cover all the bases.
-Ellie
好的開始並不代表會成功，壞的開始並不代表是失敗.......................................................
I added Asher to my prayer list. And, you. And, Ryan too.
No lie, my word verification says poopr. Let's hope it's just that. A Great Big Pooper.
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