We took Erin to her four month NICU follow-up yesterday. The purpose was primarily to check her vitals, and to see how the stroke might be manifesting itself.
The concensus of the doctor and physical therapist was generally the same thing we have heard from the Early Intervention folks and physical therapists that we have seen. Her right side is just slightly less developed than her left. She tends to reach first with her left hand, and her left hand opens more easily than her right, which tends to remain clenched. However, and they emphasized this, it is a) too early to really tell much, and b) they are really reaching to come to these conclusions. The doctor said that her feeling was that 50% of the professionals that examined Erin wouldn't notice any difference between her left or right.
The other point that was made in the appointment was just how advanced Erin is, both physically and from a personality standpoint. She is outgoing, happy, and pushing the envelope in every way. When she is on her back, she tries to sit up with such intensity that you can see what a little fighter she is. It is probably one of the principal reasons that she is doing so much better than predicted.
It is hard to reconcile when looking at Erin and seeing how well she is doing that she has significant ongoing medical issues. Sometimes when the thought occurs it is jarring, because you can't imagine that she isn't perfect. It is especially difficult when you think that she has a long road ahead, and will most likely involve hospitalization, surgery, and physical therapy. But for now, she continues to be an amazing miraculous story, and we are thankful for every day.
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