Waiting is the hardest part...

I've tried to blog before and realized that I really didn't have much to say that was worth everyone reading. I hope that this becomes a place where everyone can come to see what is going on with AC and her treatment.

AC has been diagnosed with Chiari I Malformation. We are being referred to a Pediatric Neurosurgeon to see if we can get by with physical therapy or if we have to go the surgical route.

Here is a quick explanation that I copied from the Mayo Clinic website:
Chiari malformation is a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into your spinal canal. It occurs when part of your skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on your brain and forcing it downward.

Thankfully we didn't settle for a quick dismissal of her symptoms and found this condition early. Her pediatrician, Dr. David Sprayberry, is the best! He wouldn't give up until we had a definitive answer.

AC started having pain the first week of July. Two weeks later we took her to urgent care on a Saturday afternoon and the doc there said that he was positive that it was a muscular pain and that he didn't feel the need to x-ray or scan her neck. 10 days later we were back at the pediatrician's office because the pain had not eased up at all. Dr. Sprayberry ordered x-rays and they came back normal. A follow up call the next week led to a CT scan that was performed on Tuesday. I got a phone call from the doctor on Wednesday and he gave me the results.

As of right now we are waiting for the appointment with the specialist. We hope to have an appointment in the books by Friday. Waiting is definitely the hardest part.

AC is enjoying her second week of 3rd grade and is very ready to play soccer this fall. Her headaches are becoming more frequent and we are starting to notice her having some vision issues but she hasn't slowed down at all. She is a trooper!

If any of you have experience with Chiari I Malformation we would love to hear from you. I've heard from several people that this is a common problem and that it can be fixed. The worst thing I did was read about the surgery on the internet. I'm staying away from all that information until we know that is the reality we face.

We have the greatest family and friends and are so thankful for the support we've already received. We love y'all!!!