Aysha - 11/27/11

There have been no procedures since last post and nothing planned until an MRI in March. It has been more than a year since the weakness with Aysha's left side limbs started showing. The progress has been slow if any at all. She goes to weekly physical therapy still. We also try to have her exercise at home. Its a dilemma with with getting the exercises completed as if we don't push her to do as much exercise as possible then her muscles stay weak and if we push her to do the therapies then she get emotional because of the pain and suffering. Her left knee is still hyper-extending when she walks. The left hand is especially concerning since she is hesitant and unable to use those fingers as needed. Its difficult to watch her try to do 'simple' tasks such as put on shoes, pants, jacket, etc. At this point, she does pretty much all things with her right hand only.
We will need to make appointments with psychologists about her emotional well being. We must get an evaluation on psychological status, since we don't totally know how the physical limitation is affecting her. Considering that she was a highly active kid before injury. From being able to do flips on mattresses, easily going back and forth on monkey bars, being first in races at picnics to not able balance properly on one leg.

Aysha - 09/07/11

Aysha had a scheduled MRI yesterday morning. This was also one where it required full sedation. The procedure went well, she has recovered and did not have the issues as last time. The edema near the AVM is still there. There is slight improvement from the previous scan. Lia met with neurologist and the neurosurgeon. They stated that the left side weakness will not improve until the edema subsides. So physical therapy will have to continue to keep the muscles as strong as possible.

Aysha - 7/26/2011

There have been no medical procedures since last post. Aysha's therapy sessions with OT/PT has completed. The progress is not easily noticeable, as she still has a pronounced limp and weakness on the left side. The left knee still hyper-extends. She is very hesitant in regularly using the left arm and hand. The fine motor skills on her left hand are very difficult tasks for her. For example, picking up large Lego pieces is quite difficult.
Aysha has started another therapy program, this one being Aqua therapy. Again, the intended purpose of this program is to have her use the left side more regularly.

Aysha - 3/23/2011

Aysha had a scheduled MRI today morning. She had been sedated for the procedure. After it completed, she was very weak and groggy. We met her neurosurgeon and were about to leave after consulting him. After going to the bathroom she wilted in her wheelchair. She either fainted or had a seizure. The sedation drug and the fact she wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything until 11 am probably contributed to this condition. She is being admitted for overnight observation.

Update: Doctors initially wanted to start seizure medication, but we had concerns about starting on this new drug. After discussing with them, it was decided that the medication will not be given as it was not proven that Aysha had a seizure episode.

The MRI shows that the swelling has increased in size. But as per the neurosurgeon, this is expected outcome of the radio therapy session.

Aysha - 02/02/11

Aysha is still struggling with strength in her left side. She does not voluntarily use her left hand for any activities. The fine motor skills in her left hand is minimal. She is going to OT/PT twice a weak and we are having her do additional exercises at home. Her left leg is still hyper-extending, but she does have more strength than before in her left leg muscles. Currently, she is using braces in her left foot/calf to stabilize the leg. She will be getting braces for her left hand to help improve the position and strength on her thumb and fingers.