Late last July, my 3 1/2 year old nephew woke up one morning after a few days of having a cold and said, "Mommy, I can't stand up." The kid's a bit of a clown, and my sister thought he was putting on an act -
when she realized he really was weak (he could stand, at that point, but could not walk well, and was losing strength rapidly), she contacted his pediatrician, who sent them to Loyola Hospital's ER - and after a long day of no food or sleep, he was admitted to the Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital just after midnight.
He was diagnosed with Acute Transverse Myelitis. We came to learn that about 1/3 of those affected do not recover significantly. 1/3 recover quite a bit, but retain some significant weaknesses or issues. And about 1/3 recover fully or nearly so.
Please join me over the jump.
Danny has been one of the lucky ones (and not that he can't be affected in the future...). About a week into his hospital stay, his older brother, Eddie, ran his finger along the sole of Danny's foot, and Danny pulled his leg away from Eddie. He was released from the hospital the next day.
Here is a movie I took on that last day in the hospital.
About a week later, he started to crawl again. Another week or so, he started "furniture surfing" around the house, and another week or so after that, he was walking while holding mom's hand.
A little over a month after he got out of the hospital, we went to Lincoln Park Zoo - and he paid a busker for her song, then he and Eddie played tambourines along with her.
Danny had rehab a couple of times a week for a couple of months - until BCBS said they'd only pay for a couple more. So, the rehab clinic set those up for "check ins" for November & December. He's started back at weekly rehab, since the first of the year. When the number of visits become limited again, they will do the same - saving them several for monthly check ins.
He has some weakness in his right leg, and he is working on improving his balance and coordination. While I was in Arizona, he turned 4. Last Saturday, I visited.
He brought me up to Eddie's room to see the slot cars, but could not get them to run. So he went to get Eddie.
Eddie has taken gymnastics for a few years, and can do a hand stand (he showed me, but fell, then didn't want to do it for a photo...) - Danny needs a bit of help on his somersault.
Eddie and Danny play games on the Wi together - here they are racing cars in Hot Wheels (and yes, Danny fairly recently finished a couple of Oreos.)
Here Eddie and my sister play with the "puppy" (Couch)Tater.
Eddie can be a tad dramatic in photos.
Danny watching Wall-E as he waits for his lunch.
Eddie got a t-shirt and a Prickly Pear Lollipop from Arizona, two Harry Potter Books for his unbirthday (Prisoner of Azkabahn and Goblet of Fire) plus the dvd for Chamber of Secrets, since he finished reading that book with his mom.
Danny got a tshirt and lollipop too, plus a puzzle with a dog like Tater on it, a game, and two stuffed toys - one in black and one in white...
Here they are, chasing one another around the house.
And here they are 'resting' (suuuure) with Tater.
Thank you to everyone who continues to ask about Danny, and to those of you who have had him - or our family - in your thoughts. This is an incredible community, and you've gotten me through some tough times. Thank you for all of it.
And a personal thank you to Strange Animals, who has worked with kids with ATM, and answered questions and virtual held my hand and smacked me on the back of the head, as needed.