26 answers

HELP (Mom in Denial Who's Son Has Brain Damage)

My son was a normal baby till I made the biggest mistake in my life. I left him with his grandfather who tripped over running cats and dropped him. This happened when he was 1month old. We were in the hospital for 1 mo on life support and said he wouldnt make it. With prayers and the grace of God Im still able to hold my baby. Docs said 90% of his brain was gone which I only use 5 so thats ok we could work with that, then another mri was done and they said he's brain isnt gonna grow. He also lost the ability to suck so he has a g tube. He is now 5mo and Im still hopeful that he will prove the docs wrong. He shows some improvements and we are currently working with therapists but can someone help with advise on what I should expect for his long term future and what do they mean about the brain not growing? Has anyone been here before? Please help! Will he be able to walk talk etc?

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I am very sorry for you and your son.
The one thing to keep in mind is that your son has already proven the doctor's predictions wrong a few times... and he may continue to do so.
I do not want to give you false hope, but really, it is very, VERY hard to make a prognosis for what he will be able (or unable) to do in a child this young. The brain is an amazing organ and the younger a victim of traumatic brain injury is, the more resilient they tend to be.
You do not sound like you are in denial, but simply refusing to give up on your son. Keep on fighting for him, get him every therapy under the sun, keep on working with him and he might amaze you...
Good luck!

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Wow this sure is stressful but there is lots of hope. I am a physcial therapist in michigan. First find out of any craniosacral DO's or physical therapist that are your area that works with Babies. you can also google cranioscral DO's classes geared for kids find out who is teaching it then call that person. They maybe in your area or know of someone who is. crainosacral will help keep the skull moving the correct way and make sure the fluids are draining correctly. This will help the brain heal and function better. Second you can get some flax seed or tuna oil into your child. We use biotics and standard process. Oils are extremely important for the brain. I poke a whole in the capsule. then squirt it into the child mouth.Then check for a pediatric Feldenkrais practitioner in your area. anat baniel is great but I don't know where she is living currently. I have seen many children who were told they wold never xyz... but they do when parents do more than traditional physical therapy.
Feel free to call or email me. Peace and Good luck. K.
I would hop on it ASAP. Good luck

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Having hope that it will turn out for the best does not mean that you are in denial. You know that he will have challeges, like the gtube, but you just have no idea right now how he will do. You should probably go back to the doctor and ask them what they saw and concluded about the latest MRI since what ever they told you left you with more questions than answers. Brain damage is unpredictable, and you just never know how things will turn out.

I would suggest that you contact the county board for developmental disabilities in your area and get a case worker now. They can help you access services in your area as he develops and get you early intervention and support services to help maximize his function. Contact NAMI in your area and see if they can put you into contact with a tramatic brain injury support group. Easter Seals could be a resource for you also and may be able to put you into contact with another family with a simular experience.

I hope that he will continue to improve.

M.

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I don't have any helpful advice for you, but I just want to tell you that I prayed for you today and for your precious baby. I hope that you get the answers you are seeking. Take good care.

M.

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I am truly sorry that this horrible ACCIDENT happened to your family. Please don't blame his grandfather. Tripping over a moving animal happens to lots of people, and is truly an accident.
As for your son, you need to remain in close contact with his medical team. Losing his ability to suck is not a good sign for continued improvement of brain function, but it may not be the end of the road either. Listen to them, and get second opinions. Educate yourself about brain injuries. (Not just on the weird internet sites. Research things in medical journals.)
Also, you should realistically be prepared to raise a child who is going to be developmentally disabled and require continued medical care for his daily activities. I would recommend that you contact your county Regional Center and see if someone can give you some resources or suggestions. The state has an agency called the Department of Developmental Services. Their website has links to the various Regional Centers and other agencies that might be able to provide you with advice and support during this tough period in your life.
Please, take a deep breath, and start researching. The more educated you are, the more prepared you will be to handle this situation. My thoughts are with you.

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Hello N.,

I pray that God helps you, your beautiful baby and your family. The way I look at it, a mom never gives up hope ... even to the point of 'denial'. My brother had a brain injury, he was in a comma for 30 days and they said he might never recover. Well, Praise God! He did have to learn everthing again... walking, talking, writing, etc. so, keep praying. talk to your baby, sing to him, read him stories, read him the Bible, rub his feet and arms, comfort him, play childrens music for him. hold his hands. let him know you're there and that you love him any way you can. ask your church to keep praying for him. May God give you the patience, discernment, strength and endurance for whatever may come.
Next time grandpa comes to visit, have him read a story. He also needs to heal.
~C.~

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Hi, I agree with Jen B.'s response wholeheartedly and all of these wonderful people on this board. I will be praying for you and your precious son. This may not be the same exact situation but I wanted to say that my brother was dropped when he was a baby too and it was severe. He is now 58 years old and doing well. I am not sure what percent of his brain was damaged and this was in the 1950’s but a lot has changed in the medical industry since then. It's so important to keep praying for him and keep working with him. Just like Jen B. said, as long as he is alive, there is hope. I will be praying for you all every day. Please keep us all posted on his progress. Love and prayers, S..

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My heart goes out to you and your sweet little baby so much. By all means, hold onto hope and don't let go. I am convinced that a mother's love and a mother's hope are two of the most powerful things on earth!! I am happy to hear he is improving, just keep finding out what is available to you and knock on every door you can. Fighting for your son is your best strategy. You did nothing wrong leaving him with grandpa, it was just a terrible accident and I am so very sorry. I liked what Katie S, shared from a medical standpoint, maybe she can help you more in finding out what else you can do. I have been praying for you and your little man and I know that God is the Healer both of the body and of the broken-hearted. You son is alive, thank God, and where there is life, there is always hope. Hang in there and I wish you and your baby all the best. Forgive yourself mama, you did absolutely nothing wrong....sending you hugs~

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