Leah Mackenzie was born via planned
c-section on January 18, 2008, weighing 6lbs
5oz.. Leah had breathing problems from the moment she was
born and was placed in an oxygen hood for 3 days. She was
diagnosed with Transient Trachea of the Newborn. The
nurses kept her separate from the other infants as the
noise would stress her, causing her more difficulty in
breathing.
Leah had very bad colic, for which the pediatrician never took me seriously and told me that I spoiled her. Leah has suffered chronic constipation since she was 2 months old -- even while she was breastfed. She did not smile until 8 months and was globally delayed for all milestones. At her 15 month check-up the pediatrician said she was worried and I consulted another Dr. for a 2nd opinion. She ran several tests and recommended that we see a developmental pediatrician and our local early intervention programs. At that time I referred myself to numerous specialists -- ENT, Hearing, Ophthalmologist, Gastroenterologist, Neurologist, and developmental pediatricians.
My life changed the day the Neurologist read the results of her Miccroarray, which came back as abnormal with a diagnosis for WS. At the time I had never heard of it. I felt sad and angry. How could have this been missed? What was WS?
Two weeks later, Leah was diagnosed with SVAS and mild hearing loss. The good news was that the SVAS is very mild and her recent hearing test was normal. One month later, she was diagnosed with Dysphasia. It was a difficult time.
I now embrace her uniqueness and her special gifts. We all have many challenges to face, but we also have been so blessed to care for her. She is a loving happy child. I look forward to all that she can teach me about being a better human being and embracing the small things in life.
