Spina Bifida - A Blessing in Disguise

Getting an ultrasound of her kidneys

On Thursday Mia got her kidneys and bladder tests. Basically, because of her lesion, she has nerve damage in her bladder. So, they checked to see if her kidneys had any reflux from her bladder. First, the did an ultrasound of both her bladder and kidneys. Then, we went to a different room, where they put a catheter in her bladder, filled it up, and emptied it, then filled it up and emptied it again. Meanwhile, they took x-rays as they filled it and emptied it to make sure none of it was going up to her kidneys. Luckily, they found that she isn't having any reflux. She, however, doesn't empty completely, which means we still have to help her empty by cathing her twice a day.

Friday was Spina Bifida Clinic and we saw the team of doctors and specialists. Usually clinic is from 8am-1pm. This time it was only until 11am!! We were stoked!

Right after getting her blood drawn

At the end, she had to get her blood drawn to make sure her kidneys were really okay. We got word that all was good and we could go home. FINALLY! We don't have to go back for another 3 months!!
Which is GREAT because ever since we've been home from the NICU we've been back to Primary Children's or the pediatrician's office at least once a week.

 Bret likes dogs... from a distance. Irrelevant I realize, but he's just TOO cute!

As we were waiting to go in to clinic, I saw a lot of Spina Bifida kids come in, boys, girls, of different ages and different races. Some came in their wheelchairs, others in their walkers. Others had braces, or limps and some, you wouldn't even know they were born with SB. I was amazed at how healthy they all looked. How "normal' they all seemed. I noticed how no one looked at them with pity and how their parents enabled their independence. They talked, played and displayed curiosity just like any other child. I couldn't help but think how lucky we were to be able to interact and be part of this new circle of friends.

People with disability in the United States have a lot more opportunities and are more enabled than those I've seen in Mexico, for example. They are not shunned, or separated from society. However, if you don't have a person with disabilities in your family or close to you, they are still somewhat distant or part of another "world" that's unknown and at times, scary.

It's taken me some time to say it but, I am grateful for Spina Bifida. Because of it, we have the opportunity to interact face to face with people with disabilities. We are now in the same "world" and I cannot help but think how much Bret and Mia will benefit and grow from this experience as well.

Bret decided he likes splash pads after all

"What if trials of this life, are Your mercies in disguise" - Laura Story