While checking in on some of our friends this afternoon, I caught a story that just broke my heart. It's an awful story about the loss of a little girl with Down syndrome, a seemingly healthy almost 2 year old. Her death was unexpected and sudden, and the cause leaves me to believe more of us need to be aware of this issue.
You may remember I posted a while back that Chelsea had to have an xray of her neck before beginning gymnastics. Children with Down syndrome are prone to Atlantoaxial Instability which can be very dangerous and with activity can put them at harm for paralysis or even death. Deborah at Sunflower stories wrote about Rhiannon's sudden death, and about the new revelation that explains what happened.
Clearly after reading these entries, you will understand why our kids must have their xrays done. Had I known this was even possible, I would have been much more cautious of Chelsea before her xray. She is so extremely active. I have been told that things aren't developed enough in kids under three which is why they don't do the xrays sooner. It is still scary to think what can happen in the meantime.
Hello world!
3 years ago
2 comments:
Carey-
I hopped over there and read the story...how awful!
Thanks for bringing this up...I honestly had no clue that resp. distress could be a sign of spinal compression...and Layton is 7....I thought I knew it all!
I'll be praying for this family....
This is why I always tell people how important it is to have a geneticist, or some other doctor that specializes in Down syndrome or other genetic issues. Our geneticist has already spoken to us about the schedule for having this x-ray done, and so we know it's coming up in the next few months, and are looking forward to it. I had no idea, though, that complications could arise so early and so suddenly. This is a very sad story, and one that I hope will gain a lot of attention.
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