7wk old with CP - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

randadell · 05-09-2004, 10:12 PM

My son was diagnosed w/ cp last week. we were told to expect it because at birth fetal heart tones were lost and he was apenic. after cpr and being on a ventilator for 2 wks, we knew he would have problems. My question for all of you is what can I do at such an early age to maximize his potential as for as motor and cognitive skills? He is in pt,and ot 1 time a week, but we work on his stretches at home every night. He also has a G-tube, he cant seem to suck and swallow at the same time. Any pointers on raising an infant with cp will be greatly appreciated. thanks for your time.

Isaiah 65:18

musicmaker650 · 05-10-2004, 12:28 PM

7 weeks old for a CP diagnosis is amazing! I was 5 when they made my diagnosis. This was in 1955! I have had a lot of experience with kids and their CP, and I don't want to alarm you... As young as your son is, he will probably have a lot of difficulties dealing with his CP and its side affects, just because of his very young age. On the other hand, his young age might allow him to make great strides in his development reguardless of the CP. Keep doing what you are doing now. Hopefully your doctors will guide you, as your sons needs change and he developes.

All my best to you!

randadell · 05-10-2004, 04:57 PM

Thank you for your reply and encouragement. My family and I appreciate it.

mickey72 · 05-13-2004, 10:55 AM

That is very early to make a DX. My son had trouble before/during delivery and stopped breathing. We were told that he may have CP but would need to wait and see. He is now 4 and has mixed CP but it is not a death sentence for him. He is VERY smart, can use a walker to get around, speaks in sentences (is somewhat unclear though) got his feeding tube out at age 2 1/2 and is just a super kid! If your son is able to eat some by mouth, I would recommend seeing a feeding therapist. At first, my son couldn't eat by mouth but after a swallow study showed that he was not aspirating, we started with oral feeds. It was a slow process. We went to a feeding program for 8 weeks to work on this and 1 a week visit for about a year after that. It may sound strange, but you may even want to see a speech therapist in the near future. One final thing. ENJOY your child! I spent a long time mourning over the lose of my healthy child that I almost missed out on the important things. Let me know if you have any other questions!

musicmaker650 · 05-13-2004, 11:24 AM

I was 2 pounds 8 ounces at birth. 2 months premature. I was put in an incubator that contained pure oxygen, and they told my parents that if I lived for 24 hours, I would probably be ok. It was the oxygen that got me. I was lucky not to have the speech and swallowing difficulties your sweet children have, but if you continue the physical thearapy and training along with love and nurturing, your children will flourish