© 2002, The Purdys

October 17, 2002
Well, Haley's home today!

Surgery went very well, according to the doctor, as has her recovery. The main things we're dealing with is keeping her formula down. We're basically giving her a mixture of pedialyte and formula, about an ounce or so at a time, frequently throughout the day. We're also watching her front soft spot (there's a name for it, but I can't spell it), which gives us pretty good indication as to whether the shunts are draining too quickly, or whether they are malfunctioning. If there are problems, it's likely back to surgery for a shunt revision. As it is, we're to keep her lying relatively flat for the next little while.

Things look pretty good. Haley appears to be back to her normal self (it's definitely a blessing we got spend so much time with her before these problems occurred). She's wide-eyed and responsive, still loves to be swaddled and have her face touched, and still hates being kissed on the bridge of the nose (which just happens to be her mommy's favorite place to kiss her.)

One of the neurologists said her behavior is a good sign. He said in his 40+ years, babies with Dandy Walker that are as active as she is have little, if any, serious mental retardation issues.

Things are still kind of touchy, but we're optimistic. Haley will be monitored probably her whole life, and will very likely have more surgeries, but if her behavior is any sign of things to come, things should be just fine.