Magnificent Bird Migrations (part 2)

The term migration describes periodic, large-scale movements. The mechanisms initiating migratory behavior vary and are not always completely understood. It is instinctual.

As a first time mother I knew something was not right. But after being told by professionals that everything was normal, what more could I do? I came across a pivotal decision that was instinctual and it created a movement.

Everything Happens for a Reason

I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe it's the optimism in me but there have been way too many coincidences to keep calling them coincidences.

We were referred to a Pediatrician in town and we were very excited. We waited for the call letting us know when we could have Mason seen. January 24 was the soonest that he could get in. My brother has been going to this Pediatrician since he was very young so we were familiar with her. He had his yearly appointment coming up in just one week. We called to see if we could have Mason take his place and switch their appointments but Mason, being a new patient, required a lot more time then a checkup. So my mother took my brother to his appointment.

At his appointment the Pediatrician brought up that she needed someone to nanny. She had been trying to find someone who was trustworthy and could take care of a couple of babies. My sister had shadowed this pediatrician as well so they knew each other and she was trusted. My mother told her that Megan was living out of town but that I was in town and could potentially be available to help but that I had just had a baby.

My mom came home that evening and asked how I felt about watching this lady's children. I said I would be willing to try but having a new baby by itself is a ton of work.

I contacted this lady and went and met with her. I told her I was willing to try to incorporate watching her babies as well as Mason in her home. I know that is absolutely crazy trying to nanny while being a first time mom but I had this feeling that I needed too. We tried a couple days and it was very challenging. Mason would cry while her babies were napping and wake them up. Also as older babies they do not understand that Mason is fragile. We decided that having Mason there was not going to work, but I still had this feeling that I needed to watch her children.

While I watched these two beautiful babies, my mother or mother in law would watch my baby, Mason. I hated being away from him but felt this peace knowing I was supposed to be doing this. After a few more weeks of nannying I had come across a day that no one could watch Mason. We decided to try it out again with Mason and the other two babies. At this point we had just found out that Mason potentially had Erbs Palsy. I asked her if she was willing to take a quick look at him. She did her little assessment, moving his legs and arms, feeling his soft spot, and a few other little things. She knew something was wrong. She admitted him into the hospital to further investigate.

If I had not had this chance to meet her and create a relationship, Mason still would not have been seen, or starting testing till the end of January... which would have been too late.

A New Destination

We did not know the journey we were about to embark on.

We were admitted to Red Deer Hospital. Mason had a series of tests lined up. He had blood work done and chest x-rays, while we had a series of other professionals coming to talk to us. The main test we were waiting for was the CK test, which was part of his bloodwork. All I knew at the time was that if the levels on this test were elevated it was not good.

We waited for the results of this test as patiently as we could. It came back with his levels slightly over normal. From there we were sent to Alberta's Children's Hospital in Calgary where we met with a team. The neurologist did more blood work. They also preformed a EMG test where they insert needle electrodes into the muscles to see the electrical activity in response to a nerve's stimulation of the muscle. Mason hated this test. As a mother, it was very hard to watch but I knew I had to be strong. He also had genetic testing done. Once all these tests were done we were sent home. They told us to wait for the results but told us that it seems to be Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The Phone Call

We waited, and waited, and waited. It seemed as time had decided to slow down. We had told some very close people in our family and asked for prayer. Everyone that knew were praying that it wasn't SMA. Since it wasn't an official diagnosis we wanted to wait to tell everyone else. After waiting 2 weeks the call finally came. I looked at my phone and saw the words Alberta's Children's Hospital pop up. I took a deep breath.

"Masons tests came back, he does have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1."

And my heart broke.