Isabel’s Story:
What Happened?
Isabel arrived into the world a healthy normal baby, the first born to Dave and Catherine. The first 6 months of Isabel’s life progressed with the usual milestone celebrations and tribulations.
At some point around the 6 month mark Isabel’s easy going nature began to dissipate and she became increasingly irritable. She didn’t like being on her tummy, nor her back and her crying became more frequent and difficult to comfort. Something wasn’t right.
A medical friend recommended a paediatrician at the Royal Children’s Hospital(RCH). Under his care Isabel underwent a series of diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, CAT scans, bone scans and finally an MRI. At 9.00 am Saturday November 20th 1999 a large tumor was confirmed growing within Isabel’s spinal cord. 8.00 am Sunday 21st November, Isabel underwent an 11 hour operation to remove the bulk of what turned out to be a benign tumor running from C7 – T7.
The surgery was successful in halting the activity of the tumor, however significant damage to her spinal cord resulted. Isabel was classified as a T2 – Thoracic Level paraplegic, meaning that she had damaged neural function below her nipple line.
Following the surgery Isabel could no longer kick her chubby legs, she lost her abdominal and posture muscles and could no longer sit without support. Both bladder and bowel function were profoundly affected.
It was a time of significant grief and heartache. Watching other children move freely through social situations and the major milestones was difficult to witness for everyone in the family. Isabel has spent many days attending clinics at the RCH. Clinics including Urology, Orthopaedic, Respiratory, Orthotic, Physiotherapy, Oncology and lastly the Spina Bifida clinic as there was no other suitable clinic that specialised in Spinal Cord Injuries.
Isabel continues to undergo regular MRIs, Xrays, ultrasounds to monitor how her internal organs and structures are affected by neuronal impairment and non use.
