Blake Douglas Sides
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April 19, 1997 was a very exciting day for us. As I went into labor, all of the family was gathering at the hospital. No one knew what lay ahead. After the epidural was administered, our baby's heart rate dropped. An emergency c-section was performed. We soon learned that this was all part of the Lord's plan. Our new son, Blake Douglas, was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrochephalus. Originally, we were told that Blake would never walk; however, at this point he is standing and trying to "cruise" around the coffee table.
Blake's first surgery was a two days of age to close his open spine. One week later the first shunt placement was performed for the Hydrocephalus only to have to be replaced a week later. At the age of two months, Blake's most serious surgery was performed. He had to undergo a Chiari decompression. This involves opening vertebrae in the neck to allow the spinal column room to grow. Blake had five opened (very serious!!). As a result of this procedure, He was unable to support his head until he was about six months old.
Everything went well for a while. Blake did develop a very loud stridor. We were referred to an ENT who checked his vocal cords and everything was normal. One month later Blake had to have another shunt revision. After the surgery, the stridor got worse. The ENT was called and at this point his vocal cords were partially paralized. One week later a tracheostomy was performed. Blake has adjusted really well. Currently, the trach is capped. His vocal cords have healed 100% and we hope to be decannulated soon.
Blake is a miracle in every aspect of the word. Almost everything we were told not to hope for, he has or is trying to acieve. God has been so good to us. Blake looks like the picture of health. He is a treemendous flirt and loves to be the center of attention. We deeply love our son.
