Upon diagnosis of the 
 periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), 
 Charlie was also officially 
 diagnosed with cerebral palsy. I 
 suppose this was the first
 condition that made me aware that
 Charlie is now in the "special
 needs" category. Unfortunately, he
 really didn't stand a chance of NOT
 having it. His prematurity alone
 didn't leave much to question then
 you add the IVH, PVL and
 hydrocephalus.

Cerebral palsy is classified into different types, depending on what part of the child's body it affects most, and what kind of muscle tone or movement problems it causes. Charlie seems to fall into the spastic diplegia category. This is the most common type of CP among preemies. Spastic refers to still muscle tone, and diplegia to the fact that the legs and feet are mainly affected. For Charlie, this means that walking may be hard for him and he may not walk independently until the age of two or three, perhaps with the help of braces on his lower legs. He will probably be able to use his upper body well, holding himself upright, and using his arms for everything from eating to writing. Charlie seems to have spastic hemiplegia, stiff tone affecting one side of his body, mainly his left leg and foot.

There is no cure for cerebral palsy as it is a life-long condition. Treatment for Charlie will focus of helping him achieve his maximum potential. The physicians tell us that the earlier the treatment begins, he has a better chance of improving abnormal movements and developing normal abilities. Charlie will be receiving occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy as well as early intervention. We will learn more about Charlie's condition over the next few years, as it becomes apparent what he can and can't do. We do know that CP isn't progressive so it won't get worse. It appears that Charlie's condition is mild, and he is expected to lead a virtually normal life.

UPDATE ** UPDATE **  UPDATE **  UPDATE **  UPDATE **  UPDATE ** UPDATE ** UPDATE 

                                           SEPTEMBER 24, 2005
                                          CHARLIE IS WALKING!



Not only is he walking, but he is doing it unassisted!  We are finally able to retire his little set of wheels forever!  Walking has been a huge goal for us since leaving the NICU with so much uncertainty.  It is absolutely wonderful, and of course, we cried like babies when we saw him walk.  It took 19 months and two days, but he made it and only six months behind Matthew.