Johns Hopkins

We had our Dr's appointment last Wednesday, 10/8/08 with Dr Kerr. (He is the big man Neurologist @ Johns Hopkins in Baltimore) Johns Hopkins has the only Tranverse Myelitis center in the world and Dr. Kerr is the head of the program. We were so lucky to get an appoinment with him this soon. A definate Blessing from God. We anticipated an 8 -12 month wait to get in and were seen at the last minute due to a cancellation. Dr. Kerr was thrilled by Keegan's progress (we showed him a cell phone video of Keegan moving his legs in the crib a few days ago) and said that Keegan might the 1st or 2nd best case he has seen in a small child at this stage of recovery (3 mos). He thought Keegan would do great and continue to make great strides in his recovery including (hopefully) walking unassisted. You have no idea how great it was to hear him say this.

What next?
Dr. Kerr thought we should go ahead and get another full dose of the IVIG treatment (Keegan had that in the hospital back in July) and follow up with a half dose each month through next March. He thinks this treatment will help boost Keegan's immunity during the winter months, as he does not advise that Keegan get any vaccinations until at least age 2 if not longer. He also thinks that the IVIG treatment ( a plasma-type blood that is full of human antibodies ) will help with Keegan's spinal injury/inflamation. His biggest concern now is for us to keep Keegan healthy this winter. Keegan's immune system is weak and so are his diaphram musles which weaken his ability to cough, and without vaccines, he is more prone to contract serious illnesses like pneumonia, rsv, and the flu. His exact words were "Purell Purell Purell." He definately confirmed our need to keep Keegan out of the public as much as we can this winter.

Dr Kerr said he has never seen a reoccurence of TM. Whew......... What a relief.

THANK YOU DR. KERR & TEAM AT JOHNS HOPKINS! WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR SO MANY ANSWERED PRAYERS THIS WEEK!