Ashlyn's Story

My husband and I have been married for 12 years and have been blessed with three wonderful daughters, Mariah, Ambria, and Ashlyn.

Mariah and Ambria were both born full term and have had no health problems.

Ashlyn was born a little more than 4 weeks premature, weighing 4 pounds, 15 ounces.  She had no complications and was able to come home from the hospital with us.

Early in Ashlyn's life, we noticed some developmental delays.  She wasn't rolling over, she was late smiling and making vocal noises, she was delayed in crawling and walking (she didn't start walking until 20 months old).  Ashlyn had some feeding issues and difficultly swallowing, not only solids but liquids as well.  She had very slow weight gain.  Her eyes also crossed more than normal.

My motherly instincts kicked in.

Ashlyn was referred to an eye specialist when she was 6 months old where she was diagnosed with strabismus (eye crossing). When she was a little older than a year, she was sent to a behavioral/developmental specialist that diagnosed her with Global Developmental Delays (she was more than 6 months behind).  She began physical therapy when she was 17 months old.  Ashlyn favored one side of her body more than the other, and the doctors were concerned so they ordered an MRI in February 2012.

To everyone's surprise, Chiari Malformation was diagnosed.

This blog is our journey...