While all of our Stroke Hero’s are SPECIAL, this month’s will represent a first for Brendon’s Smile. Daisy Pritchard is a beautiful, vibrant Stroke SURVIVOR from Great Britain!
Daisy was born on October 12, 2006. Eileen and David, Daisy’s parents had employed in vitro-fertilization and were overjoyed when Daisy arrived weighing in at 9lb 14oz! Daisy appeared blue immediately after birth; the hospital’s “rescu” team (similar to a neonatal intensive care or NIC team) was brought in. Daisy was stabilized and sent home the next day. Eileen described Daisy as a “very miserable baby”!
In June 2007 Eileen brought Daisy to their general practitioner physician who detected a heart murmur. Her parents had to wait an agonizing year until a heart scan could be performed; on June 9th 2008 the results of the scan determined it was necessary to perform surgery on Daisy’s heart. On June 27th a double heart by-pass procedure was performed at the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, London.
Immediately after surgery Daisy’s condition deteriorated and she began to experience seizures. Hospital staff had told Eileen and David that Daisy was in shock. The Pritchard’s felt as if the hospital was making them feel “silly” for their concerns, and that Daisy was choosing to thrash about. Eileen said she now knows that this is a sign of “brain attack” in children two years of age and younger. Daisy appeared to suffer from swelling and was severely dehydrated. Her lungs began to fill with fluid but the hospital staff seemed unable to determine the cause or solution. After 26 hours of begging for help, Eileen said that the hospital returned Daisy to the ICU where she stayed for four days.
Seven days later, she was sent home
Daisy was lethargic, unable to eat, drink, speak or even move on her right side. She didn’t recognize her dog. Eileen had breast fed Daisy up until the day of the surgery; suddenly Daisy didn’t even recognize her mother. She said it was as if she had brought home a completely different child, a stranger.
The Pritchard’s had been warned that blood clots were a risk of the procedure. They did not realize that this could actually lead to a stroke. Although they began to suspect a stroke in part due to physical signs such as a droopy mouth, they were not aware that children could experience a medical condition they associated with adults.
Obviously concerned, Daisy’s parents took her to Wrexham's Maelor, a local hospital. Medical staff recognized the fact that Daisy had experienced a stroke; she was kept in a hospital room where she received no treatment for two days. Finally, on July 8th 2008 Daisy was transported back to Liverpool where a CT scan was performed. The scan revealed that Daisy had extensive brain damage due to a stroke believed to have occurred fourteen days after her surgery.
Describing a trend that apparently is not limited to the U.S., Eileen and David expressed their frustration at a lack of information and counseling provided by both hospitals. Eileen was able to locate information via the Internet, but describes their anger at having to do the research themselves.
It’s important to note that the Pritchard’s are not simply standing by on the sidelines. They were actively involved in developing and are continuing to execute Daisy’s Plan of Care.
Initially, the Pritchard’s were told that Daisy most likely would never walk or talk again. Eileen started to develop a regiment as soon as they went home. Daisy went out for walks, exploring everything around her. Eileen covered Daisy’s affected hand with foxgloves and sheep’s wool. She participated in swimming 2 times a day. Constantly talking to Daisy, explaining everything that had happened and how they would not give up
Two weeks later, Daisy demonstrated what those of us who are blessed with such SURVIVORS already know – these children possess unlimited determination. Eileen says that she and David are more optimistic now. They were and continue to be amazed at the speed and progression of Daisy’s recovery. They marvel at the strength displayed by a 3-½ year old, as do we all. Daisy’s speech and movement have improved dramatically.
Daisy attends a main stream school and is assessed twice a year. Most recent assessments have found her to be more advanced than her peers. Recently the Pritchard’s brought Daisy to the doctor for a check-up. The doctor commented “this is not the child I have been reading about”! He had expected Daisy to be less mobile and animated. Eileen says Daisy has a little trouble with speech, and can’t always think of the correct words, but that is a small price to pay for her life.
The hospital has asked that the Pritchard’s review the methods used in Daisy’s case and provide input to improve future care.
In recognition of Daisy’s amazing resilience and profound fortitude in rising to face and overcome the adversities placed before her, we take immense pride in naming Daisy Pritchard our April 2010 (and first international) Stroke Hero of the Month!
