Our June Stroke Hero is proving to be just that; one heck of a little hero! Surviving a Stroke is just one aspect of her “hero resume’”…
Bridget and Matt, Lorin’s parents had tried for 3.5 years to get pregnant. Finally, after the use of fertility medications that required injections in Bridget’s stomach she was pregnant with their miracle baby! Lorin was born Sept. 23rd, 2008 and weighed 6lb 9 oz. Her parents were aware ahead of time that Lorin would have some heart issues, but not to what extent.
After her birth, Lorin’s parents found out there was so much more than expected.
Lorin’s heart is actually located on the opposite side of her body, a condition known as Dextrocardia. Her liver is also located on the opposite side. Lorin was born without a spleen, and although serious it can be addressed through medication. She has a condition known as a Hiatal Hernia that in Lorin’s case means her stomach is up higher in her chest. Amongst the numerous concerns of her parents are how she will react to food because of the hernia.
On October 7th 2008 Lorin had her first heart surgery to repair veins; her chest was open for an entire week after her surgery. By all accounts Lorin’s surgeon was successful and in Bridget’s (her mother’s) words, surgery had “went great”.
On October 14th, her parents noticed her hand was twitching. They would later learn the twitching was actually seizures resulting from Lorin SURVIVING a stroke. A blood clot had formed and traveled to her brain causing the stroke.
Bridget says that amazingly so far Lorin is doing well and they have noticed no discernable difference. Attending medical professionals have advised Bridget and Matt that Lorin may have to reach the age of 1 or 2 before they notice if there’s any long term issues associated with the stroke. They remain positive pointing out that a young child’s brain is in its most developmental and physically growing stage. This can result in the unaffected areas of the brain compensating for the damaged portion(s).
Lorin was brought home on October 29 where she continues to grow and thrive. Her second heart surgery was March 30. The operation is known as a “Glen” procedure where the surgeon adjusted Lorin’s heart, preparing it for future operations that will result in functioning as a complete two-ventricle heart (a normal heart). Future operations to complete the task will have to wait until Lorin is 2 or 3.
Lorin has a number of surgeries in her future. To address the Hiatal Hernia, Lorin will undergo a Nissen Fundoplication procedure where doctors will pull the stomach down and wrap it around the esophagus. The procedure requires an incision that will extend from where the heart incision ends and go down to the belly button. This will result in Lorin having an incision majority of the way down her chest. During the procedure “G Tube” will be placed in her tummy after surgery to help hold the stomach in place. The tube will also help with excess gas if she cannot burp as well after the surgery.
Lorin has early intervention once a week to help empower her parents on what kinds of things they can do to help her out. Bridget says Lorin is a little behind but they think it is NOT stroke related, but more likely the result of her heart surgeries and stays in the hospital. She continues to get stronger every week.
Bridget says that Lorin isn't scared of anything; she touches fish, plays in the sand, loves sitting in the grass and always is smiling!
For overcoming what many might see as insurmountable hurdles at such a wee age, yet continuing to light up the world for all those around her, Brendon’s Smile has chosen Lorin Prahm as our 2009 June Hero Of The Month!
To find out more about Lorin and her journey, visit her Caring Bridge site by clicking here.
