Isobel was born prematurely on 10th November 2007 at just 31 weeks gestation; her lung was joined to her oesophagus and required immediate correction. Isobel underwent her first of three surgeries for the condition known as Tracheo Oesophageal (esophageal) Fistula, within twelve hours of being born.
In February 2008 at the age of three months Isobel's eyes began to roll one by one until eventually she was cross-eyed, with extreme persistence we finally organised an appointment for Isobel to see an Eye surgeon who had her into surgery within the week for a squint repair. Thankfully it was just in time, if the operation had been a few months later Isobel would have gone blind in her left eye.
At eight months old our darling Isobel was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and the real battle began for Isobel and us, her family.
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ovember 2009 at the age of two, Isobel endured Bilateral Open Hip Reductions + VDRO's +Hamstring Releases, meaning both hips were dislocated and had to be reconstructed and pinned, leaving her in a body cast (spica) for five weeks. Even though Isobel was in intense pain over Christmas she remained determined and happy.
In June of 2010 at the age of two and a half years old, Isobel experienced her first round of botox injections into her bilateral calves and hamstrings, when she left hospital her legs were in casts and were removed after a week. The casts were removed and replaced with daily wedging and splinting, this treatment remains in Isobel’s daily routine to date. The positive results from Botox treatment are evident when Isobel pulls herself up onto her knees into a kneeling position, her legs are starting to work independently and although Isobel cannot carry her own weight it has encouraged a stepping motion. It is also easier for dressing and hygiene.
Isobel has had botox three times now and is due for another round in November 2011.
For Isobel, life was an ongoing challenge, unable to crawl, sit or walk, with rolling around her only means of mobility and Mum was the one and only word. Typical Isobel would groan when she wanted something, her frustration was clear and at times led to her pulling out clumps of her hair.
When you met Isobel, you will see what a bright intelligent beautiful girl she is. Cerebral Palsy affects the muscles not the intellect.
During 2010 the family ambitiously raised money and in October 2010 Isobel and her family travelled to Germany where Isobel underwent stem cell treatment. Since returning Isobel, can sit up independently, crawl and has a vocabulary in excess of 70 words. The vast improvement has been truly promising and encouraging.
June 2011 Isobel was presented with her first ‘Hart Walker’ thanks to ‘The Lions Club’s’ generosity. This was an overwhelming and exciting time for Isobel and her family.
It is a full time job taking care of Isobel. When you considering any other four year old would be naturally spending most their time on their feet, Isobel requires manual help to achieve this. Without this routine, Isobel is noticeably tense and stiff the following day. Our daily regime consists of intensive therapies to name a few; routine stretching, bike riding, massages, time on her feet in her standing frame, speech exercises, in summer we add swimming.
To give Isobel every chance at her own independence we have spent a lot of time researching alternative options to the typical physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy treatments that are available. Unfortunately the services in Australia are just not provided regularly enough for Isobel’s full potential to be reached.
We are hoping to again raise enough funds to take Isobel for another round of stem cell treatment early 2012.
Isobel’s determination to achieve her own independence is obvious and promising. She is the bravest little girl, always a smile and a laugh for those around her.
