Ava’s Story by her mother
Against all the odds….
After the complication free pregnancy, was born in a terrible condition having been starved of oxygen (HIE).She was ventilated and underwent cooling therapy to try to reduce any further brain damage taking place.
Ava suffered many seizures during those first few days after life and the MRI at 5 days old confirmed the DR’s suspicions, that Ava had sustained a catastrophic brain injury , her brain was damaged and she would not survive coming off the life support machine, so we had her baptised and said our good byes.
Against all odds, Ava continued to breathe by herself.
Spactis Quadriplegic CP
5 years of age, Ava has was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She seemed visually unaware and not switched on to her surroundings. Before we started, Ava breathing was also very noisy and erratic. Short and sharp breaths took all of Ava’s energy and made her very tired.
Begining TST
8 months after starting the therapy exercises Ava is breathing much more effectively. Her respiration rate has improved and you can physically see the improvements in the movement of her chest.
More attentive and interested
Ava has also made visual improvements too. She is far more attentive and interested in her surroundings and is using her eyes to make choices between 3 objects.
We are very excited to see how therapy at Advance continues to make improvements in Ava’s life.