Family Update 2010

Apologies for not keeping up Braiden’s site more current.  2010 has brought about many changes and surprises.  There is a saying however that it is not what happens to you in life that matters, it is HOW you react to what happens to you.  So we have tried to keep this in mind all year and have become stronger advocates for Braiden’s needs through it all.

A quick snap shot……

We removed Braiden from his school ( Lochside Elem)  in April due to continued neglect of his needs and supports required to be safe and secure.  I was no longer able to trust the people left to support him in the school environment.  Even recev’d a black eye in their care and they never did take responsibility.  So we home schooled Braiden together with a program from SIDES and they were absolutely wonderful – Braiden adjusted easily to his new structure and teacher -  ended the year very happy!

We also expereinced a change in Braiden’s care support at home – who quit right before summer.  We were left scrambling but then were connected with a wonderful person through our community network system and Patrick has been an amazing addition to our family and Braiden’s team.

Braiden got  sick at the end of July, presented like his typical summer cold initially, but then quickly changed.  He started to vomit and not able to hold liquid or solids down.  After a week of no improvements,  and after speaking with the ER doc we took him to Emerg one night ( 10pm).  It took 5 hrs to get a CT scan as I suspected a blocked shunt.  They only scanned his head and concluded that the shunt was fine probably just the flu.  It was 4:30am and I knew it was not the flu!  He continued to vomit so we went to BC Children’s Hospital where they discovered Braiden was severely dehydrated and indeed his shunt tube had cracked in his neck! They stabilized him and had surgery 3 days later.  Braiden recovered well after the revision ( lost 5 lbs!) Gaining his strength back.

Braiden started Middle School this September – and he has had a lot of anxiety about going into a school environment again.  He has such a good memory and school was not fun last time he was in one!  But the staff at Bayside have been very supportive - respecting his needs completely as well as my input.  I am impressed with their awareness and ability to identify his anxiety levels already and they are getting to know Braiden the kid and not just Braiden’s challenges.  By day 2 he was noticable more relaxed.  We will take it one day at a time.

Braiden and our family would like to say thank you to his friends that have stayed in touch with him through e-mailing  his i-touch.  He has continued friendships from Lochside with a few boys and of course with his wonderful EA that worked with Braiden from K-4.

Hope everyone had a wonderful summer! As you can see our lives have been a series of adventures – each one teaching us new lessons which now we can embrace.

I look forward to keeping in touch and updated on the site.  Well, I will do my best anyhow!!

Linda