A
Healthy Touch
Amber's Story
Amber, inspecting her new toy.
Amber teaches Uncle Ty how to fly just before turning 10! (1 1/2 years post -op)
~ Getting Around the Bend ~
Life Moments...
Contact:
ahealthytouch4u@yahoo.com
I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
~ Christopher Reeve
Amber's mom, Tina, discovered Amber's scoliosis and other musculoskelatel abnormalities during various massage sessions. When Amber slept, she would miss several breaths and foam at the mouth. Both parents suspected that sleep apnea was the cause, however it was never confirmed and did resolve after Amber's decompression surgery. Amber often crossed her legs and squeezed her upper thighs tightly together . Tina believes the pressure helped relieve discomfort, Amber describes as "poppy legs".
After seeing an orthopedic specialist, Dr. Gupta, at UC Davis. Amber's was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic (cause unknown) Scoliosis. Her curves were approximately 27 degrees and warranted bracing (see SpineCore.Com). An MRI was ordered to rule out other causes. The results of the MRI revealed that Amber had Chiari and Syringomyellia/syrinx ( a cyst like pocket of cerebral fluid backed up inside the spinal column) Amber's syrinx began at the base of her neck and extended down approximately 7 inches. Because of the syrinx Amber was refereed to a Neural Surgeon. Dr. Lazareff at UCLA was chosen. Amber needed to undergo a decompression surgery/brain surgery, to hopefully create space for the fluid in her spine to drain. The pictures show her time in the hospital.
~ Amber's Thoughts ~
I had lots of support and prayers and am very blessed with such a great recovery. I am grateful to all the people that prayed and helped me out with everything I went through.
All the other people that have Chiari probably have a lot of pain in their life and wish it would just go away. Before I felt the same way. I felt very lucky that I didn't have too much pain. I would have never found Chiari if my mom wasn't a massage therapist. My whole family gave me so much support and love and they spent a lot of time trying to help me and make sure that I wasn't caused a lot of pain that some people have.
When I was going through it all, I learned so much about medical things. When I wrote about it when I went back to school all my teachers thought I was using some great words, but they were actually words I learned through my experience with Chiari.
I wish everyone that has Chiari the best of luck. We are raising money so scientists and doctors can find Chiari in all their patients and so they can find a cure so people won't have to have surgery like I did.
Love,
Amber
Day 4 ~ A happy goodbye! May 4, 2006
Amber had surgery Friday at 7:30 AM. She spent one day in ICU and was released Monday at 2:00 PM. She visited her class Thursday and went back to school the following Tuesday.
Amber healed amazingly well thanks to her "art of self care". Before and after surgery, she took several supplements, received massage, used a Chi machine and an Infratonic machine. Amber attributes much of her success to the support she received from family, friends, strangers and God.