Feeling alone makes everything worse

I just had a 30 minute conversation with someone from the A-T Children’s Project.  Aside from Gavin’s immunologist, this is the first time I have been able to speak with someone about Ataxia-telangiectasia and have them understand and have detailed knowledge of this rare condition.

To say that I’m grateful would be an understatement. 
I also have a message into the Clinical Coordinator of the A-T Clinic at John’s Hopkins. 

These were definitely forward steps and I learned things I didn’t already know.  For example, most kids with A-T are wheel chair bound or need assistance by Gavin’s age.

In Gavin’s case, he’s not that bad yet.  Having said that, we have seen a rapid progression in his neurological problems and it’s affecting his ability to walk. He doesn’t need assistance yet but I can see that being something we have coming down the road, whether it’s A-T related or not. 

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I also learned that kids with A-T and the immunological problems tend to not progress.  They apparently seem to stay in the same spot and not get worse. 

Gavin’s been progressing but that may also be a direct result of the autonomic dysfunction speeding up his metabolism.  He’s burning through his donor antibodies much faster than he should.  Perhaps that’s the only reason he’s progressing in that area?

I walked away from the conversation feeling less alone

When I hear from John’s Hopkins, they will be able to suggest some basic but very specific tests, like checking AFP levels for elevation. 

We can also get his records transfered there and they can review them and let us know what they think we should do.

This clearly doesn’t fix anything but it does give us a direction to go in.  That’s always a good thing.

The A-T Children’s Project found me through one of my blog posts about this journey.  They wanted to make sure that we knew we weren’t alone. 

That’s exactly what I try to do with my blog, make sure people know they aren’t alone. 

I’m telling you,  things always feel worse when you feel alone as well.  Thanks to the A-T Children’s Project, I don’t feel so alone anymore.  I hope that through Lost and Tired, at least some of you don’t feel so alone. 🙂


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Rob Gorski

Full time, work from home single Dad to my 3 amazing boys. Oh...and creator fo this blog. :-)
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JenniferWhynott

I am so grateful that you are getting some answers and clarification. Hopefully this will be a step in moving forward with Gavin and an alternative living situation when the need arises. It can be the worst feeling to feel all alone. I am glad there is a faint ray of hope for Gavin. Your blog has given me hope and helped me in numerous ways. Thank you for all that you do not only for your family but for those of us who are walking this journey of special needs parenting.

Lady Bren

There is nothing as horrible as feeling alone facing the unknown
So glad the the project found you.  There is nothing like empathy