Meet Sienna — Perinatal Stroke
Sienna is my youngest child and she survived a stroke while I was pregnant with her. My pregnancy was normal as was her delivery: it wasn’t until she was 4 months old that I noticed that something was wrong. Sienna would keep her left hand in a tight fist and I would have to massage it open. She would kick her right leg, but her left would stay still. When she would lay on her tummy for tummy time, she would prop herself up with her right arm, but her left arm would stay at her side. I made an appointment with our family doctor who then sent us to a pediatrician. Sienna had an ultrasound of her brain, which revealed a small stroke on the wall of her right ventricle. The stroke happened in the area of her brain that controls her gross motor functions. She was referred to our local Children’s hospital where she was seen by a pediatric neurologist who did many tests and arranged for an MRI. The MRI confirmed the stroke. Sienna was officially diagnosed at 8 months old with left-sided hemiparesis, or weakness on her left side. We have no family history of stroke or blood disorders that would cause a stroke. The neurologist said that Sienna’s stroke wasn’t caused by anything – it was just bad luck.
Sienna started physiotherapy and occupational therapy at 8 months old. We were told that Sienna may never walk or have much use of her left hand. Sienna has proven the doctors and specialists wrong at every turn. She sat up independently at one year and took her first independent steps, wearing leg braces, at 2.5 years old. She now walks, runs, jumps and climbs. She can walk up and down the stairs by herself and is practicing to become a ballerina. She uses her left hand as well as a helper hand like many of us use our less dominant hand. Because the effects of the stroke are mild, most people don’t notice that she has a disability. They might see that she has a bit of a limp or can’t run as fast as the other kids, but what they always notice is her big smile that lights up a room, her love of animals, her ability to make friends, and her love of baby dolls and everything Elsa!
Sienna has many challenges ahead of her. If there is one thing I’ve learned from this incredibly brave and determined little girl, it’s that no matter how hard it is or how easy it would be to just give up, don’t. Work harder than you’ve ever worked and the effort will pay off. Sienna amazes me every day. She has been my greatest teacher and biggest inspiration. I am truly and forever thankful for her.
