Redefining MommyhoodJourney of a mom whose son is overcoming hypotonia

Ok, here is one of the not-so-fun parts of mommyhood. Constipation and blowouts! Luke is chronically constipated because of the hypotonia. His hypotonia is mainly in his trunk and legs so constipation is a side effect.
He has been to a gastroenterologist and is on Miralax daily to try and combat the problem, but dosing is always a guessing game. He still gets constipated, so we up the dosage, then two days later……boom!!! A huge blowout!
The doctor seemed to think that he may also be withholding since his early bouts of constipation (pre-Miralax) were so traumatic.
I’m so excited to start potty training. Can you sense my sarcasm?

One of the main reasons I wanted to start this blog is to share my experience with my son’s hypotonia, also known as low muscle tone.

He is a normal boy in every way except that he is 20 months old and is not yet walking. He can stand along tables etc when he wants to get at something. He just starting getting into a sitting position on his own in June (from laying down), and he just started to crawl about 2 weeks ago. His primary form of transportation since December has been “butt scooting.”

Luke has been in physical therapy through early intervention since May of this year. He has progressed quite well. His therapist is happy that he met her 6 month goals in only 3 months!

He has also been through various tests to rule out causes for the hypotonia. He has had an MRI done of the brain and lower spine, both were normal. He also had extensive bloodwork done to rule out metabolic disorders and genetic conditions. The only thing that showed up was a vitamin B12 deficiency, which may or may not cause hypotonia. He is taking a B12 supplement just in case. A trip to the orthopedic surgeon also ruled out anything wrong w/ his legs or hips. They did a hip xray to be certain.

I guess our only “diagnosis” from a doctor is hypotonia which really isn’t a diagnosis at all. My diagnosis is a subborn boy who will do things in his own time, no matter how frustrating it is for all involved:)

Phew!!! Ok, now that I’ve filled everyone one in on Luke’s medical background, it’s time to move on. He is still a normal (whatever that really means) toddler with the same issues etc. as others.

My name is Tilly and this is my first attempt at blogging. I am a 33 year old stay at home mom (SAHM) to a wonderful 20 month old son named Luke.

Luke is a normal toddler in almost every way. He is not walking yet, which makes him different from most toddlers his age.  He has gross motor delays and a condition called hypotonia.

This blog is to share the story of our journey together. I hope to make more people aware of hypotonia and to hopefully offer some support to others in our situation.

I will also be blogging about other mommyhood issues that any mom can relate to.