Life with The Leivas: Mornings are LOUD around here

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Mornings are LOUD around here

We have Peter on the drums.

Olivia provides background noise with her very loud nebulizer. I have music on to drown all of it out.

Thank goodness for coffee! (I love this white chocolate mocha creamer)

2 comments:

Brandy said...: I am all about creamers and I am getting me some of that!! Peter is adorable! He just makes me smile; Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:43:00 AM
Brandy said...: Olivia is so good. My boys will not sit still for the breathing treatments no matter what I do. I can't believe how much she has grown in such a short time since we saw you last. So sweet. Okay, now Im done. ha; Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:46:00 AM

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MPS/Sanfilippo Syndrome

In October, 2008 Olivia was disgnosed with MPS III or Sanfilippo Syndrome, type B. MPS stands for: Mucopolysaccharidoses. It is a genetic lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by the body's inability to produce specific enzymes. Normally, the body uses enzymes to break down and recycle materials in cells. In individuals with MPS and related diseases, the missing or insufficient enzyme prevents the proper recycling process, resulting in the storage of materials in virtually every cell of the body. As a result, cells do not perform properly and may cause progressive damage throughout the body, including the heart, bones, joints, respiratory system and central nervous system. While the disease may not be apparent at birth, signs and symptoms develop with age as more cells become damaged by the accumulation of cell materials.

Babies and young children with Sanfilippo Syndrome appear normal, but symptoms begin to appear with age as more and GAGs build up in the cells of the body. There are 3 stages to the disease. Stage 1 the child begins to lag behind peers and begins to display difficult behaviors. Stage 2 the child losing his/her language, becomes hyperactive, chews on everything, and has sleeping difficulties. Stage 3 the child slows down, becomes dependant for all mobility and loses the ability to chew/swallow. There is no treatment or cure for Sanfilippo. Life expectancy varies.