In May 2004, I found out that the baby I was carrying had a rare disease called Eagle-Barrett Syndrome (Prune Belly Syndrome). My doctors informed me of the high risks involved (for myself and the child) with the pregnancy and recommended an abortion. For personal reasons, I decided to have my child.
The large black circle on the right is his bladder, while his head is on the left side.
The next few months were a total nightmare. Two tests per week to monitor myself and the baby. Two amnio's were done to monitor the fluid levels in the womb. Finally during a check-up in December 2004, because my bloodpressure rocketed they had to deliver my son C-section a month early.
A few hours after birth, notice the pot belly on the right side.
My miracle baby has one fully functioning kidney, one partially functioning kidney, an enlarged bladder, weak abdominal muscles, and a pot belly. Because of the weak abdominal muscles, he is unable to sit or stand on his own and not yet able to crawl on his hands and knees. These picture was taken at 10 months.
The belly is more noticeable when sitting down. Lack of stomach muscles doesn't allow sitting or standing without help.
To help strengthen his abdominal muscles and protect his intenstines, he underwent surgery to thicken his stomach muscle walls at 13 months. This surgery took four hours but felt like forever.
Telling me to back off, he's had enough for one day.
A few months after the surgery, he starts walking. There is a large scar from his breast area until his groin. He still has a bit of a potbelly, but can maintain his balance.
Notice the circle around his belly button. The surgeon did an excellent job of reattaching it during the surgery.
My son is a very strong little boy who has overcome some major obstacles in his life. He currently attends Physical Therapy on a bi-weekly basis to help build his abdominal muscles. He takes antibiotics to help fight Urinary Tract infections that occur frequently. He has had 3 in the last 6 months. They usually end up with him being in the hospital for at least each time because of complications from seizures. He is only 4 years old and has a lifetime of challenges to overcome. Because of it all, he will always be my little King.
In spite of his belly, he still won the cutest baby contest at 6 months.