Our journey through Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Starting from pregnancy, through to 15 months, this is about our son Kaiden. Born at 34 weeks by emergency c-section due to Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Born July 4 2007 at 4:21pm he weighed only 3lb 14oz (1.76kg), 42cm long and HC was 30cm. He had 2 bleeds within his brain which caused calcifications and he also had jaundice, low birth weight, extremely low platelets and an enlarged liver and spleen. He was never expected to live. Kaiden continuously proved everyone wrong at every step of the way, they said he couldnt do it- so he did. When they said he was too weak to do something, he did it and better than we had ever imagined! Kaiden is Celtic for WARRIOR and we chose it when i was only a few weeks pregnant, we had no idea how suitable that name would turn out to be... We have been extremely lucky in that not only did he survive, but the effects of the virus have been minimal compared to the majority of CMV babies. The only permanent ill effects from the virus have been to his hearing. He has a moderate/severe loss to his left ear and profound to the right. He wears little blue hearing aids and with them he can hear as low as a whisper. As of 15 months of age (October 4 2008) Kaiden can say 2 words, Mum and Bub. He continues to amaze us every day and i couldnt imagine my life without him. This devastating virus has hurt so many children and yet its barely known. If you or someone you know is pregnant or planning a pregnancy PLEASE ask your doctor about CMV and get yourself tested. I run a page where you can find more information and read about other CMV children as well as Kaiden: www.myspace.com/cmvawareness

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Premature
• Birth
• Congential
• Cytomegalovirus
• CMV
• Kaiden
• Alexander
• Hearing
• Loss
• Bilateral
• Aids

[forevermum]

OMG! I am so jealous of everything that Kaiden can do, that Duncan can't. I'm bawling my eyes out. <3

[dueaug132007]

@forevermum Sorry this made you cry hun :( I look at kids Kaiden's age and even much younger and get upset at what they can say and do that Kaiden cant... Everyone says not to compare children but how can you not? No one ever expects something like this to happen and its devastating when it does. CMV does so much damage to the WHOLE family, not just the child...

[rjs010]

I am beyond proud of you my love... I know how hard it is to go through something so horrible with such a precious little gift... You are so strong and you should be so proud of what a great mum you are xx

[dueaug132007]

@rjs010 Thanks Bec :) xx

[mycutepinkjellybean]

My son was born at 35 weeks with congenital CMV. he is symptomatic. He is my first so I'm kinda new to this. They took him out because he stopped growing and was losing weight. I think hi is losing his hearing and I think he is autistic. He has CP is his right leg do to a brain bleed at birth. This video touched me. Thank u for putting it on here.

[dueaug132007]

@mycutepinkjellybean How old is he now hun? If you ever want to chat you can send me a PM on my main YouTube page: AussieMummySince07 i use that page daily, i dont use this page anymore and dont check it very often...

[dueaug132007]

@sandrarios62 Does she have any issues at all from the CMV?

Kaiden is now 4yrs 3mths old and he was implanted on his right last year and will be implanted on the left also this year. He has Global Developmental Delay but he is doing great :)

[dueaug132007]

@dueaug132007 and i dont really remember as it was such a stressful time :(

Kaiden is now 4yrs 3mths and he was implanted with a Cochlea Implant last year on the right and his left will also be implanted this year.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask :)

[dueaug132007]

@73jthompson So sorry for the late repy- i dont use this channel much anymore but check it every now and then.

Im sorry to hear about your baby being diagnosed with CMV, i hope it hasnt done much if any damage... You posted this 3wks ago, do you know anything more?

As for the drug- ganciclovir or something its called? We opted not to use it because it doesnt change anything that has already been damaged and also it can destroy fertility in the child. There were other reasons but it was long ago

[sandrarios62]

I am a first time Grandma of my Beautiful Sophia born 12 days ago. Much with what you have described but Sophia hears. We never get the red flag that we escaped the danger and I have fallen so in love with my granddaughter. Watching your video made me cry for saddness, hope and joy. I am glad your son is doing well, I helped my daughter pick out her name Sophia, Wisdom. We are learning all we can to make the right choices for Sophia. Life without her would be terrible. Thank you for sharing