Todd and Sandy Hass were delighted eight years ago when an ultrasound at Wausau Hospital revealed they were having twins. That joy, however, turned into dismay when, on the recommendation of their physician, a second ultrasound at Marshfield Clinic revealed that one of the twins, a boy, had Spina Bifida.
Spina Bifida is a condition that often results in varying degrees of muscle paralysis, bladder and bowel problems, loss of skin sensations, learning disabilities and hydrocephalus.
The other twin, a girl, thankfully appeared healthy. Matthew and Megan were delivered by Cesarean section seven weeks early on December 3,1998 at Saint Joseph's Hospital. They were immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) under the care of Marshfield Clinic neonatologist, Dr. James Opitz, on staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital.
In 24 hours, Matthew required surgery to close the opening in his spine. He was kept on a respirator and heavily sedated for several days following the surgery. Fortunately, the skilled NICU staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital was well versed in situations like Matthew's. They explained the medical procedures, answered questions and gave emotional support to the entire family. "It was difficult having children in the NICU while watching other moms go home with their babies a day or two after their birth," said Sandy. "The NICU nurses and the staff at the Ronald McDonald House where we stayed made such a difference. They became our family while we were in Marshfield. I truly believe that the NICU nurses love the babies they care for as much as their own."
On December 18, the twins were ready to come home, just in time for Christmas. Unfortunately, Matthew had to be re-admitted to the NICU on December 23, after an ultrasound revealed hydrocephalus - enlarged ventricles in his brain. The next day, he had surgery to implant a shunt to control the hydrocephalus. "We ended up spending our first Christmas in the hospital after all. Christmas isn't about the presents or the big dinner…it's about being with those you love," shared Sandy.
Since then, Matthew has had numerous surgeries on his eyes and hip, and has had his shunt revisited four times. He also had incidental fractures of the femur bone in both legs and the fibia-tibula in one leg. Fortunately, with support from family, friends, the knowledgeable staff at Saint Joseph's Children's Hospital, Marshfield Clinic and members in the community, Matthew is doing remarkabley well. "Matthew and Megan's family demonstrates how well people are able to cope under pressure, " said Dr. Lori Shepherd, Marshfield Clinic, Wausau Center pediatrician.
Today Matthew is in the first grade at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Wausau and is doing very well. "He does not exhibit any cognitive delays, and for that we are truly thankful," said his mom. At last year's school conference, Matthew's teacher stated that Matthew has real friends - friends that don't see his disability, but rather his abilities. "A lot of his positive attitude comes from his parents, they are very accepting and proactive; this has been a big advantage for Matthew," said Dr. Monica Koehn, Marshfield Clinic Neurologist on staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital. "He is a very upbeat kid who never lets his disabilities slow him down."
