Easton Swart's Fight Against AAI

Sunday March 24th, Easton could barely walk, his legs gave out and he fell a couple times. He was taken straight to Children's Hospital where they ran blood work did a CT Scan and an MRI. They diagnosed Easton with Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI).

Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI) is a condition that affects the bones in the upper spine or neck under the base of the skull. The joint between the upper spine and base of the skull is called the atlanto-axial joint. In people with Down Syndrome, the ligaments (connections between muscles) are "lax" or floppy. 

Wednesday, March 27th, Easton went into surgery. The procedure lasted roughly 6 hours. They made an incision from the base of Easton's skull all the way past his 3rd vertebrae. They trimmed up to 40% off the 1st Vertebrae. They inserted a rod from his skull to his 3rd Vertebrae with 4 screws down each side. They placed a piece of his rib on either side to help fuse the bones. He lost about 40% of his head mobility but they said he will adjust to that. The surgery went well. That evening they took X-Rays to make sure everything is good and lined up.

Easton is in a lot of pain but they have been helping control that with pain meds. He will be in a neck brace for 6-12 weeks depending on his healing. He is going to need physical therapy to regain all functions. Doctors are confident that he is going to have a good recovery because he still is strong. Easton will have to go stay at a Rehabilitation Center after he is released from the hospital. The nice thing is it's still part of Children's Hospital. 

Even dealing with pain Easton has been in great spirits. He is loving the therapy dogs that have been visiting him. 

Beth hasn't left Easton's side . This will be financially tough for Beth since she has and will be missing work.  Friends and family have expressed interest in donating to help Easton and his family throughout all this. If this is how you choose to help them, thank you!! If you are unable to donate that's ok even sharing this post will even help.  They greatly appreciate all the love and support they have received.