At a Glance
- A 32-year-old mom’s intuition led to a lifesaving diagnosis of her Lany‘s 3-year-old brain bleed.
- The child was treated with seizure medication and yearly MRIs, avoiding risky surgery.
- The story highlights the power of parental advocacy and early medical intervention.
- Why it matters: It shows how trusting instincts can uncover life-threatening conditions that may otherwise be missed.
When Stacy Saavedra returned home from work on a quiet evening three years ago, she felt something was off with her daughter Lany. The toddler’s eyes were watery and her expression heavy, a stark contrast to the usual tiredness she’d seen before. Stacy’s gut told her something was wrong, and she decided to act.
A Sudden Crisis
Stacy and her partner, Pablo, took Lany to the nearest hospital. Initially, doctors thought a possible ingestion had left the child drowsy. But after Lany repeatedly complained of a head ache, a CT scan was ordered. While waiting for the results, Lany began having a seizure, prompting nurses and doctors to rush in.
The emergency team decided a transfer was needed, but not by ambulance. A helicopter was dispatched, and once it arrived, the team revealed the true cause: a major brain bleed.
A Harrowing Investigation
At the receiving hospital, specialists planned to medically induce Lany into a coma to protect her brain while they investigated the cause. During this time, doctors and officers questioned Stacy and Pablo about possible trauma. The parents felt devastated and helpless.
Just as the team prepared to induce the coma, Lany woke, crying and calling her parents. Because she was responsive, the doctors halted the procedure.
The Diagnosis
The next day, an MRI identified a cavernoma-a cluster of small blood vessels that had bled, triggering the seizure. The cavernoma was located near the visual cortex, making surgery risky. After consulting second opinions, Stacy and Pablo chose to monitor the lesion instead of operating.
Lany was started on seizure medication, which has worked effectively. She has not had a single seizure since. Today, three years later, she continues to have yearly MRIs and is under the care of a neurologist. Her parents hope she may be able to stop medication next year.
Lessons Learned
Stacy reflects on how the experience reshaped her instincts as a mother. She says, “I no longer assume that if something is wrong, it will be obvious or immediately recognized by doctors.” She learned to trust her intuition, advocate relentlessly, and seek second opinions.
She also emphasizes the importance of early intervention: “That quiet feeling that something isn’t right can save a life. Parents know their children better than anyone.”
A Message to Other Parents
Stacy’s goal in sharing her daughter’s story on social media is to help and encourage other parents. She says, “Small changes matter. The quiet feeling that something isn’t right can save a life.” Her faith in God has been an anchor throughout the journey.
Key Takeaways
- Trusting instincts can uncover life-threatening conditions.
- Early medical intervention and second opinions are crucial.
- Parental advocacy can lead to better outcomes.
- Monitoring and medication can be effective alternatives to risky surgery.
- Sharing personal stories can empower and educate others.
