Description

On August 21, 2017 most of the United States remembers the solar eclipse that occurred that day but for Shannon Swiger and her husband they remember that day for a different reason. That was the day they received an email confirming that their baby had 22q. From what Shannon shared in this episode, receiving that email felt like a solar eclipse on their lives. A shadow that was casted over them, that brought fear, uncertainty and questions. This is Julia's story of resilience and how the Swiger family was able to find the sun shine once again.

••••••••••••••••••• 

Within this episode we discussed:

• One kidney.
• Delivered at 30 weeks. 3lbs. 5 oz. and spent 5 months in the NICU.
• Polyhydramnios is when you have too much amniotic fluid.
• G-tube, wasn't able to swallow or eat. GJ Tube due to reflux.
• Breathing, eating and extra secretions where her biggest challenges at first
• An esophageal stricture refers to the abnormal narrowing of the esophageal lumen; it often presents as dysphagia, commonly described by patients as difficulty swallowing. 
• Autism - ABA Therapy.
• ⁠22q Family Foundation ⁠⁠www.22qfamilyfoundation.org⁠
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy – also called PCIT – is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral difficulties. 
• Baby Signing Time - American sign language for babies and kids
• ⁠Labeled and Loved - Sticky Notes for the Heart - www.labeledandloved.org/sticky-notes-for-heart/⁠
• 22q11 Clinic at Duke Health - Dr. Vandana Shashi
• iCan Shine - Dance, Swim and Bike programs - iCan Shine provides quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.
• Shannon on Instagram @lifeofswigers

If you would like to contact the 22q Podcast with any questions, comments or if you are interested on being on this podcast email Becky at 22qpodcast@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast to help raise awareness about 22q. And never forget 22q family that YOU are not alone.

Instagram - @22q.podcast

Facebook - @22qpodcast

Email - 22qpodcast@gmail.com

#22qpodcast