ABOUT AIDAN

Aidan and the Doctors

All experts agree that keeping DMD boys' muscles as strong as possible for as long as possible is extremely important. For if a cure should be found, it would not be able to regenerate wasted muscles, but only work on muscles currently strong.

To this end, Aidan is now taking many vitamins and supplements, but is also on steroids. This necessitates carefully constructed low-sodium, calorie-specific meals to maximize the effect of these medicines and to minimize the side effects of the steroids.

He's just recently learned to swallow pills, so the daily medicine routine is much easier.

Through the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy President, Pat Furlong, Mindy and Mitch were introduced to Dr. Brenda Wong, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Dr. Wong is a very empathetic and research-savvy child neurologist. Aidan sees her as his primary care physician in Cincinnati every six months.

2007 Cincinnati Update
During Aidan's regular checkups with Dr. Wong, his growth, muscle strength, organ strength, and overall health are checked and baselined. Results from all these tests, given in early August, were excellent.

Side effects from the taking of steroids include poor vertical growth and excessive weight growth. Aidan's recent tests showed that he'd grown an inch in the month preceding the test, but had only gained one pound. Mindy and Mitch monitor his diet carefully, avoiding almost all processed foods (too much salt), junk food, and sweets. This careful monitoring has paid off for Aidan's health.

Aidan, bravely with hand-holding from Mitch, endured a forty-five minute MRI which showed that his heart and liver were both doing fine.

Even knowing that the long-term prognosis for DMD is grim unless a cure is found, it's very comforting to know that Aidan's current health is excellent.

Note: If you see Mindy and Mitch, ask them about the hotel, the bed bugs, and Sarah Jessica Parker.