MadDog Wrestling Academy

Hello again...we just got back from the hospital, and forgive me for typos right now..my eyes can't seem to stay dry...we found out that Zach is facing multiple surgeries. His Chiari Malformation is quite serious as he has developed syrinxes on his spine (pockets of extra spinal fluid that should not be there). The MRI has also not definitively ruled out a possible tethered cord, but the doctor didn't see anything for sure. Zach has to go back on Monday for a Urodynamics exam where they test the function of his bladder by catheterizing him (my personal favorite-not!!)...we find out those results on Tuesday, which will also conclusively tell us if Zach needs a second surgery involving opening his back to release the spine from where it's "tied", and then next Thursday Zach has to go to the hospital for another sleep study to rule out sleep apnea (I have a friend who recently died in his sleep from sleep apnea so I'm a little freaked out right now). This will also determine whether they remove his tonsils/adnoids first, or repair the Chiari Malformation. That's the third surgery by the way...Dr. Alden (neurosurgeon) thinks it would be easier and wiser for Zach to undergo the tonsilectomy/adnoidectomy first because you of course don't want the airway blocked or in harms way, and since the Chiari repair is already a complicated brain surgery, we don't need any "extra" complications arising that don't need to be....Dave and I are numb...even tho' I knew this was coming (mommy's intuition), it's so much more surreal when you're sitting in a conference room with the doctor analyzing special pictures of your child's head and spine, and seeing the actual parts of his head that are "malformed". At this point "one day at a time" is agonizing, but necessary. Thanks for all your prayers and for keeping our charming little boy in your thoughts...he is truly a blessing and I know God will look out for him..................but mom and dad will happily accept any "sweet (gulp gulp)charity"...

I would like to thank all of our friends, family, wrestling community and the entire MadDog Organization for their support and prayers. My wife Tami and I have added this section to the MadDog website to keep everyone better informed of the progress of our son Zachary. So many of you have asked to know more about Zach and his condition, so the complete history is listed here. Many of you have asked to help...at this time we ask that you continue to pray for Zach and thank you for your caring heart. We will update this section through his upcoming surgeries and recovery. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at maddog43@prodigy.net. Well wishes can be sent to: Zachary Pierce c/o MadDog Wrestling 6972 Meadowbrook Ln. Hanover Park, IL 60133 Thanks again for your support! David & Tami Pierce President MadDog Wrestling Academy

hello everyone...well, I'm really glad yesterday is now behind us, but it didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped it would...there was a very long wait time because they were incredibly understaffed last night...and yet they did a beautiful job handling Zach...he's a tough little guy and fights everything, but they were able to be quick and get done what was needed in very little time (COMPARED TO LAST YEAR)...but I am very annoyed with the neurosurgeon...when we got down to the MRI room, they were verifying what body parts would be analyzed...all he had down was to check Zach's spine, yet when they called to verify everything the day before, I was told "head and spinal" MRI...well, right away I got on the tech to check this because I was told by Dr. Angle (the geneticist) that Dr. Alden (neurosurgeon) wanted to re-check the measurements of Zach's Chiari Malformation and determine if there was any surgery in the future...all along I've been led to believe that Dr. Alden was concerned about Z's malformation, and yet he didn't even order the MRI to check it (yet I was told all along that it was a "head and spinal" MRI...so I was a little pissed..I dragged my son there, they poked him, drugged him and now the poor thing was going to go thru the hour long test --only to have to do this again if they did find anything and now have to check the measurement of the c.malformation).....so I made the tech contact Dr. Alden and check it out...I heard her say "just spinal-ok" and then she handed me the phone to talk to him....well......the doc didn't see me coming...he was very nice, but I was mad so I kept questioning him on why he wouldn't check the measuremnts (everything I've researched on the net is always specifying the importance of having the correct measurmnts--which is why I'm so focused on that)....he said it's probable that it didn't get any worse, but he couldn't know for sure.....ok--now I know that I'm not a doctor, or a NEUROSURGEON for that matter....but am I the only person that is thinking "ok, so let's check it out to be sure...Zach is here, all drugged up and ready, so why the hell would a doctor err on the side of arrogance especially when dealing with a child??? WELL==those of you who know me well, know that I'm very "convincing" when I want and need to be....so after pushing him a little more, I told him that this was not acceptable and I expect a clear measuremnt (God help him if it's actually gotten worse). He was only originally "concerned" with checking to see if the chiari has become symptomatic (looking for a syrinx==pocket of fluid on spinal column), and also checking for a tethered cord (spinal cord is supposed to "float" on bottom by your bottom, if it's not floating, it's possibly tethered (tied) to something around it causing the child to not grow properly, and hence causing problems with lower limbs...ok--done with my doctorate (hahaha)...Dr. Alden changed his mind after our "discussion" . ..so they did check the chiari's measurmnt and the spine for tethering and a syrinx ( there will be a test later)...... We have an appointment with Dr. Alden next Wednesday and I pray for his patience ...because I'm ready -- and I will not tolerate arrogance in any form...last year Dave and I got pushed around a little by the second geneticist and the neurologist...both were arrogant, rude, and not very informational about what Zach's tests showed ...ie==did you know that you have a set of tonsils in your head ? (Kristi and Mike -- you're exempt)...when the neurologist explained "mild tonsillar ectopia" --he told us that Zach's tonsils were "out"...NEVER specifying it was the ones in his head --NOT his throat !!! Well, little Tami has since educated herself , hence the "I'm ready".... Ok--well, off the soapbox now, it's getting slippery with too many bubbles ..thanks for your time...have a great weekend and you'll be hearing from me soon

..hello again...we again just got back from the hospital and found out that Zach will need all three surgeries...1) adnoidectomy/tonsillectomy...2) chiari I malformation repair... and 3) tethered cord surgery....we're trying to stay upbeat and "fun" for our children's sake...the new trampoline we just got is coming in real handy (especially to take out aggressions)...if any of you feel so inclined to "jump out your anger", then come join us...hehehe...anyway, one day at a time....the surgeries will probably start in the next week or so (1), then on to the next (2), and finally the tethered cord will be last...if anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to write, I will write you back...and as always---thank you so very much for all your support and prayers...it's so awesome and helpful to see the pouring of love and friendship from all those close to us, and even those who don't know us, but know our story and are praying for our little boy....God be with you all as well.... take care and we'll let you know the surgery schedule when we get it all figured out....everything will be done at Children's Memorial in Chicago....momma's gotta brand new bed--a hospital cot !! whoo-hooo!!! well, enjoy your nice, comfortable, warm mattresses...and think of me with great envy as I indulge on a thin, little mini-bed...hehe...

Hello everybody !!! I just wanted to drop a quick note to let you all know that we were at Children's (again) on Friday. Zach needed to be seen by cardiologists and ear, nose, throat doctors to be cleared for the MRI. Well, we finally received some good news. Zach's heart is A-ok...no defects, no murmurs, blood is flowing properly, and beating perfectly. He was seen by two cardiologists, and he allowed them to do an ECHO on him (with some great coaxing by the technician, Gary...he so totally rocks !!!) Gary did the ECHO and allowed Zach to sit on his lap and "help" with the test...it was surreal to be staring at your child's heart and watch it pump blood, and pulsate to its own beat. The ENT wants another sleep study and a special xray done on his head to determine if his sinuses and adnoids are out of whack, and then we'll go from there (possibly more surgery). But for now, we're thrilled with our healthy-heart little boy. In case you're wondering, the MRI is to determine how involved Zach's Chiari Malformation is and if it requires surgery. They also are looking for a tethered cord in his spine (another offshoot of FG). One day at a time--eh?? Ok, that's all for now==you all take care, and again thanks for the thoughts and prayers...we love you all !!!