When Josie Ward had a corpus callosotomy — a surgery in which the brain’s hemispheres are separated — to address double cortex syndrome, her doctor felt sure it would lengthen her life span and improve her quality of life. No one expected the procedure to introduce a host of complications that would make life infinitely more challenging
for Josie and her parents.
“It has broken my heart into a million pieces,” said Janice Long, Josie’s mother. “She wasn’t the same person after the surgery. She woke up hateful and angry.”
Post-surgery, Josie’s family struggled to manage her symptoms. She experienced severe mood swings, progressing from extreme happiness to anger multiple times within the course of a day. She also had seizures, left-sided weakness, insomnia, impaired cognitive intelligence, and difficulty engaging in activities of daily living.
In the New Directions Program at Nexus Children’s Hospital – Dallas, Josie’s family found hope — and a supportive community of clinicians and staff. Dr. John W. Cassidy adjusted her medications, finding a combination that eased her symptoms. An antipsychotic medication, in particular, helped to regulate Josie’s mood, behavior, and thoughts.
“Nexus is an absolutely amazing place. I have nothing but good things to say about it. Dr. Cassidy and the entire staff went above and beyond to help Josie,” said Janice.
At Nexus, Josie took joy in engaging with other patients, many of whom had more severe cognitive and behavioral challenges. While working through her own therapeutic program, she encouraged and supported her peers.
“Josie is an amazing young woman full of spirit,” said Debra Pangborn, a Clinical Liaison at Nexus Children’s Hospital – Dallas. “She acts and even looks happier since becoming a patient at Nexus Dallas. What a joy it has been to witness her progression and improved quality of life.”
While Josie’s cognitive impairment and mood swings will remain a challenge for the rest of her life, she has found a workable path forward. The pharmacological and behavioral interventions she received at Nexus have made life easier at home, where her family has instituted some of the rules and routines that made her successful at Nexus.
“Dr. Cassidy’s book helped me to understand Josie’s limitations,” said Janice. “Some things can’t be fixed, but Nexus helped so much. It is an amazing place.”
