Hudson (2025)
Written by Katrina,Hudson’s mum (South Australia, March 2025)
Katrina first shared Hudson’s story with TSA in 2020 when he was just 18 months old. In this update, Katrina tells us more about Hudson and her family’s TSC journey. As she says of Hudson, “he doesn’t let anything hold him back. He is beautiful, kind, silly, strong and just an all-round good kid.”
In the past few years Hudson has had to overcome numerous health challenges and has done so with the unwavering support of his medical team at Adelaide’s Women and Children’s Hospital. Despite still being non-verbal, he communicates through singular words and Auslan signs, and with his cheeky nature, always gets his point across.
Hudson’s two older sisters Poppy, who is 9 and Indi, who is 7 (pictured) have been his rock from the get go and continue to be huge supporters of their little brother.
At one time, Hudson faced daily seizures, which were mild but persistent. The seizures took a toll on his body, but after much trial and error with medications, his seizures were finally brought under control in December 2023. This was the first major victory on his path to stability.
In July 2024, Hudson graduated from kindy and transitioned to a local school, where he was placed in a special unit. While his separation anxiety made drop-offs difficult and emotional for both of us, Hudson eventually adapted, and after a few weeks, he happily waved goodbye each morning. We felt confident of our decision as we can see Hudson beginning to thrive in his new environment.
Like many children living with TSC, Hudson has a support team he sees on a regular basis. He sees a speech pathologist weekly, OT fortnightly, and a psychologist monthly. He also has routine ophthalmology, renal, neurology and dermatology scans.
On 17 September 2024, we received an unexpected call after a routine MRI. Hudson’s doctors had discovered a large SEGA blocking fluid drainage in his brain, causing encephalitis and impacting his optic nerve. Although he had no symptoms, Hudson was immediately admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and started aggressive treatment with dexamethasone and everolimus. We were faced with a choice of medication or surgery. His scans showed that we could operate, but symptomatically the SEGA wasn’t affecting him. Hence we chose to go the medication route to see if it would be enough.
The treatment was really tough. Hudson’s usual joy was replaced by a complete lack of energy, major tantrums and loss of all words. The medications also had serious side effects, including high blood pressure, weight gain and misery. Our little boy underwent so many tests including ECGs, blood tests, daily blood pressure readings for a week and MRIs and CTs. Yet, as time went on, the scans showed started to show positive results as the SEGA began to shrink and the swelling decreased. At this point we were able to bring him home, but we were given strict guidelines to keep him healthy and make sure he avoided any sickness. We had to cancel our planned family holidays and Hudson wasn’t able to go to school. We were in and out of hospital for weeks.
By December 2024, the swelling had subsided, his optic nerve was healthy, and Hudson was able to return to school for the last week of term 4. The medication wean started with the help of an endocrinologist. We saw Hudson improve and slowly he regained his normal, happy self. This has far by been the most challenging part of his TSC journey so far.
Even now Hudson has to take multiple medications each day. He now does so without complaint (it took a long time to get to this point!), and he continues to thrive. His speech has improved, and he’s excited to be back at school with his friends, and is doing extremely well in his setting and gaining confidence every day. Another scan is being scheduled to monitor the SEGA, but we remain hopeful all with be OK.
Despite all that he has faced in his short 5 years, Hudson is one of the happiest boys you could meet. He loves spending time on our boat at the river, camping, cars and trucks, parties with friends and doing absolutely anything with his sisters.
Hudson’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and to all the people that support and care for him. We couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come.
