MRI

My Autistic son is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow. We took him into his neurologist last Thursday and my husband took of work to meet us there. AT his first neurology visit in Kansas I discussed his eye pain with the doctor and they came to the conclusion it was migraines. I was confident it was not an actual eye problem because I took him to the optomologist, they dialed his eyes and he is seeing 20/20. So I avoided the foods and triggers they told me to etc. To make a long story short it hasn't worked. He is having the eye pain when he wakes up and he has thrown up for no reason in the the morning twice since his last visit. So tomorrow is the MRI and then we take the films straight to the doctor and we will find out on the spot. No waiting, but the fact they are expediting this makes me even more worried about what it could be. We also have found his occipital bone has become increasingly more asymmetrical. The doctor said his skull still has enough give and growth to do that and it could possibly form around something or it could be just him. All this can be caused by some sort of tumor. He is also going to be sedated by IV tomorrow which in itself is enough to make me jump out of my skin. I just pray he does not have any sort of mass or tumor and there are no problems with the sedation.

He is such a love. He would kiss you all day if you let him. He just sparkles. Even on his rough days he is a treasure to behold. He is starting to make so much progress. His comprehension is finally really setting in for somethings and his language use is progressing. He is working so well with his younger sister now, so much better.

When I see our family it feels as if we are a completed puzzle. Each member so unique and beautiful everyone just fits together creating a charming painting. When you see one child walk with his arm around another. When a comical event happens or a group hug takes place. You just pray your masterpiece stays safe and sound unbroken. That is often how I see us. Each member adding so much to each other. Then when things happen you force yourself to hold the image together in your mind, terrified to see those pieces not supported by one another.

So, today I am trying to keep that portrait image whole and in a simple but elegant frame. Praying and giving our little guy all the hugs and kisses I can muster. I am also going to be busy making lunch to take to the hospital and a batch of my sons favorite cookies to eat as soon as he can. It is going to be a long day and I am very worried.

Allergy Shots and Patience

One thing we strive to teach our children is patiience. Ironically, I feel as though it is a constant lesson to be learned by all regardless of age. My second son started allergy shots a couple of months back. He takes his shots twice a week and dosen't shed a tear. I call him our little man becasue he trys so hard to be the tough guy. At the same time put an unexpected bug in front of him and suddenly he becomes an animated character. His kness reaching for the sky, leaving his head and shoulders a foot behind. He is a treasure full of personality and charm.

It was very hard to see this gem struggled getting through his baseball season, with constant skin reactions. I am trying very hard to be patient with the allergy shots. I know they only work for 1/3 that try them and they take almost a year to see improvement with. But here is my worry up to know he has just had heightened skin reactions from them. Unfortunatly after last weeks shot he had an asthma attack in the middle of the night. So today we are going for another, but I need to discuss this with the doctor. I am just hoping these work. It breaks my heart thinking he is going through 2 shots twice a week only for nothing. So we will see what the doctor says. I must admitt though my patience is running out a bit and after last week maybe for a good reason. Yet again, I must remind myself Patience, Patience, Patience!

A Charity Event

Dear Friends and Family,
Recently our son was diagnosed with severe Autism. We are blessed to have a place in the Wichita area that specializes in therapies for Autism among many others for children with disabilities. The facility is wonderful. They have a special school , live in residence and outpatient therapy. Our son has been making steady progress and I truly believe Heartspring's outpatient therapies have been the catalyst for this. Our daughter is also attending speech therapy at Heartspring. Therapy is very expensive and like us many peoples insurance coverage is very limited. Heartspring is truly unique and raises money to financially help the children of Heartspring . One of their yearly fund raisers has arrived and it is called Pedalfest. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested or able to donate to this charity. It is a very warm, welcoming place filled with patients, understanding and love.

For more information go to:

http://www.pedalfest.org/