Chelation and Christmas

Somehow I fell out of the blog "habit" back in October; not only have I not been writing, but I haven't been reading either. I can blame it mostly on the kids being back in school and work being busier than ever, but I simply haven't made it a priority. I miss it greatly, and resuming this "habit" will definitely be a New Years resolution for me.

This blog started out as a way to keep track of Grant's progress with his dietary changes and his chelation. He's been a real champ through it all, I don't think the rest of us would have fared nearly as well. He's become used to the foods he can eat, and has learned that he just can't have most of his favorite foods any longer. When it started, it would take 40-60 minutes to get him to take his supplements. We tried many different methods, but there's no getting around the fact that it's very unpleasant to taste. We've had frustration with giving him medicine previously, but this was twice a day! We thought it would never get better, every night was such a battle, so draining and defeating. But now, he's always done in less than 5 minutes! We are so thankful! Over time, we've found the following have made the biggest differences:
- changing a few of the supplements, mostly the calcium
- mixing the powders w/ just enough fruit syrup to mix it up, but only so much that it takes 3-4 spoonfuls to get it down
- letting him choose his reward. Some nights, he doesn't even ask for anything, he just takes and it and goes on his way. At first, it was the Rice Dream ice cream that was the great motivator. He's burned out on that a bit and of course it's colder now as well. He's done it for a couple of "hidden" DVDs (Teletubbies and Spongebob) that he only gets to watch for rewards. And lastly, he's asked for "fire" - well not verbally, but by getting the propane lighter and handing it to me, then pointing at the fireplace. The last month or so, he has enjoyed watching the fire start, then putting the beanbag in front of the fireplace and wrapping himself in a blanket to fall asleep in front of the flames.

Next month, we have the first follow-up test from this first round of chelation. We'll find out whether the metal levels (lead and mercury in his case) have gone down, or whether they are going to take longer. Overall, there is no doubt that his eye contact has improved greatly, and his attempts at speech have greatly increased. He truly has many more words but the best part is that he is trying to speak on his own more often. He wants to make his desires known, it's so hard to watch him try to form his words, knowing that the wheels are spinning in his head trying to put them together correctly.

Grant has been so excited about Christmas this year. It was only a few short years ago that he had no interest in presents, no interest in the family gatherings to open them together. Last year was definitely an improvement, but this year when we started decorating the tree, he said "presents" completely unprompted. Unlike last year when he would just start opening presents he found under the tree (way before Christmas), he now understands when we tell him he has to wait.

Owen and Cassidy, of course, have such a deeper understanding. Cassidy has been making presents and buying presents for everybody under the sun. Owen has become Mr. Calendar Watcher and fully understands the concept of time and days now. He has been making his Christmas list for some time now and will share it with anybody who will listen.

With tomorrow being Christmas Eve, it's very unlikely I'll have another post before Christmas. We'll head over to the in-laws for homemade soup and family time and then we'll get home late, wrap the remaining presents and prepare to be woken up way too early!

Have a merry Christmas everyone!