We’ve been taking Everett to an Anat Baniel Practitioner (who specializes in pediatrics) for almost two months now. I think I thought (at least subconsciously) that God would heal Everett overnight soon after we were released from the hospital. I never really imagined we would have to fight so hard for each little improvement. Even now, I find myself assuming that when we hit a milestone the rest will just fall into place. I think that it would be extremely unlikely for that to happen, although I wouldn’t turn it down (wink, wink). So, we are trying to focus on giving Everett as much therapy as we can possibly afford now, while he has as much neuroplasticity as possible (None of the experts agree on the boundaries of neuroplasticity, but it is widely accepted that the brain is most plastic from birth to one, then still extremely plastic, although less than during the first year, until age three, then still plastic, but significantly less so after that). There have been reports of changing the brain well into adulthood, but it’s more rare. As much talk as I have seen about neuroplasticity, none of the studies can say how to achieve it (which of course is the million-dollar-question). Anat Baniel claims that her nine essentials ARE neuroplasticity (they are outlined on her website and explained thoroughly in her book). I think she’s right. Everett’s back is completely changed since we began this therapy. It is still not completely symmetrical, but there is tone on his right side where there was absolutely none before. I wish it was a magic cure that worked overnight, but we are truly seeing small improvements.
I posted about Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI), our other Cerebral Palsy therapy here
September 10, 2012 at 7:27 pm
Nicole, I love the “Pantry Book” and although I know you are an AMAZING cook, house keeper and above all else Mother…. I absolutely love to see that you are posting about E’s therapies and updates! I must agree, wow, what great improvements! I saw the picture of E sitting up and am just so elated for him with this progress. Amazing little man you have there. I know you are so very busy with eating Bon bons and watching Soaps (kidding), but honestly I love that you are blogging about all you are doing to help that would not be possible without superior parents like yourself, the strategies, progress and another personal favorite; photos of that great big smile!
September 13, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Thanks Tiffany. You really know how to make me smile. I don’t deserve any of that praise, but it’s nice to hear anyway =) You know I’ll keep the kiddo pics coming – I can’t resist!
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November 12, 2012 at 4:33 pm
I have subscribed to edie’s blog, on which you were featured as a part of her 12 days of homemade Christmas. I liked the Jesse tree you showed and clicked on your blog just to scope out good recipes and such. Learning that you have a son with cerebral palsy was a surprise. My sister is turning 21 this December and she also has cerebral palsy. I realize saying that doesn’t tell you much about her. “Cerebral palsy” seems to be an umbrella term they use when the specifics can be confusing to most people. I’ve seen friends of hers with CP, wheelchair bound and unable to talk, and yet, my cousin also has CP, and he graduated from college, is married and has a job now. Hannah Sue had eye surgery, seizures, and is still walking on crutches. Hopefully she won’t ever be wheelchair bound, but we worry about her rotator cuff. You talked about doing therapy with Ev’s right hand – that’s the main part of my cousin’s problem, his right hand/forearm was like a claw, so tight… and seizures. I hope Ev won’t have any of those, it is scary to witness. You also talked about Ev not reaching developmental milestones when he should be – my sister Hannah still can’t tie her shoes but she learned how to button her own pants and put a belt on by herself a few years ago. I want to encourage you to be tough. It’s hard. I’m sure you will want to do things for him “because you can do them quicker/easier”, but it will help him if you make him do it. You might need to make it into a game. You might need to do it slowly yourself alongside him. For instance, making sandwiches. Hannah Sue walks with crutches so I set everything on the table for her and we make our sandwiches together, step-by-step. Also Hannah still gets frustrated about not being able to do things, though. Always a work in progress.
One thing that has helped Hannah Sue’s posture SO MUCH is riding horses. There is a program, Handicapped Athletes Learning To Enjoy Riding (H.A.L.T.E.R.) in the area and they accept young children with CP, autism, Down’s, older people with MS, brain damage, etc. It is amazing. Sometimes the children will start out literally laying on the horse’s back, then they’ll start riding backwards, which helps greatly, then forwards and then they are pros! I don’t know where you live but if it’s near VA, there must be a similar program like that if y’all wanted to check it out. http://www.handicappedathletes.org/ I wish you all the best and am praying that you see crawling before Christmas.
November 12, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Wow Daisy! Thank you so much for your encouragement. I have been meaning to check out horse therapy and you’ve given me just the motivation I needed. I’m glad your sister is able to do so many things even though she has CP. thanks again!
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