Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Lymph Session 11/30/11

Today Brendan came in with his father for a lymphatic and ghHW session.  Both axilla's (underarms) were blocked; as well as the left clavicle node(s).  These are two of the major lymphatic drainage areas.  Began by lymphing his legs, abdomen, arms and then neck and head.  Once we got onto the underarms and head he began laughing.  This happens quite often when the lymphatic system starts draining.

The ghHW protocol included lymph and relaxation with existing remedies.  A new remedy was tried on the settings of brain.  Linda will update on the homeopathic side. 

Brendan stayed about an hour and a half and left in a happy mood.  A lot of toxins and fluids drained from his neck, face and skull.  He feels better - and we will see him tomorrow for his regular appointment.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Thoughts on rash

Sorry to see Brendan is going through this.  Just some thoughts being discussed are the detox.  Following Brendan's birth their were difficulties and he spent quite some time in the hospital being treated.  Recently we began a detox of the various anesthesias given to him. 

In conjunction with ghHW the detox is happening much quicker than normally.  Could this be a result of the body trying to flush out so much toxins in such a short period.  We are going to do a complete lymph session on Brendan this Thursday - to address the rash; as well as the remedy.

Lymphatic work is wonderful as it opens the major drainage areas of which there are four.  One of these is the underarms (or axilla's) - which is where Brendan's rash primiarly is.  Could his lymph be backing up and unable to push the amount of toxins releasing?  If so, we will be able to tell very quickly as lymphatic work changes the surrounding area immediately (you can actually watch tissue/skin change colors as you are performing the work). 

Most importantly is getting Brendan feeling better quickly.  Will keep you posted.

Parent update 11/29/11

Spoke with Dermatologist. She said if the area I am applying the ointment has no rash, then it is not the ointment and something else. So, maybe something he ate? Detox???

He woke up with swollen eyes and a puffy face. Of course he is in an irritable state. Slammed the keyboard and keys went flying everywhere. Gonna be a long, long day.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Parent update 11/28/11

Poor Brendan. Not a good day at all. He had a bad day at school, stomping, yelling, and his face was itchy. I asked him if he needed Benadryl when I picked him up from school and he said, 'yes'. He's been fussy, headbutting me and hit me a couple of times today. His face looks swollen from scratching it so much.

My guess is it could be the topical antibiotic ointment that we have to apply to his underarm twice a day to keep the sores from getting worse. We've tried natural stuff first, but none of them made it go away completely. A slight possibility of using the antibiotic was a possible rash. The chances were slim but his body is so sensitive. It could be something else, but for now, I am stopping the ointment, still giving him Benadryl but have also started him on an homeopathic remedy for the rash. I hope he gets better.

Although his behavior is reminiscent of months ago, I think it is because of his rash. Who wouldn't be cranky!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Parent update 11/27/11

Brendan woke up in a better mood this morning. We went on a long hike. But throughout the day he has scratched his face, has been irritable and louder than usual (lots of screaming). He is not screaming in pain, just screaming!

I will do my best to work on head again tonight to see if it helps.

CST Session 11/21/11

Night session.  Upon arrival Brendan was watching t.v.; but immediately got up and prepared for going upstairs.  Once settled work began on his left leg - he did very well.  While his mom worked his right leg I started on his chest and throat area.  He liked it alot - lots of heat.

From there we went to his head.  His head really needed to be released - especially the left side (parietal, temporal, sphenoid and occipital).  We sang while we worked on this.  Brendan was exceptional - allowing a lot of heat - and some big shifts to occur. 

He has come to the point he know what needs to be done.  He can point and tell you exactly what bothers him.  We take all our cues from him.  It is time we started to do extensive mouth work.  We will begin slowly and see how much he can handle as it will effect his entire system (from head to toe).

He wants to talk - he is saying more and more sounds.  There is a new technique suggested and founded by our homeopath regarding the laser and neurofeedback.  I asked Brendan if he wanted to try this and for the first time in a long time he did not answer.  We will wait until his next office appointment to see what he says.  We will explain more on this as we do it.

He also wants the laser work done at home (we usually only do this in the office).  Going forward we will be doing at the night visits as well.  His mom can do that while I will concentrate on his mouth. 

When I left he had gotten up to go to the bathroom - which is pretty common during a night session.  He usually gets up one time and will then complete his session.  I left before he came out of the bathroom - will have to make sure in the future to stay until he gets out so we can evaluate how he is prior to leaving. 

Wished him and his family a happy holiday!  Am looking forward to see how he did through the holiday. 

Blessings and great harvests to all!!

Parent update 11/27/11

Thanksgiving was great this year! We were able to visit my parents for three hours!!! Brendan usually only lasts about one hour, so it doesn't give us much time to visit. He was good the whole time.

On Saturday, we were watching movies and when I picked the wrong one, he said "the other one". It came out mumbled, but enough so I got the jest of it. Then later that night when I was tickling him, and stopped, he said, "Do again".

On Friday and Saturday, he has become more agitated, mad, etc.... He was scratching his face on both sides. I worked on his head last night. This morning he was in a somewhat better mood.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Parent update 11/23/11

Brendan had a great CST session Monday night. I'll let Kathleen go into it in more detail as only she can do. What I can tell is the whole right side of his face needed to shift. This would explain why he has been so cranky these last few days and saying his head hurts.

Since this session, he has been in much better spirits. His face looks more relaxed and he says he feels better.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Parent update 11/20/11

Brendan did have a low grade fever Thursday night. But the next morning, he looked fine and was happy. So, he went to school. However, about an hour later, his teacher called to say that Brendan was crying and not feeling well. His Dad picked him up and he has been resting all weekend. His fever never came back and he has not become worse. So, the detox and immune work we did at Thursdays CST session helped.

He has been restless, panicky, mad (some headbutts), picking the skin on his knees, and impatient. Haven't seen him like this in awhile. He fell asleep at 8:30pm while watching movies in my bed. He just got up at 2am and was in better spirits. I HOPE he will go back to sleep.

Friday, November 18, 2011

CST Session 11/17/11

Brendan came in today looking a little sick.  When I first noticed him on the table he looked clamly.  I asked him if he was not feeling well and he said "yes".  I told him we would do the lymph and detox first so we can see if this would flush out whatever was making him not well.

While his mom did the ghHW method, I worked on his body.  First we did the legs - let both legs to feet be completed.  Big improvement.  After his mom finished the detox he looked much better.  His mom continued with immune system and finished with relaxation. 

While we were working on him I sang him a song (I love you, you love me.........); and did he laugh.  He laughed and laughed and kept asking me to sing again.  His mom said she had not seen a smile that big in a long time.  We also sang songs from the Sound of Music - he also liked them as well. 

He left the session very happy; but somewhat restless as well.  Singing was new and exhausting for him as his expressions were genuine and large; with the use of muscles not usually engaged to such an extent. 

Blessings abound for Brendan and we thank God everyday!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Parent update 11/15/11

Brendan has had a good, stable, peaceful few days. It is SO NICE to be able to write that!! He's been very tired, but overall, in a good mood. His report came back again with positive comments...participates, waits patiently, does his work, etc. Such a huge difference from over a year ago when the school was calling me almost daily to report bad behavior. He is loving his field trips to the store with his class. It has been quite a motivator in getting him to bed earlier and awake earlier, "If you don't get some sleep you'll miss your field trip." Good things are happening. : )

Thursday, November 10, 2011

CST Session 11/10/11

It is always a pleasure to see Brendan enter our new place in a happy mood.  For a while now, things have been good and getting better everyday. 

Today, Brendan went through the tunnel twice, sat on the couch a bit and walked around before heading to the therapy room.  He was comfortable. Work began on his right leg through to his foot; then the left leg while his mom did the ghHW method.  Brendan requested and really liked the anaesthesia remedy.  He used this remedy for a majority of the session; even using it on his ears (multiple times).  The remedy for putting his body in a relaxed state is always used at the end of his sessions.  He likes it. 

The session ended with cranial vault work - always do this - it makes a really big difference.  He is loving the O/A more and more.  His mom saw his face relax while in the middle of the O/A.  She knows what it feels like and can really appreciate Brendan's expressions.  He was content!  He wanted more!  We are going deeper and deeper - the deeper we go the more relaxed and unrestricted Brendan becomes.

I think there are moments when the state of "relaxation" is really felt by Brendan.  In the past when Brendan would begin to feel relaxed his reaction was to 'jump' out of it.  It was a foreign feeling; something he was not use to.  Overtime Brendan has become more comfortable in a relaxed state.  This state has brought out of him better communication, improved social skills and a marked change in engagement whether that be at school, store, doctor's office, etc.   

Keep the faith in what you are doing with your child; because one of the greatest joys is to see Brendan smile!!  Many great things are on his horizon!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Parent update 11/9/11

Brendan slept through the night and when he woke up, he still looked tired. He was pretty much tired the whole day. And yet, he didn't fall asleep until midnight.

Today, he went on another field trip. The same group (students/aides) walked to Safeway to buy groceries for their cooking project. One of his aides said he had so much fun going to Safeway.

This afternoon we took him to the dermatologist because he keeps getting his sores on his underarms. For awhile, coconut oil with tea tree oil seemed to help. But it would never completely go away. The the doctor gave us an ointment. This still didn' work. So now we are onto a antibiotic gel. This is a chronic condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. But what was amazing is how well Brendan did at the doctor's. He sat quietly while watching a DVD (with regular headphones so as not to disturb other). He did have a few loud outbursts, but I would remind him that he needs to be quiet, and he would put his finger to his lips (like shushing), and then he would be quiet. In the past when I would ask him to be quiet, he would get mad and headbutt me. Then he was very good with the doctor and even laid down on the table so she could check his sores. H as so mature!!! I was very proud of him. : )

CST Session 11/7/11

Tonight when I arrived Brendan was laying on the couch, eating and watching TV.  He looked exhausted; but he wanted more food and he finished up what was left in the pan.  Then he wanted his session done on the couch while he finished watching his program.

After completing the right leg - which he allowed from thigh to toe - he decided he wanted to go upstairs to his bedroom and finish the session.  We all went up - after going to the bathroom, taking a few swings - he got into bed.  I then did his left leg - from thigh to toe.  He pulled away only once while on his foot; but did allow the completion.  His legs are more and more attached. 

Autistic children know that their arms/hand and legs/feet are a part of them - but they do not necessarily feel them; hence we can see fine motor skill issues.  For the arms; it is in opening the connections from C7/T1 through the brachial plexus (between shoulder and neck) and down the arms to the fingers.  Each joint must be addressed and the signals need to pass through.  In advanced cases mouth and jaw work must be completed in order for connection to occur.  This restriction is very similar for carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues.  As for the legs the pelvis must be somewhat balanced and the connection from the lumbar spine down to the toes must take place.  When this connection is working a child feels grounded, their gait improves and they can feel both feet touching the ground.  Usually one hand/foot will connect prior to both connecting.  For legs can leave a feeling of imbalance; for arms will use the one feeling more connected.

Brendan fell asleep quickly.  We continued to work on his head.  I hope he sleeps through the night.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Parent update 11/6/11

Brendan had a good weekend. On Saturday, he went on a long hike with his Dad (about 3miles). Then when I got home from work, he wanted to go see the donkeys. The donkey came right up to him (I think he knows him by now) and Brendan was very gentle when he pet him on the head. Then we stopped by Jamba Juicde on the way home. It was so nice outside taht we sat outside and drank our drinks. It was so nice just to hang out with him and peoplewatch. He seemed so grown up!

Today, he was a little off because he got up at 4am. So, he wasn't in a good mood and he wasn't very nice to me (eg., hugging me really hard, jumping around mad). So by 1pm, I had him take a nap. When he woke up, he was calm and happy again.

At bedtime, I always give him a kiss on the cheek. Usually he trys to mimic me by putting his lips on my cheek but make a clicking sound with this tongue (which sounds like a kiss). Tonight he actually kissed me on the cheek. : )

Tommorrow, he goes on his first field trip with some of his classmates to the store. I a hoping he has a good time. : )

Thursday, November 3, 2011

CST Session 11/3/11

Today Brendan came in extremely happy.  He jumped around in our kids room and then on his own walked to the therapy room.  He laid down and asked for his eye shades (we use these to shade their eyes from the laser).  This was the first time he requested them and put them on. 

We immediately began the ghHW process with lymph.  We always begin with lymph to get the fluids flowing.  From there we did detox, brain, fascia, 5htp and relaxation.  Throughout the session he laughed - sometimes really really hard.  It is great to see him so happy!  We ask him each time what setting to put it on and he responds with a yes or no.  Usually he just says yes to the one he choses.  He definitely knows what he wants.

Cranial sacral work is always done in conjunction with the ghHW method.  When Linda is unavailable his mom steps in and works the laser.  Anyone can learn to do it - it is obtaining the proper settings for each individual which becomes important.  Brendan continues to love head work - the O/A is getting deeper and the releases are greater.  He always wants cranial vault work prior to the end of his session.  It is extremely important for integration.

Things have changed dramatically in the past year for Brendan.  We went through a very tough period when he was hitting his mother and father; sometimes his teacher.  He was lashing out with great anger - even managing to punch a hole in the wall of his bedroom; as well as damaging anything that was glass in the house.  His mom pretty much removed all glass (including pictures w/glass frames) to assure he would not hurt himself.  He broke many DVD's. 

To see Brendan today is a great joy!  I praise his Mom and Dad for going through the toughest of times to reach where we are today.  It is their dedication to their son that has made all the difference.  We have been extremely supportive - inclusive of going to their home - during the toughest of times.  It is very clear Brendan knows we are here for him - good or bad.  He can rely on all of us and I think it gives him great comfort. 

As we move forward in his recovery we will continue to add items from the toughest of times in order to understand where he was and how far he has come.  We anticipate great things for Brendan. 

As others are reading this blog, do not lose faith in your journey.  Please find a team who will work with you unconditionally - not on their agenda - but on your child's.  It is then the best of changes will happen.

Go Brendan!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Parent update 11/2/11

What a week this has been! Brendan was able to enjoy Halloween this year. He's only celebrated three Halloween's his entire lifetime because he was always sick.

The class made their own costumes (white handprints upside down, with black eyes ~ ghosts!). He was so proud of his shirt. I showed it to everyone and anyone. Then he was so excited about the party at school. We got there late, but as we walked up to the building (main county site located off campus), he saw all the kids out in the play area, music playing, kids dancing. He was so excited to join the party that he ran to the front of the building. The staff said he really enjoyed himself.

Then the kids went trick-or-treating amongst the county classrooms. It was the first time he ever got to do this. But the neatest thing was (his ABA therapist shared this with me since he was there) that a teacher asked Brendan if he was having fun, and he replied "yeah". Unfortunately, another child distracted the teached as Brendan was answering so she didn't hear him. He took his iTouch, located the icon "Yes", went in front of her and pushed the icon!!! This is huge for him to be using his iTouch like this. I was thrilled!! Then later that night, it was the first time he got to hand out candy to the kiddos who came to our door. Most Halloween nights in the past have been cold and rainy. So, we would have to leave a bowl of candy out on the porch. Since Brendan was always sick at this time, we couldn't risk the cold air coming in each time the doorbell rang. He looked so grown-up handing out candy.

Now, the most amazing thing that has happened this week has occured during his ABA sessions in the afternoon. Spelling and writing have never been his favorite things to do. But the last three sessions he has not only spelled correctly, but his writing is so much more legible. I was able to read all the words. They say, "spell balloon" and he does, "spell apple", etc.... What they noticed is that he seems very interested in doing this and really paying attention. I think we may have finally reached the point where he is realizing that he can spell, and write, and communicate by doing this!! I've been waiting a long time for this to happen. I knew someday, he'll realize the importance of learning words by sight, being able to spell the words, and then writing (or typing) the words.

Before Brendan goes to sleep, I always tell him that I love him and that he is my favorite person in the whole world. After I say, "I love you", he has been saying "ove you". Tonight when I said, "You are my favorite person in the whole world", he said, "ole worl". Great things are happening !!! Thank you Kathleen and Linda!!!!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

CST Session 10/20/11

Wow the progress Brendan is making!  Since my last writing we have done at least three sessions on Brendan.  It is fascinating to watch him come into our new building and be happy upon entrance.  He comes in and lights right up.  Spends a little time in the kids room - couple of times crawling through the tunnel - and then heads on his own to the therapy room.  He immediately gets on the table, answers yes to blankets and music and we begin. 

The last session he got on the table with his earphones on.  When we started the ghHW protocols he removed the earphones pretty quickly.  We are still working his legs, abdomen, throat and cranial vault.  There is deeper and deeper shifts happening and it is by his reactions that he can feel the deeper shifts.  He really seems to enjoy them.

In our focus on speech we are trying to do as much as we can around the ears and temporal lobes.  The gauze pad is breaking up - the squares are getting larger.  We would like the squares to disappear completely; as they are a tight weaving of brain tissues and I believe create compression and suppression of the brain itself and impair its' functions.

We will continue to decompress in conjunction with the ghHW method.  We are going to try adding one or two new things in the coming weeks.  The purpose is to accomplish decompression as fast as physically and humanely possible.