Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
So much to blog about!
So many things have been going on for my little family the last month I haven't had a chance to update the blog until now! Between therapy appointments, doctor visits, and trips up to the lake, it has been hard for me to find some free time to update.
First, occupational therapy has been pretty fun for Finn and I lately. We have started to incorporate music therapy into our routine. It's a special kind of music that uses special tones that relaxes the nervous system. While this music is playing, I put Finn in a flexed position to help get his body used to being in that kind of fetal position. Finn hasn't been in the fetal position since he was a fetus! We have been doing this music therapy for about 3 weeks, and we have been seeing big changes in Finn. His trunk has become stronger, his arms have become less stiff, and he has started to understand how to sit like a toddler (of course he still needs assistance). But it's really nice to see things change in him. I have to do this a hour a day, and it's nice to see results when we are both working so hard. Not only are we doing music therapy, but we have been doing a lot of sensory play with Finn. Since Finn still pretty much keeps his hands fisted most of the time, he doesn't get input into his hands. So it is important for us to put a lot of different kinds of textures in his hand. Today, Finn got to play with shaving cream and he really enjoyed it. He was able to use both of his hands to paint a picture for Ethan and I. Finn had so much fun that he started to cry when it was time to stop.
First, occupational therapy has been pretty fun for Finn and I lately. We have started to incorporate music therapy into our routine. It's a special kind of music that uses special tones that relaxes the nervous system. While this music is playing, I put Finn in a flexed position to help get his body used to being in that kind of fetal position. Finn hasn't been in the fetal position since he was a fetus! We have been doing this music therapy for about 3 weeks, and we have been seeing big changes in Finn. His trunk has become stronger, his arms have become less stiff, and he has started to understand how to sit like a toddler (of course he still needs assistance). But it's really nice to see things change in him. I have to do this a hour a day, and it's nice to see results when we are both working so hard. Not only are we doing music therapy, but we have been doing a lot of sensory play with Finn. Since Finn still pretty much keeps his hands fisted most of the time, he doesn't get input into his hands. So it is important for us to put a lot of different kinds of textures in his hand. Today, Finn got to play with shaving cream and he really enjoyed it. He was able to use both of his hands to paint a picture for Ethan and I. Finn had so much fun that he started to cry when it was time to stop.
In physical therapy we have been continuing working on getting Finn to walk. Last Friday his PT brought us a walker for Finn to borrow until we get our very own. Finn has been doing so great with this walker. I didn't think he would get the hang of it so soon! He loves to stand and I think he is really going to enjoy this independence. It is kind of unusual for a toddler Finn's age to get a walker this early, since the experts really prefer a baby to be able to crawl before they get put into walkers, but it doesn't look like Finn will crawl any time soon. His arms are so weak. He wants to walk, he wants to stand. So I am glad that me and his PT are on the same page when it comes to playing up Finn's strengths. I actually think that this walker has helped Finn with his trunk control and balance.
In the end of July I went with Finn's PT to a medical equipment place to see about getting some adaptive equipment for Finn. It's amazing how much this stuff is. The walker we want to get is 'several thousand dollars' and that is not the only thing I would like to get for him. Since Finn still can't not sit on his own, bath time is becoming kind of hard. He has out grown his infant tub because he is so tall and I was looking at something to help me for when Finn gets bigger. This simple looking mesh incline that fits in the tub is $1200. And I found out that on a federal and state level that hygiene products are not covered under insurance or assistance programs. That is amazing to me. I think the lawmakers would feel differently if they had to sit next to a stinky person. I am hoping my dad could make something for us because I am not going to pay that much for bath equipment. The good news is Finn was approved for BCMH so they will help pay for certain adaptive equipment. The walker is a must for him.
We saw the neurologist a couple of weeks ago. Everything continues to go well. Finn is still seizure free. Finn's head has actually grown over 1 cm in the last month and a half which is very exciting news. It's proof that he is learning and growing. His doctor thinks it is time for Finn to go on tone medicine. He will probably start a medication called baclofen in the next 6 months. I am waiting until I get a consultation with physical medicine before we decide on that medication for sure. His neurologist also suggested we put Finn on melatonin since he has such sleep issues. He takes 1mg before bed and I think it has been helping him in some aspects. He falls alseep pretty soon after taking it, but he still doesn't stay asleep. The past few days I have been putting him on his tummy to sleep. He has been giving me about a 4 hour stretch in his crib before he is up. I will take it for now.
Finn has just been doing so great lately. He appears stronger, he's more independent, and been very talkative. All very positive changes in my opinion. He is still has the sweetest disposition and seriously all he wants to do is love you and get a little love back.
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