Update

Tyler is having a hard day. His constipation meds aren't working so we are beginning to worry about a possible obstruction. Considering the red chinese checker ball in his poop one time, I wouldn't rule anything out. The meds have the rest of the weekend to do their thing before I take him for an xray. He is WAY too swollen and his gut is as hard as a rock. He moans a lot, but he is in a pretty good mood considering. He broke out in a rash this morning all across his back and chest. I know this is common with yeast die off, but I am watching him closely to make sure it is not a reaction to any medication. After a warm clay bath with epsom salts, the rash has subsided a little. He has also completely stopped scratching. This reaction is probably toxin release from killing the fungus and bacteria. He is talking a lot today. When I asked him where his drink was he replied, "There he is!" :) No signs of healing regression yet. Let's hope the rash is the worst of the die off this time 'round.

Dr.'s appointment

This morning, Tyler wanted me to hold him while I was cooking his breakfast. He clung to me with a grip, finally relaxed and just laid his head on my shoulder for several minutes. I soaked up ever ounce of this dripping sweetness and thanked my God for that moment. This was the child that used to SCREAM if cuddled. Every good and perfect gift comes from above!

Tyler had his third appointment with Dr. Kalb this morning. This was the first appointment since running his first round of tests. We did a comprehensive stool analysis test and micro oraganic acids urine test. Tyler has something called dysbiosis. This is a fancy term for the intestinal condition of someone living in the Amazon rain forest and drinking their toilet water. For more on dysbiosis, visit this site: http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/dysbiosis.shtml

Dr. Kalb was happy that Tyler is making many improvements, but he seemed genuinely concerned about the level of Tyler's dysbiosis. It sounded bad when I read the test results; it sounded even worse when someone who knew what they were talking about explained the results. Tyler's bacteria and yeast overgrowth may possibly be the most significant contributers to the autism. We still plan to do the heavy metals tests next time around, but Dr. K said we needed to focus on this gut issue before moving on to something else.

Tyler will be on an antibiotic for 1 week, the Cadilac of antifungal meds for 2 weeks before switching back to Nystatin, prescription probiotics, and continuing with his normal supplements. Tyler is also going to be taking some extra supplements for his chronic constipation. If he is not regular within two weeks, we will x-ray to look for a possible obstruction. Anyone else enjoy spending over $400/day on meds for your kid?? Oh yeah! You guys are standing and applauding, because WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO if it makes our kids better. Thank God for flexible spending accounts :) Those clanking plastic bottles in that bag sound almost as sweet as the sound of my little guy's voice.

Big Red School

Tyler had his orientation with Big Red School at WKU yesterday. They seem very prepared and equipped to deal with Tyler's diet and behavioral issues. He only got upset once during the session. When he had to leave the train set to work on puzzles, he was not so happy. They were firm and consistent though and made him work for a "break". By the end of the orientation, he was cooperating. They will teach him to sit in circle time, play one on one in center time, and hopefully eat with other children without stealing food. They have 7 adults to 12 children in that room, and they seem to devote a lot of attention to the kids on special diets at snack time. They also have an observation room for parents. We are very excited about all this for Tyler. The icing on the cake is the fact that they were practically foaming at the mouth to get Jesse in their preschool classroom. They needed typical children for modeling, and Jesse just happened to be a polite, respectful Einstein while we were there. We will be paying nearly nothing for Jesse to go two days a week this spring and summer. This should be a great warmup before kindergarten next fall. It will also give mom a little bit of solitary cleaning time each week :) It seems like a win, win situation for everyone.

Introductions...

Tyler was diagnosed with autism on October 2, 2009. I hope to use this blog to keep family and friends up to date on all of Tyler's progress. More than anything, I hope to give God glory for every little miracle he works in this journey. One night, at about 4 o'clock in the morning, I was pouring my heart out to God as I mourned for my son. His still quiet voice said to me, "Didn't I say that 'all things work together for good...'." He is a good God.

Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,