Happy New Year!
The holidays are done, which means we are all settling back into our routines. I hope you all enjoyed your time, making lasting memories with friends and family. We had a nice quiet Christmas at home, and it was perfect. It has been awhile since my last post, so let me share with you all the latest news and happenings.
Avery got cast 7 on during the first week of December. He adjusted well in no time, and luckily we have not had any issues with it. It fits perfectly, and there have been no leaking diaper accidents stinking it up. So thankful for that! We don't have anything scheduled yet, but Dr. Glotzbecker said that after this cast is removed, which should be sometime probably late February to early March, we will do new x-rays and see where the curve is at or if there is still even any signs of a curve. Of course we are hoping for no curve, but we will see when the time comes. We have learned throughout this journey that it is best to just not think about it, and let God and nature do their thing. Once we get the results of the x-rays, Dr. Glotzbecker will decide whether Avery should continue with casting or if he can transition to a brace.
For those who are just joining, or not familiar with any of this, the cast and brace are two totally different things. The big difference is that the cast CAN NOT be removed. He wears it 24/7. It is made of plaster just like any other cast, so therefore he can't get wet, which means we are not able to bathe him. He has a special undershirt worn under the cast that is given to us by the hospital at every cast change. The shirt is to help prevent odors, and any skin irritation that can be caused by moisture or dirt that may get under the cast. The shirt can be changed, but it is not an easy process, so I only change it on an as needed basis. The brace can be removed, but most doctors only suggest taking it off for no more than an hour a day, long enough for him to have some fun in the tub or to play outside for a bit during the hot summer months. Just like with the cast, overheating on very hot days is something we will still have to be careful with and limit his time spent outdoors.
We are still continuing with ABA and Early Intervention. Avery has been doing very well with both programs, and we are very proud of him and how far he has come. He is finally saying "momma" and "daddy" perfectly clear which we just can't get enough of. In a recent Early Intervention appointment, his therapist and I discussed the process of transitioning to preschool. Once Avery turns 3 in April, he will no longer be receiving services through EI. At that time, they expect the child to start attending a preschool program. With his diagnosis, he will have to attend the town's public school preschool program, as private centers are not usually equipped to provide the additional services he will most likely still need. We are planning to start the transition process in February, which is when we will first meet with the school board. Then, after that, Avery will have to go through a series of assessments and we will have to attend more meetings with the school and all of Avery's current therapists. We will discuss IEP's, services provided at the school, what he qualifies for and so on.
Starting this Friday, Avery will begin feeding therapy, again. A couple of weeks ago, a feeding specialist/OT came to meet with us for an assessment. She says that what it looks and sounds like, Avery has low muscle tone. This is most likely why he is refusing to eat anything that is not soft or will easily dissolve in his mouth. Eating becomes more of a struggle for him, since he does not have the strength in his jaw to chew his food properly. The therapist also informed me that repeated exposure to anesthesia can sometimes cause feeding issues in very young children who are just developing the skill of eating solids. She said it is not common, but it does happen. Avery didn't start eating real solids until he was almost two, due to other feeding issues he struggled with, and he has been casting and having to go under anesthesia every two months since he was only a little over a year old. He hasn't had much time to build up the strength in his jaw to chew properly, and that combined with the frequent exposure to anesthesia totally makes sense in my eyes. So, his therapy begins Friday, and will be once a week just like his speech therapy.
That is all of the updates for now. Other than that, life has just been its usual hectic self. In the new year, I am planning to post more stories here. I'm sorry for all of the delays! Thank you so much, though, to all of you who have been so supportive and caring. We truly appreciate it. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year! Remember to be kind to each other, for we never know what kind of struggles someone else may be dealing with in life.
Avery got cast 7 on during the first week of December. He adjusted well in no time, and luckily we have not had any issues with it. It fits perfectly, and there have been no leaking diaper accidents stinking it up. So thankful for that! We don't have anything scheduled yet, but Dr. Glotzbecker said that after this cast is removed, which should be sometime probably late February to early March, we will do new x-rays and see where the curve is at or if there is still even any signs of a curve. Of course we are hoping for no curve, but we will see when the time comes. We have learned throughout this journey that it is best to just not think about it, and let God and nature do their thing. Once we get the results of the x-rays, Dr. Glotzbecker will decide whether Avery should continue with casting or if he can transition to a brace.
For those who are just joining, or not familiar with any of this, the cast and brace are two totally different things. The big difference is that the cast CAN NOT be removed. He wears it 24/7. It is made of plaster just like any other cast, so therefore he can't get wet, which means we are not able to bathe him. He has a special undershirt worn under the cast that is given to us by the hospital at every cast change. The shirt is to help prevent odors, and any skin irritation that can be caused by moisture or dirt that may get under the cast. The shirt can be changed, but it is not an easy process, so I only change it on an as needed basis. The brace can be removed, but most doctors only suggest taking it off for no more than an hour a day, long enough for him to have some fun in the tub or to play outside for a bit during the hot summer months. Just like with the cast, overheating on very hot days is something we will still have to be careful with and limit his time spent outdoors.
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| Waiting for cast 7 |
We are still continuing with ABA and Early Intervention. Avery has been doing very well with both programs, and we are very proud of him and how far he has come. He is finally saying "momma" and "daddy" perfectly clear which we just can't get enough of. In a recent Early Intervention appointment, his therapist and I discussed the process of transitioning to preschool. Once Avery turns 3 in April, he will no longer be receiving services through EI. At that time, they expect the child to start attending a preschool program. With his diagnosis, he will have to attend the town's public school preschool program, as private centers are not usually equipped to provide the additional services he will most likely still need. We are planning to start the transition process in February, which is when we will first meet with the school board. Then, after that, Avery will have to go through a series of assessments and we will have to attend more meetings with the school and all of Avery's current therapists. We will discuss IEP's, services provided at the school, what he qualifies for and so on.
Starting this Friday, Avery will begin feeding therapy, again. A couple of weeks ago, a feeding specialist/OT came to meet with us for an assessment. She says that what it looks and sounds like, Avery has low muscle tone. This is most likely why he is refusing to eat anything that is not soft or will easily dissolve in his mouth. Eating becomes more of a struggle for him, since he does not have the strength in his jaw to chew his food properly. The therapist also informed me that repeated exposure to anesthesia can sometimes cause feeding issues in very young children who are just developing the skill of eating solids. She said it is not common, but it does happen. Avery didn't start eating real solids until he was almost two, due to other feeding issues he struggled with, and he has been casting and having to go under anesthesia every two months since he was only a little over a year old. He hasn't had much time to build up the strength in his jaw to chew properly, and that combined with the frequent exposure to anesthesia totally makes sense in my eyes. So, his therapy begins Friday, and will be once a week just like his speech therapy.
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| Happy boy!! :) |
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