3 months of sleeping with O2 results are IN!

For all of Molly's life there have been many unanswered questions. It's like reading a cliffhanger novel where the last page has been ripped out. How does she feel about...well, really everything?! Why didn't she dance at the Valentine's Day dance when normally that's her favorite thing to do? No clue. What does she want to do job wise? I have no idea? Where does she want to live? Again...not sure? What is her favorite band? Dirty Heads? Bob Marley? Miley Cyrus? Or probably another? What does she want for Christmas? I hate that annual question from caring family for what to get her as I have NO idea either. Dang, same happens in February for her birthday. Didn't we just go through this two months ago?

So when we get lab results back after 3 months of following doctor protocol, it is VERY satisfying to see cold, hard results. Answers!! I love that.

Back in November, I shared that Molly had gone to the doctor. Based on her blood test results there were a number of things that he wanted to try. Her red blood cell count was very low which required sleeping with oxygen every night. She has done that like a champion; not complaining again after that first attempt. She straps it onto her nose and around her ears, tightens the chin strap and sleeps through until 4-5 am when I hear her turn it off, take the hose off and go back to sleep for a couple of unrestricted hours.

Some of this medical stuff may be super boring to most, but I know other parents of kids with autism want details, so I'm sharing here. Skim if you like.

Molly's O2 levels are now NORMAL. Yippee!! Dr Kucera would like her to stay on O2 for the rest of the year and we'll retest then. Her protein levels are good as are her iron levels. The Zithromax that she was on once a week for 3 months, lowered her strep levels from 300 down to 260. He'd like to see it down to 100 but now that the process has been started, hopefully it will continue to trend downwards. (See the information about PANDAS at the bottom). Molly's OCD tendencies are still there but they do not rule her life (remember nipping the white board issue in ONE DAY!!??) so we feel like the protocol has helped. She is also talking more in the sense that she imitates many words that we say. They are not often clear with good enunciation, but she is attempting which she hasn't really done before.

Besides powering down 9 supplements in two big gulps (LifePak Nano, Protandim, Probiotic), and sleeping with the O2 at night, this has been a really doable protocol for us. In the old days, I had to grind up the supplements and mix them into baby food or applesauce for her to take since she couldn't swallow pills. Those concoctions had to have tasted horrific and she'd choke it down two times a day. Now she gets everything she needs with a powerful probiotic first thing in the morning and her body is loving life. She is still the tiny 116 lbs but it seems like this is her new healthy, happy body.

We are now done with the Zithromax and only need to add Kefir into her diet via sauerkraut and pickles (Bubbies is the brand the dietician recommended that we should buy at a natural food store). Looks to me like our whole family can benefit from kefir:

Easily digested, it cleanses the intestines, provides beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins. Because kefir is such a balanced and nourishing food, it contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, and cancer. Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer from sleep disorders, depression, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

The regular use of kefir can help relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence and create a healthier digestive system. In addition, its cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balanced inner ecosystem for optimum health and longevity.

Kefir can also help eliminate unhealthy food cravings by making the body more nourished and balanced. Its excellent nutritional content offers healing and health-maintenance benefits to people in every type of condition.

The sweet part of sitting in the doctors office for 1 1/2 hours yesterday was the big smile that filled Molly's face when Dr Kucera praised her for the O2 results and how good her labs look. It appeared that she really understood him and was proud of herself. She wore that huge smile that melts me every time as it's the real and true communication of her feelings..... even without words. Love that girl!




Many kids with autism do well on the PANDAS protocol. Here's information for you die hard medical people:

What is PANDAS?

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) occurs when strep triggers a misdirected immune response results in inflammation on a child’s brain. In turn, the child quickly begins to exhibit life changing symptoms such as OCD, anxiety, tics, personality changes, decline in math and handwriting abilities, sensory sensitivities, restrictive eating, and more.