We have conquered the step. He can now get up and down the back step. He has been attempting to get up the back step for the past month. He has looked longingly at the step. He has thrown things up the step in a hope that he would somehow then be able to get up there. Now we have victory!!! A different style everytime mind you but that doesn't matter. He has also managed to climb several times up onto the couch when I have had the cushions off. A week ago this was too tricky and he couldn't work it out.
He is also zooming around the house with his yet again modified bottom shuffle. He loves to jump and gets air. Mind you his jump is from his bottom. He is pulling up to his knees everywhere and starting to pull up to stand much more regularly as he gains confidence and strength.
He is also starting to squat occassionally and push up to make a bridge.
The only downside is that now he is jumping off the potty. Thankfully we have only had one code brown. The other times it has been empty when it has flipped over when he has pushed off. Maybe the big toilet is the way to go for a bit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Learning to Eat. Week five and seven
The last few visits have been filled with enjoyable play picnics. We have introduced some new snacks which are being tasted. Cheezles, tv snacks (long thin ones), clix, cruskits, soft cream cheese triangles. Sakata rice crackers are also a favourite. Cheezles seem to be a winner as he can put one on his finger then have a lick or scrape his teeth on it. The cream cheese has been swallowed when a smear is wiped on the inside of his cheek. We have to be careful with the size that goes in if we put it in as he has had a couple of gags on very tiny pieces and this is not what we are aiming for.
He also shoved a large piece of soft roast potato in his mouth and had a good gag on it before getting it out. He has taken a bite of a cheezle, a sakata and a piece of Naan bread. He has then stuck his finger in his mouth and got it out. He had to chase the naan bread around a bit before he got it out.
He is sticking more food up to his mouth or in his mouth and is starting to clamp down on it with his teeth. I have also noticed more sideways jaw movements lately while he is playing. Not sure if that is a developmental development. We have had some other major development going on for his gross motor skills so maybe there is a burst of development going on at the moment.
As for swallowing we are still offering stocks, water and chocolate milk (he seems to taste this but not vanilla milk. I am offering sustagen as it has higher calories and if he like it and can drink it then that will be great). he takes a few sips here and there. He seems to be a little more confident. I guess we just keep offering and hopefully it will click that it is ok for him to swallow. Sometimes he will take a sip from an open bottle like a baby bottle or a water bottle and sometimes from a bowl or cup. He is accepting the spout from a sippy cup more often for at least one sip before flinging the cup across the room. He was allowing me to put a teat in his mouth with drops of water coming out the other day. he was very relaxed and sleepy. This was a rare occassion. Normally he wouldn't allow me to have anything like that in or near his mouth for more than a second or two. He lasted about 5-10 seconds before signalling he'd had enough. We had success this past week with the speechie asking him to 'shut his mouth and swallow'. So he did. He did this repeatedly throughout the session. Now we are home I have asked many times and had no where the same success. The requests seem to be ignored and I get stared at quite blankly. Ahh hate it when that happens. Same with face washing- he'll sit so nice and still for grandma and other people and have a tanti when I come anywhere near him with the facewasher.
Play picnics at home have been fun. With the weather fining up we have been able to take a rug outside and make a massive mess without a care in the world. It is so much more convenient being outside than being inside and being concerned about chocolate covered mouths and fingers going all over the couches. we had success with a bit of a chew/suck/lick on a small orange segment, milo yoghurt and again the cheezles. The play tea set was also a hit. So nice to see my son and a little friend playing on the front lawn. She is a fan of picnics at the moment so is making a great picnic companion.
Another joy is that two speechies have mentioned that they think he may have dyspraxia. Not sure what type but they have said he seems to have trouble with his motor planning. as for what we can do? Not much more than we are already doing. Just keep practicing but things may take a bit longer. It also highlights that assisted communication is going to be an ongoing important thing for us whatever shape and form that takes.
He also shoved a large piece of soft roast potato in his mouth and had a good gag on it before getting it out. He has taken a bite of a cheezle, a sakata and a piece of Naan bread. He has then stuck his finger in his mouth and got it out. He had to chase the naan bread around a bit before he got it out.
He is sticking more food up to his mouth or in his mouth and is starting to clamp down on it with his teeth. I have also noticed more sideways jaw movements lately while he is playing. Not sure if that is a developmental development. We have had some other major development going on for his gross motor skills so maybe there is a burst of development going on at the moment.
As for swallowing we are still offering stocks, water and chocolate milk (he seems to taste this but not vanilla milk. I am offering sustagen as it has higher calories and if he like it and can drink it then that will be great). he takes a few sips here and there. He seems to be a little more confident. I guess we just keep offering and hopefully it will click that it is ok for him to swallow. Sometimes he will take a sip from an open bottle like a baby bottle or a water bottle and sometimes from a bowl or cup. He is accepting the spout from a sippy cup more often for at least one sip before flinging the cup across the room. He was allowing me to put a teat in his mouth with drops of water coming out the other day. he was very relaxed and sleepy. This was a rare occassion. Normally he wouldn't allow me to have anything like that in or near his mouth for more than a second or two. He lasted about 5-10 seconds before signalling he'd had enough. We had success this past week with the speechie asking him to 'shut his mouth and swallow'. So he did. He did this repeatedly throughout the session. Now we are home I have asked many times and had no where the same success. The requests seem to be ignored and I get stared at quite blankly. Ahh hate it when that happens. Same with face washing- he'll sit so nice and still for grandma and other people and have a tanti when I come anywhere near him with the facewasher.
Play picnics at home have been fun. With the weather fining up we have been able to take a rug outside and make a massive mess without a care in the world. It is so much more convenient being outside than being inside and being concerned about chocolate covered mouths and fingers going all over the couches. we had success with a bit of a chew/suck/lick on a small orange segment, milo yoghurt and again the cheezles. The play tea set was also a hit. So nice to see my son and a little friend playing on the front lawn. She is a fan of picnics at the moment so is making a great picnic companion.
Another joy is that two speechies have mentioned that they think he may have dyspraxia. Not sure what type but they have said he seems to have trouble with his motor planning. as for what we can do? Not much more than we are already doing. Just keep practicing but things may take a bit longer. It also highlights that assisted communication is going to be an ongoing important thing for us whatever shape and form that takes.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Pulling up to stand
At age 3 and four months Nathan puled to stand by himself at the couch. Quite an achievement. He did it a few more times that day and the next day and hasn't done it again. We know he can. Not sure if he is not confident or the floor is too slippery for him. Will have to be more intentional about getting him to do it rather than seeing if he'll do it himself. He will do it if a small amount of pressure is placed on top of his hands to help him feel secure.
Looking forward to getting a walker for him soon. I'm sure it will annoy me in the house but will be good to take him out with it to wide open spaces or places where there are things that interest him and give it a go.
Looking forward to getting a walker for him soon. I'm sure it will annoy me in the house but will be good to take him out with it to wide open spaces or places where there are things that interest him and give it a go.
Learning to Eat. Week Three
More Playing Ta games during the week. Still not coming naturally and really need to work to get a response. Lots of other babble and vocalisation though.
We bought a blow up lion during the past fortnight and this is fun for a wrestle and something for him to assert himself with.
This week at the speechy it was suggested to go back to fluids only on a spoon. No puree. Stock or other flavoursome liquid only. He seems to like chicken broth and beef stock so that is good. The other suggestion was Wizz Fizz and red skins. The reason for this and the stock is to increase saliva and to get the swallowing action hapening intentionally. He sounds like he is swallowing but he is not pursing his lips closed. He is sticking his tongue out. need to imitate some more lip smacking action. He doesn't seem to mind wizz fizz if we can get it in his mouth. Haven't tried red skins yet.
Teeth cleaning was the other thing we looked at. He seemed to be pretty calm and allow me to stick my finger in his mouth and run it over his teeth. I did this with and without toothpaste. I held him sitting up, holding one arm and having him hold an interesting toy in the other hand, while the musical bunny he was holding sang and buzzed. Still need to work on routine for this and slowly introduce teh toothbrush as he becomes comfortable with sitting and having my finger in his mouth. Ususally teeth cleaning is a terrifying battle for both of us. He has the look of fear in his eyes, we were having to restrain him and I am sure he thought we were going to suction him or put an NG tube in. He would wriggle so much that it must have hurt or been very unpleasant having the brush in his mouth so hastily. He is enjoying holding onto an electric toothbrush and occasionally he'll pop it into his mouth for a bit but he is also using it as a hairbrush.
We bought a blow up lion during the past fortnight and this is fun for a wrestle and something for him to assert himself with.
This week at the speechy it was suggested to go back to fluids only on a spoon. No puree. Stock or other flavoursome liquid only. He seems to like chicken broth and beef stock so that is good. The other suggestion was Wizz Fizz and red skins. The reason for this and the stock is to increase saliva and to get the swallowing action hapening intentionally. He sounds like he is swallowing but he is not pursing his lips closed. He is sticking his tongue out. need to imitate some more lip smacking action. He doesn't seem to mind wizz fizz if we can get it in his mouth. Haven't tried red skins yet.
Teeth cleaning was the other thing we looked at. He seemed to be pretty calm and allow me to stick my finger in his mouth and run it over his teeth. I did this with and without toothpaste. I held him sitting up, holding one arm and having him hold an interesting toy in the other hand, while the musical bunny he was holding sang and buzzed. Still need to work on routine for this and slowly introduce teh toothbrush as he becomes comfortable with sitting and having my finger in his mouth. Ususally teeth cleaning is a terrifying battle for both of us. He has the look of fear in his eyes, we were having to restrain him and I am sure he thought we were going to suction him or put an NG tube in. He would wriggle so much that it must have hurt or been very unpleasant having the brush in his mouth so hastily. He is enjoying holding onto an electric toothbrush and occasionally he'll pop it into his mouth for a bit but he is also using it as a hairbrush.
Learning to Eat. Week One
Seeing a new speechy. Thought I would write down what we are doing and document how we are going. This is for two purposes. One to help me remember what I am menat to be doing and two to see if we are making progress.
Week One.
Getting to know you. Time was spent playing witht he speechy assessing where nathan is at.
She was pleasantly surprised at him putting a spoon in his mouth by himself and taking some small tastes of puree. This was more than was anticipated due to new surroundings and a new person.
Getting to know the big bad wolf. Nathan didn't like the big bad singing wolf and was quick to learn to tell it to go away. He began to assert himself and show that he was in control and that he felt powerful in this situation. A positive in terms of play and increasing self confidence. In terms of his eating, this has been out of his control for so long that by refusing he is having some control over the situation. He has since been refusing nearly every feed by trying to whack the tube out of the way and getting upset at each feed. He's obviously not happy about having the food but not 100% sure why as he is showing hunger signs when doing this. Guess he thinks it makes him uncomfortable. He has been ill with croup and so there would be greater respiratory pressure. Maybe he is uncomfortable or the increase in retching following feeds (about 20 min after) is upsetting him. May need to try water bolus feeds again? Not sure on how much water he can have now with increase in formula volume.
Learning Ta. We have had some success with saying Ta previously but I hadn't heard him use it for a long time. By refusing to give him what was wanted until a response was made he soon began using it again.
Week One.
Getting to know you. Time was spent playing witht he speechy assessing where nathan is at.
She was pleasantly surprised at him putting a spoon in his mouth by himself and taking some small tastes of puree. This was more than was anticipated due to new surroundings and a new person.
Getting to know the big bad wolf. Nathan didn't like the big bad singing wolf and was quick to learn to tell it to go away. He began to assert himself and show that he was in control and that he felt powerful in this situation. A positive in terms of play and increasing self confidence. In terms of his eating, this has been out of his control for so long that by refusing he is having some control over the situation. He has since been refusing nearly every feed by trying to whack the tube out of the way and getting upset at each feed. He's obviously not happy about having the food but not 100% sure why as he is showing hunger signs when doing this. Guess he thinks it makes him uncomfortable. He has been ill with croup and so there would be greater respiratory pressure. Maybe he is uncomfortable or the increase in retching following feeds (about 20 min after) is upsetting him. May need to try water bolus feeds again? Not sure on how much water he can have now with increase in formula volume.
Learning Ta. We have had some success with saying Ta previously but I hadn't heard him use it for a long time. By refusing to give him what was wanted until a response was made he soon began using it again.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Summer 09
It's hard to believe that autumn is almost upon us. We've had a great summer. Nathan's health has been good and we've seen progress in many areas.
Our time away at the beach wass lovely with time and warm weather to go for swims at the beach and have a play in the sand. I'm glad we purchased a little wetsuit for Nathan this year as it made his time in the water more enjoyable.
After spending time with extended family members Nathan has learnt many new party tricks. Beating his chest like tarzan, blowing raspberries on his arm and making grunting noises and imitating us playing tennis on the Wii.
The bottom shuffle has developed. He's now getting quite mobile around the house. A small step stops him from getting out of the back room and into the rest of the house but he has no problem going down this step.
We had out first escape the day. He was playing at the flywire door which I thought was shut. I was in another room when I heard the door bang. I ran to the door and found him sitting at the top of the stairs that go down to the lawn. The drop is a bit over a metre. He was so quick getting out the door. I'll have to make extra sure the doors are shut or even locked!
Our time away at the beach wass lovely with time and warm weather to go for swims at the beach and have a play in the sand. I'm glad we purchased a little wetsuit for Nathan this year as it made his time in the water more enjoyable.
After spending time with extended family members Nathan has learnt many new party tricks. Beating his chest like tarzan, blowing raspberries on his arm and making grunting noises and imitating us playing tennis on the Wii.
The bottom shuffle has developed. He's now getting quite mobile around the house. A small step stops him from getting out of the back room and into the rest of the house but he has no problem going down this step.
We had out first escape the day. He was playing at the flywire door which I thought was shut. I was in another room when I heard the door bang. I ran to the door and found him sitting at the top of the stairs that go down to the lawn. The drop is a bit over a metre. He was so quick getting out the door. I'll have to make extra sure the doors are shut or even locked!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
No more o2 at night
Nathan's oxygen has been turned off for two nights now. The respiratory specialist was pleased with his overnight oximetry test last Monday night. The plan is to now have it off for a month and see how he is going. Hopefully he will stay well and cope without it. I think I will feel more confident after a week of him being in air. It has helped that he has been in air for his day sleeps for a little while now. So I know that he can sleep comfortably in air.
I am so looking forward to cleaning out his room and getting rid of the tanks, tubes and tapes! All plans to set up his room as I woud have liked went out the window when he needed the oxygen as it takes up space. We still have a feeding pump on standby for when he doesnt cope with bolous feeds. It will be nice at some stage to be able to get rid of that too.
I am so looking forward to cleaning out his room and getting rid of the tanks, tubes and tapes! All plans to set up his room as I woud have liked went out the window when he needed the oxygen as it takes up space. We still have a feeding pump on standby for when he doesnt cope with bolous feeds. It will be nice at some stage to be able to get rid of that too.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Collingwood Children's Farm
Was so nice to come back here again. Last time we were here Nathan was sick. He was wanting to chase the ducks and chickens around the yard. A poor guinea pig got a good squeeze. Nathan even milked a cow this visit. The lady helping said "He's got a strong grip!". A few squirts went into the bucket.
It was good to go with Aurora Early Intervention and learn a few more Auslan signs. I now know Auslan for farm, farmer and guinea pig!! All useful in everyday suburban life.
It was good to go with Aurora Early Intervention and learn a few more Auslan signs. I now know Auslan for farm, farmer and guinea pig!! All useful in everyday suburban life.
A trip to the zoo my darling
We took nathan to the zoo last week. It was so nice to go the day after his oxygen test. It was like a little celebration for us.
He loved the monkeys, orangatans an the butterflies. He wasn't overly interested in some of the other large animals. He seemed more interested in the fencing and landscaping! Perhaps it was because the mountain gorillas were in their cage due to cleaning, the lions were sleeping, the elephants were not running around and the giraffes were standing chewing on grass. The monkeys were swinging, the orangatans were playing and the butterflies flapped around and one even landed on daddy's shoulder.
It was a good morning out. A couple of hours were enough for him. We hot footed it around the zoo. We bypassed the reptiles and aussie animals but we saw most other things. We enjoyed it.
He loved the monkeys, orangatans an the butterflies. He wasn't overly interested in some of the other large animals. He seemed more interested in the fencing and landscaping! Perhaps it was because the mountain gorillas were in their cage due to cleaning, the lions were sleeping, the elephants were not running around and the giraffes were standing chewing on grass. The monkeys were swinging, the orangatans were playing and the butterflies flapped around and one even landed on daddy's shoulder.
It was a good morning out. A couple of hours were enough for him. We hot footed it around the zoo. We bypassed the reptiles and aussie animals but we saw most other things. We enjoyed it.
Fundoplication
Respiratory Doctor is keen for us to have Nathan booked in ASAP for a fundoplication. This where they take some stomach and tighten it around the oesophageous. Hopefully it will stop his ongoing reflux and vomiting.
I told him how we were feeding him such small amounts and the frequency and he asked me if we were doing this to avoid a fundo?? I guess we are doing what we can to avoid it. It is starting to seem that it may be a good option but we're not 100% sure yet. It is hard to know whether to wait and see if as he grows he will improve or to bite the bullet and get it done. We don't want him to have surgery if there is another way. It would be nice to wake up tomorrow and it's all better. I was a bit upset when the doctor was suggesting this as we have had such a good few months and I really didn't want to think about surgery and recovery time. It was a bit of a kick to how positive I was feeling about things. Have to try and look at this as a positive thing to improve his situation with his reflux.
Waiting for the gastro specialist to call us and have a chat again. We were booked to see him in March but that is not soon enough apparently.
I told him how we were feeding him such small amounts and the frequency and he asked me if we were doing this to avoid a fundo?? I guess we are doing what we can to avoid it. It is starting to seem that it may be a good option but we're not 100% sure yet. It is hard to know whether to wait and see if as he grows he will improve or to bite the bullet and get it done. We don't want him to have surgery if there is another way. It would be nice to wake up tomorrow and it's all better. I was a bit upset when the doctor was suggesting this as we have had such a good few months and I really didn't want to think about surgery and recovery time. It was a bit of a kick to how positive I was feeling about things. Have to try and look at this as a positive thing to improve his situation with his reflux.
Waiting for the gastro specialist to call us and have a chat again. We were booked to see him in March but that is not soon enough apparently.
Overnight Air Test
We had a great overnight air test. This was the first night in about two years that Nathan has been all night without oxygen (first intentional night- have had a few mishaps where we forgot to turn the tank on. Ooops!). He went really well. The saturation monitor hardly beeped and when it did it was mostly due to us not having the setting for his heart rate low enough. He only had two times that I was aware of where he dropped a bit low and I think it was mostly due to his postion. I was so pleased that we didn't need to put the oxygen on him overnight. It was a much better result than I expected.
From here we need to wait for the specialist to call after he has seen the results. If he is pleased then we will take him off for a month and se how he goes. If he loses weight or doesn't seem himself then we will do another test or put it back on. If all is good we will check in another month.
From here we need to wait for the specialist to call after he has seen the results. If he is pleased then we will take him off for a month and se how he goes. If he loses weight or doesn't seem himself then we will do another test or put it back on. If all is good we will check in another month.
my oh my
It's been a while since I've posted here.
Since the last post:
The bottom shuffle has a new look. This new and improved method is getting the little man around the house. He is now exploring and has discovered the box of lemons in the kitchen. he thinks they are great for throwing around. hence the odd impromptu game of cricket. I'm the batter with the wrapping paper for my bat and Nathan is the bowler!
Nathan is currently learning how to negotiate stairs. We have one little one into our back room which he can turn a little and plop down without too much drama. As for a greater drop or multiple stairs that will need a bit more practice.
As he is moving around more we are discovering that he has a great interest for heading out the door to explore the woder world. Need to make sure I shut the door behind me or assist him out to a safe. It's a great thing.
His little legs are now on the move and he is wanting to walk with assistnace all over the place. No more sitting contently on our knees. His soldier legs are starting to bend a little.
We were all over the gastro in a relatively short time. Nathan's feeds have taken a long time to return to what they were prior to becoming sick. We have just got back to 50ml bolus feed every 45 minutes. So we are down to 12 milk feeds a day rather than 15. Still need to take it slowly to stretch his tummy. Seems we are pushing the limits at the moment but should settle soon. He had a few unexpected projectiles this morning due to a build up of air I think. All fun.
Since the last post:
The bottom shuffle has a new look. This new and improved method is getting the little man around the house. He is now exploring and has discovered the box of lemons in the kitchen. he thinks they are great for throwing around. hence the odd impromptu game of cricket. I'm the batter with the wrapping paper for my bat and Nathan is the bowler!
Nathan is currently learning how to negotiate stairs. We have one little one into our back room which he can turn a little and plop down without too much drama. As for a greater drop or multiple stairs that will need a bit more practice.
As he is moving around more we are discovering that he has a great interest for heading out the door to explore the woder world. Need to make sure I shut the door behind me or assist him out to a safe. It's a great thing.
His little legs are now on the move and he is wanting to walk with assistnace all over the place. No more sitting contently on our knees. His soldier legs are starting to bend a little.
We were all over the gastro in a relatively short time. Nathan's feeds have taken a long time to return to what they were prior to becoming sick. We have just got back to 50ml bolus feed every 45 minutes. So we are down to 12 milk feeds a day rather than 15. Still need to take it slowly to stretch his tummy. Seems we are pushing the limits at the moment but should settle soon. He had a few unexpected projectiles this morning due to a build up of air I think. All fun.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
2 day stay
Nothing was staying down so after a trip to the gp a call to ace program at rch we made our way to emerg. dept.
We stayed two nights in an iso room as not sure what the cause was. At the moment we are on pump feeds with minimal formula and gastrolyte to make up the rest. thought we were going well today until we had a fountain shoot out as I did a nappy change. there were tears. all that time to get it in (50ml/p.hr) and it flew out. oh well back to gastrolyte. he'd only had 250ml formula today.
Hubby also came down ill last night. guessing its the same thing. At least its not a blockage.
We stayed two nights in an iso room as not sure what the cause was. At the moment we are on pump feeds with minimal formula and gastrolyte to make up the rest. thought we were going well today until we had a fountain shoot out as I did a nappy change. there were tears. all that time to get it in (50ml/p.hr) and it flew out. oh well back to gastrolyte. he'd only had 250ml formula today.
Hubby also came down ill last night. guessing its the same thing. At least its not a blockage.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
eye test
eye test was all good. We go back in one year unless eye turning becomes more regular or gets worse. I'm very pleased. Glad we have accesss to all sorts of things to help with sight, hearing, walking, eating but sometimes it's nice to hear come back in a year.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Down Syndrome Awareness week 08
Down Syndrome Awareness week is this week. This morning we attended a morning tea to celebrate 30 years of Down Syndrome Victoria. Much has changed over the last 30 years as far as opportunites for people with DS. Hopefully much more can change over the next 30 years.
You can visit DSV website for more events, articles, research etc.
www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au
Dianne Tymms, who is in my DS support group, wrote an article in this months Melbourne Child magazine about her twins, Louisa and Harry. Harry has DS.
You can visit DSV website for more events, articles, research etc.
www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au
Dianne Tymms, who is in my DS support group, wrote an article in this months Melbourne Child magazine about her twins, Louisa and Harry. Harry has DS.
Specialists
For those who are interested in who we see if you are looking for a specialist:
Cardiologist: Michael Cheung RCH
Respiratory: John Massie RCH
Gastroenterology: Tony Cato-Smith RCH
Endocrinology: Margret Zacharin RCH
Opthamology: David Mackie RCH
Audiology: RCH/Australian Hearing
ENT: RCH
Physio: SCOPE
OT: SCOPE
Speech: SCOPE
Teacher of the Deaf: Aurora
Hearing Impaired Early Learning Group: Aurora
Orthotics: Orthotic Innovations Surrey Hills, David Philips
Paediatrician: Bill Capell
Dietician: Box Hill
Stomal Therapist: Box Hill/RCH
Osteopath: RMIT Clinic, Paediatric Specialist: Nahla
GP
Down Syndrome Victoria: My Time Parent Support Group
I guess this is why my calendar is pretty full!
Cardiologist: Michael Cheung RCH
Respiratory: John Massie RCH
Gastroenterology: Tony Cato-Smith RCH
Endocrinology: Margret Zacharin RCH
Opthamology: David Mackie RCH
Audiology: RCH/Australian Hearing
ENT: RCH
Physio: SCOPE
OT: SCOPE
Speech: SCOPE
Teacher of the Deaf: Aurora
Hearing Impaired Early Learning Group: Aurora
Orthotics: Orthotic Innovations Surrey Hills, David Philips
Paediatrician: Bill Capell
Dietician: Box Hill
Stomal Therapist: Box Hill/RCH
Osteopath: RMIT Clinic, Paediatric Specialist: Nahla
GP
Down Syndrome Victoria: My Time Parent Support Group
I guess this is why my calendar is pretty full!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Do the Shuffle
Nathan is on the move. He has worked out how to shuffle on his bottom. It looks like hard work. He basically lifts his legs up, while seated, and splits them out wide and scoots forward. There is an awful lot of heel banging that goes on and it is inch by inch progress. But he reaches his destination. At the moment he only moves about one metre. I'm sure as he adjusts and masters his shuffle technique that he'll be travelling greater distances.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9TpNrYfxes
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9TpNrYfxes
AFO's
This morning we went and picked up Nathan's AFO's. They are his jungle legs as they have prints of jungle animals on them. The orthotists took before and after pic's of his feet with/without the AFO's as he was saying there is so much difference. He is hopeful that Nathan won't have to have these ones for too long (6 months or a bit more) and then he can have shorter, ankle length ones. He is pretty sure he will always need some kind of additional support for his feet/ankles sue to his low tone.
Nathan was very good when we put them on him. We cheered a lot and he had a big smile. We'll see how we go over the next few weeks. Orthotist would like us to work up to 8 hours a day. Just have to keep an eye out for any red patches that don't clear after 30 min or so, any blistering or callouses that may form. If this happens we go back for some adjustments to be made.
Just need to go shoe shopping for shoes to fit.
Nathan was very good when we put them on him. We cheered a lot and he had a big smile. We'll see how we go over the next few weeks. Orthotist would like us to work up to 8 hours a day. Just have to keep an eye out for any red patches that don't clear after 30 min or so, any blistering or callouses that may form. If this happens we go back for some adjustments to be made.
Just need to go shoe shopping for shoes to fit.
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