Got Parasites??? GRAPHIC PICTURES

Since we started on our Biomedical journey with Hayden 3 years ago his stool tests have always come back positive for parasites.  The type of parasite was always identified as protozoan.   Our DAN!  physician and pediatrician never put an emphasis on Hayden having parasites as a big deal.  We have done every natural remedy and treatment under the sun to treat the parasites.  I honestly didn't feel that the parasites were an issue.  I felt we did the treatments surely my son does not have worms anymore.  I thought Hayden just had / has serious yeast issues.  Then a little birdie told me to start watching the moon phases.

Honestly when the little birdie told me to watch the moon phases I thought she was a quack.  Ah, I am so eating those thoughts now!!  The first full moon I paid attention to Hayden's behavior and thought......hmm, this is a coincidence.  Hayden's behaviors were off the charts.  He was stimming more, he was agitated, he was humping, hyper, and not sleeping well.  Then came the new moon.  What??  Seriously?? Hayden was a hot mess for a few days.  The full came around and bang.......there was my proof.  Hayden appeared and acted to be possessed.  It was the worst behavior I had seen from him in 3 years.  I was a hot mess.  In total fear that Hayden was "lost" again and we might not get him back this time. I was like this for a few days.  It was scary.  I freaked out hardcore.  Then a switch flipped in my mind, I pulled on my big girl panties and went into instant, full on kill the parasites mode.

I did massive amounts of research.  I made phone calls and emails to various people doing the parasite treatment I was considering.  I even called a friend that is a chemist to make sure what I was going to give my son was safe.  I am beyond grateful that an amazing friend started this treatment around the same time I did.  She has been an amazing support person.  The protocol that we are doing is new and still in development phase.  It has been fabulous to compare notes, brainstorm, and bounce ideas back and forth.  She also helps keep me in check and a constant supporter :)  Beyond grateful that autism brought us together!

How is Hayden doing on the protocol???  Well, MIND BLOWING!!!  Hayden's spontaneous functional language has made a drastic increase.  He is sharing so many amazing things with us instead of speaking only to get needs met.  Hayden says things like "Come and get me Ruby" "I love you Mommy" "Winston is barking" "Look it's raining".  His eye contact has increased.  His attention span has increased.  He constantly wants to be with us and is rarely in a room by himself.  Hayden asks to go see friends all the time.  Hayden is asking "W" questions with ease.  Hayden went from sleeping a solid 9 hours a night to 11 hours a night.  He has also developed a strong love for eating vegetables.  Hayden is also way more open to trying new foods.  He is following directions with ease.  I even made him a responsibility chart to check off daily and he gets the concept and happily completes his chores.  Hayden learned to ride a scooter and pedal a bike.

So, YES MIND BLOWING PROGRESS!!!!  This is only in 1.5 months time too :)

Hayden's ATEC went from 52 when we started the protocol on 12/26 to 22 on 2/1.  That is a GINORMOUS drop and I was super stingy with the rating process.

We were the "lucky" ones that actually tested positive for parasites.  From what I understand is that most people don't test positive.  I know several people that have tested negative and the worms that are coming out the is CRAZY.  You are better off to look at symptoms.

Symptoms that you have parasites:

Bloated Abdomen
Poor weight gain / growth
Itchy rectum
Teeth Grinding
Allergies
Anemia
Increased irritability (or strange behaviors during the new and full moon....that is when parasites are most active)
Anemia
Joint pain
Chronic Fatigue
Sleep Disturbances
Immune Dysfunction

If you don't believe me start tracking the moon cycles.  The new moon was just here on Sunday.  The next full moon is February 25, 2013.

How do I know we are on the right track of killing this life sucking parasites??  1) all of the amazing progress that Hayden has made 2) I see the parasites coming out in his stool every day.  The following pictures are only a minor portion of what Hayden is passing daily.  At first was grossed out, upset, and pissed off at myself for not putting more thought and treatment and emphasis on the parasites.  Now, I am just like that's right die mother f*uckers I am reclaiming my son's body for him.

A Beginning to the End???

The last month has been a whirlwind of events for my sweet Hayden.  His language has exploded and he seems to be in our world a large majority of the day.  Hayden plays with Ruby pretty much all day long.  One of their favorite things to do together is Ruby rides her tricycle and Hayden chases her on his scooter.

Speaking of scooters and tricycles this is a new skill for the kids.  I am super excited about it.  Despite Hayden's off the charts gross motor skills riding a bike or kicking around on a scooter have been a challenge for him.  He could pedal but not steer.  Hayden now has the motor planning to coordinate both skills :)  He even rings the bell and wears his helmet while scootering around.

Hayden continues to have the most amazing "spark" in his eyes.  We use to see glimpses of that spark every once in awhile and now all we see is the spark.  He no longer has a flat effect.  Hayden is pretty much all smiles these days.  It is easier to get a good picture of Hayden then to get a good picture of Ruby.  Hayden has amazing energy in his eyes.  It's a spark that I have not seen in him since we "lost" him at 18 months of age.  There are several points in the day when I just stop and watch his eyes in amazement.

He still has occasional tantrums.  Hayden's tantrums have become typical.  He tantrums because he can not get what he wants or because he is over tiered.  Hayden no longer tantrums because he is overstimulated or is unable to communicate his wants with us.  Hayden does test us from time to time to see if tantruming will get him what he wants.  It is actually super cute and I really should try to get it on film.  He has this grin on his face and lets out a puny outburst and looks right at you to see what the reaction will be.  It is hard for me not to laugh at his "fake" tantrum.

Hayden has also exhibited a strong want to be around other people.  We have recently had 3 members or our team stop coming to work with Hayden for various reasons (which we love and miss all of you but are super happy that you are doing what makes you happy).  Hayden asks for them by name using the "w" questions (where, why, when) which is pretty big stuff.  Hayden rarely used "w" questions in the past.  He now asks appropriate "w" questions through out the day. WooT.....WooT!!!

Hayden and Ruby recently had their cousin Corra spend the night.  The kids were so excited to go to Corra's house, play with their other cousins, and bring Corra home with us.  On the drive over the cousins house Hayden told me that he was going to play in Gaige's room.  While we were there Hayden played with the kids non-stop.  He laughed with them, he talked to them, he looked at them in the eyes!, and he didn't have one outburst!!  Pretty freaking amazing :)  When we got home Hayden wanted to sleep with the girls instead of Mommy.  I cried like a freaking baby.  I have been dreaming and praying for Hayden to want to play and be with other people for the past three years now.  He slept with the girls until 1am when Ruby woke up screaming because there were monsters in her bedroom. 

So is this the beginning to the end of Hayden's autism????  I am not 100% positive but I sure freaking believe so.  Hayden has more and more typical behavior and less and less autistic behavior.  Recently he is demonstrating more typical behavior when he is not in his therapy room and more autistic behavior in his therapy room.  I am not sure what to make of this?

The thought of the "beginning to the end" has really got me thinking about what I am going to do when Hayden is 100% recovered.  I don't see myself shutting the door, walking away, and washing my hands of autism. I feel that I have learned far too much not to share it with the rest of the world.   I want to help people live healthier lives.  I want to help people recover their children from autism.  I want to work with autistic people.  So what am I going to do????  Well I am going back to school when the kids are both in school.  What am I going to go to school for???  Good question!  I am not 100% sure yet but I am leaning towards my phd in functional medicine.  I want to write a book.  I want to have my own practice where I can educate people on nutrition and healing their bodies.  I have always felt that I was not done having children.  I am starting to see this differently.

What if I don't physically have more children but I give autistic children their lives back?  I know whatever I do I am going to do it 100% with lots of love and passion :)

Not born with autism and won't have autism one day soon :)

For the Love of Vegetables :)

Someone pinch me....................I seriously think I am dreaming.  My little Hayden has become such a vegetable muncher!!!  I honestly never thought that he would get to the point of begging for vegetables.    The first words out of his mouth this morning was, "I want lorax brussel sprouts Mommy."  Music to my ears.  He then went to the kitchen and brought a red pepper to me.  I was getting ready for work so I whispered to Hayden to go ask his Dad.  Hayden took the red pepper and placed it in Daddy's hand.  He then said, "Cut up red pepper for me to eat."

It is hard to believe that less than a year ago the only vegetable Hayden would eat was green beans.  He only consumed green beans when I told him had to eat the green beans that was on his plate before he could have something else to eat.  Hayden's diet pretty much consisted of fruit and carbohydrates.  He would eat plate full upon plate full of fresh fruit.  I thought I was doing good getting nutrition in him because he was consuming fruit.  WOW.......I was so freaking wrong!!!  

One of Hayden's major medical challenges has been the yeast beast.  What does yeast feed off of???  You guessed it........SUGAR!  What is a lot of fruit high in........SUGAR!  What does carbohydrates break down into during digestion..........SUGAR!  AHHHHH!!!!

I made the decision that we were going to go on the GAPS diet.  I knew we needed to do something drastic and drastic it was.  My poor babies did not eat for 4 days.  Hayden (5 years old) got down to 28 pounds.  GAPS diet is grain free, refined sugar free, and lactose free.  We currently eat no casein, no grains, no refined sugar, no fruit, and no honey.  I found that Hayden could not handle fruit or honey.  We only eat nuts, chicken, beef, all vegetables, and coconut oil.  

I know that doesn't sound like we don't eat well.  I can guarantee you that we are the healthiest we have ever been.  Hayden has gained 12 pounds in 8 months!!!!  He has gained more weight in the last 8 months than he has in 3.5 years.  This is all from eating healthy foods :)

I have never made a huge deal about what I put on Hayden's plate.  I put the food on his plate and give it to him.  I let him have complete control of what he chooses to put in his mouth. (well maybe not complete control because I buy the groceries and prepare the meals).  We have modeled to him how much fun it is to eat vegetables.  I think Ruby has been super helpful in this process.  She is always munching on some kind of vegetable.  Whenever Hayden has choose to touch a vegetable I celebrate him, even if it is throwing it on the floor or putting it on my plate.  There have been times when Hayden has put the vegetable in his mouth, chewed it up, and spit it on the floor or on my plate.  I celebrate him for that.

Slowly but surely in the last 6 months Hayden has drastically increased his vegetable intake.  Pretty exciting stuff!!!  Here is the vegetables that Hayden currently eats.............

Brussel Sprouts

Butternut Squash

Green Beans 

Broccoli

Carrots

Peppers....red, yellow, orange, and green

Cauliflower

Peas

Asparagus

I also put the following in his juice which he watches me prepare.....

spinach

collard greens

celery

kale

It's such a delight to watch Hayden enjoy all of these fabulous vegetables :)

Hayden 4 years ago and Hayden now..........

It is hard to believe that it has been four years since we started seeking help for our little man at the tender age of 18 months.  At 18 months of I age I was the only person that thought something was off with Hayden (or at least the only person that would admit it).  I sought input from our physician at the time and she said to wait it out.  I decided to call First Steps and get the ball rolling on my own.  Here is what their assessment at 18 months of age says:

Does not respond to name
Does not have any eye contact
Does not follow directions
Does not have any language and does not babble
Does not respond when parents enter or exit a room
Screams when touched and quickly moves away
Prefers to play alone
Lines up cars in perfect straight rows
Can not handle any kind of schedule change
Flat facial expression
Mouths objects frequently

Hayden then began to take a big nose dive from 18 months to two years of age.  He stopped sleeping and started screaming more and more.  At one point I thought he was having seizures in the middle of the night.  He would wake up screaming a scream that you would think someone was beating the crap out of him.  It was horrific!!  His eyes did not move and the only way to settle him down somewhat was to put in Baby Einstein videos for him to watch.  I felt so useless to him at this time and scared.

All I wanted was for Hayden to want me to hold him and call me Mommy.  I use to hold him anyway.  He would scream and kick and try to get away from me but I wanted to be close to him and I thought forcing it on him was the way to go. This time in our lives truly taught me unconditional love.

A very typical look from Hayden, very flat

Always chewing on something

HATED birthday parties

Would not touch messy things

lack of eye contact

In his own world

We had to stop singing to him on his third birthday because it upset him 

Always finding him doing crazy things

So where is Hayden now.............

Today a new student started on our team.  It is easier for me to do the initial training with the kids not home or in the playroom.  Brandon needed to go to one of his apartments to do some work and decided he would take the kids with him.  Hayden has NEVER and I mean NEVER willing went anywhere with Brandon while I am home.  This morning Hayden was super excited to go with Daddy.  He went and got his coat, hat, and shoes on and came to us and said, "Go to apartments."  He went right with Daddy super happy.  He even came home happy.

He has talked non stop today.  Sharing with us what he sees, what he wants, he even asked me a few questions today.  Ones that I have never heard him say...."What's for dinner," "Where's Carleen" (this one was super exciting because Carleen was scheduled to play with him today but was unable to come....he even asked this around the time she was suppose to be here).

Hayden played with his sister for 45 minutes straight this evening building train tracks together and playing with trains.  They took turns on the swing and Hayden had no issues with waiting his turn.

Hayden shared his book with Grammie.  He told her about the different pictures in the book and answered her questions.  He sat so close that he was touching her.  Hayden told Grammie several different things to play and do tonight.  When Grammie left I went to the garage to open the garage door for her and about a minute later Hayden came running out waving and saying, "Goodbye Grammie."

Hayden is completely toilet trained day and night.  He toilets completely by himself.  He dresses himself the majority of the time.  He feeds himself.  He sleeps 10-11 hours a night.  He brushes his teeth with out issues.  He handles boundaries and change with out difficulty.  He often seeks us out and rarely wants to be by himself.

He east an amazing diet of vegetables, nuts, and meat only.  He enjoys and asks for broccoli and rice (which is cauliflower with peas and carrots in it).  He eats every vegetable that I put in front of him these days.  Super exciting seeing him joyfully eat such great foods :)

Hayden asks frequently to cuddle fish (his way of asking for cuddles).  He hugs us and kisses us.  He tells hi and goodbye.  He tantrums are less than a typical 5 year old.  He smiles and laughs.

WOW!!!  Pure amazingness  :)

I wish he would just leave her alone..............

This morning Hayden, Ruby, and I sat down at the table to work on some school work.  We worked on school work for about 15 minutes.  Ruby worked on her hand writing and Hayden worked on reading. We then did a puzzle.  This is when the "picking" started.  Hayden took one of Ruby's puzzle pieces with a big grin on his face.  He waited for her to look at him then he threw it on the floor.  Ruby then screamed and Hayden snickered.  I turned my head from the kids and snickered too :)  The kids went back to work on their puzzles.

When they finished their puzzles Hayden started looking at and reading his I-Spy cars book.  Ruby joined him in looking at the book.  It started out super sweet.  Ruby would point to the picture she wanted Hayden to find and Hayden would find it.  After a bit of this I suggested that they take turns finding the pictures.  They took turns for a little bit then Hayden decided to "mix" it up a bit.  He looked at Ruby with that mischievous little grin of his and I knew he was plotting something.  He would point to the picture Ruby was to find, give her a second, and then point to the picture, and say, "here Ruby."  Ruby then quickly said, "It's my turn."  Hayden actually shrugged his little shoulders at her with the little grin of his.  This went on for a few turns and Ruby got sick of it and went to play with her pony.

Hayden finished looking at the book and then went to Ruby's bedroom where Butterscotch pony and Ruby where playing.  He quickly climbed on Butterscotch's back and said, "Giddy Up Butterscotch."  Ruby's face was priceless.  She put her little hand on her hip and sighed.  She continued brushing Butterscotch and Hayden continued to ridding Butterscotch.  Ruby then decided that Butterscotch was hungry.

We have a board game that has little acorns in it.  Ruby like to feed the acorns to Butterscotch.  I stayed in Ruby's bedroom with Hayden while Ruby went to get the acorns.  Hayden made that little grin again.  I thought, "Hmmm.....I wonder what is going to happen next."  Ruby came back with the acorns and Hayden left.  Ruby started feeding the acorns to Butterscotch and Hayden came back with the rest of the board game.  Hayden said, "Ruby play squirrel." (the name of the game is sneaky squirrel).  Beautiful moment :)  Ruby said, "No."  Hayden then took the acorns.  Ruby screamed at Hayden.  Hayden ignored her.  She then said, "Those are mine."  He looked her right in the eyes and with his little pointer finger poked her in the arm.  

Ruby then choose to become super unhappy about the poking.  She ran screaming out of the room and Hayden continued down the hall with his pointer finger in the poking position.  Hayden caught her and continued to poke her.  Ruby screamed, "Leave me alone."  For that brief moment I thought man, I wish he would just leave her alone.

Wow, what a thought.  I stopped myself super quick in that thought.  I absolutely do NOT want Hayden to leave Ruby alone.  I then thought that this is pretty freaking normal!!! Siblings poke at one another.  What an amazing morning.  My sweet babies have played and poked at one another for 90 minutes straight.

Amazing......Amazing......Amazing.........2012 has been an amazing year for us :)

A Magical Trip to See Santa

It amazes me how much your perspective can change in an instant.  If you have been following my blog you know that Hayden has had a rough month and I have allowed myself to be an emotional mess during this period of time.  Well that all changed at about 12:40 pm today :)

I was ridding in the car on our way home with my husband and both children from visiting Santa.  What a treat it was that all four of us were able to go together.  While ridding in the car I was reflecting back about the events that had just taken place.  I have to admit that it took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes.

We had a rare break in therapy today and decided to take full advantage of it and go visit Santa at the mall.  I had no expectation of the trip and decided if Hayden didn't want to go in I would just wait in the truck with him and Daddy and Ruby could visit Santa.  Hayden has not went anywhere but Grammie's house for the last several weeks.  The reason we have not been taking him places is because he was showing signs that he was stressed.  While we are recovering Hayden from autism we want him to be as comfortable as possible and avoid stress as much as possible.

We got to the mall and Hayden was very excited.  He could hardly wait to get out of the truck to see Santa.  Hayden kept saying, "See Santa....I want a dump truck."  Ruby was not as eager but still wanted to see Santa.

We entered the building and Hayden began to verbally stim a bit.  He was repeated the sound "ahh..ahh.ahh" in high pitched tone about 3 times.  Then grabbed ahold of my hand and calmed down.

We turned the corner and we could see Santa.  The kids both had a huge smile on their faces.  We went through the little set up, wrote letters to Santa, and then we got to see the big guy.  The kids both stayed about a foot back but were very interested in Santa.  They carefully looked him over.

Santa then asked Hayden what he wanted for Christmas.  Hayden promptly said, "A dump truck."  Santa then asked if Hayden had been a good boy.  Hayden said, "Yes."

Then it was Ruby's turn and Santa asked her what she wanted.  Ruby said, "a helicopter with a remote."  She told Santa she was a nice girl.

I then told the kids that they could give Santa a hug.  Hayden actually stepped close to Santa and I thought he was going to hug him.  Hayden then put his hand on Santa's hand and said, "Merry Christmas."

I was blown away.  Hayden generally doesn't talk to strangers and in the past screamed at the sight of Santa.  It was pure amazement.  I began to cry tears of joy.  I am so proud of Hayden.  It is hard to believe that three years ago I was told that my son might never speak or interact with people.  Here was my little man having a conversation with Santa with a big smile on his face the entire time.

We were getting ready to leave and Hayden said, "Go to bookstore."  So that is just what we did.  We went to the book store and both kids picked out a book.  Hayden and Ruby both walked, didn't have a tantrum, didn't even scream.  When it was time to pay for the books we were getting Hayden had no problem waiting in line, giving his book to the clerk, and only getting one book.  He was calm and still had a smile on his face.

Brandon and I took the kids for lunch at Red Robin.  Hayden and Ruby were super excited for this.  Hayden had chicken on a stick and steamed broccoli.  Ruby ate her adult portion of whiskey river wraps and her adult serving of steam broccoli.  Hayden and Ruby both sat on their bottoms in the booth and ate their food.  It was AMAZING....I even got to eat my food.  While we were eating Hayden said, "Go downstairs."

The carousel at the mall is downstairs.  When we finished eating Ruby and Hayden walked holding hands all the way to the carousel.  We walked past candy stores, gum ball machines, cookies stores, toy stores, and the play area.  Hayden didn't even ask once for any of those things.  In the past he would have a tantrum at the sight of forbidden food.  I think he is getting the concept that those types of food hurt his tummy and make him not feel well.

We got to the carousel and both kids rode their own animal. When were done Hayden thanked the lady with out me telling him to.  We then went potty and were on our way home.

We had such an amazing morning together!!  Hayden didn't even want to wear his hat to help block some of the noise.   He didn't have one outburst or tantrum.  He was just a typical kid today.  I would even say an extra well behaved typical kid today :)

At 12:40 after my reflection.  I said to Brandon, "Why do I let myself get so worked up when Hayden is having a rough time?  He has come so far and me getting upset is helping no one."  Ahh.....the truth comes out.  I think about where we were 3 years ago when we started our journey to recover Hayden from autism and where we are today.  WOW...WOW...WOW!!!

Absolutely mind blowing :)  3 years ago Hayden didn't respond to us, we didn't think he knew what his name was, he tantrumed 90% of the day and night, he had NO language (actually no sounds except screaming), he wouldn't allow us to touch him, and no eye contact.

Here Hayden is today having a conversation with Santa :)

Hurting for Hayden

The past 48 hours have been a challenge and a true testament to the dedication I have for my son.  We removed fruit from his diet 48 hours ago and he has been craving it big time.  He screams and tantrums the way a drug addict craves drugs.  The craving he has for fruit (mainly the sugar that is in fruit) has taken him over.  Hayden has become pale and has dark circles under his eyes.  His belly is bloated and he is emotional.  He is sensory seeking more than I have seen him do in the past year.

I feel like my heart has been kicked and that someone is sitting on my chest.  I absolutely hurt for him.  I know that I am doing what is best for him.   I made a statement to God tonight "Has he not suffered enough."  I know many people might think he just has autism....he is not suffering.

Hayden has been hospitalized 2 times in the pediatric intensive care for his asthma, once to the pediatric floor.  He has had stitches, staples, and been glued on three separate occasions.  He has had numerous blood draws that usually require 3 plus sticks to get his blood drawn.  He has had oral surgery to remove two teeth and fill 15 surfaces on his feet.  Hayden has horrible gut issues that just don't want to stop despite my best efforts.  Hayden is unable to eat any kind of grain, dairy, fruit, and refined sugar.  He has to consume an all organic diet to reduce his toxic load.  Hayden had horrible eczema until we figured out what was causing it.  Haircuts are physically painful as well as teeth brushing, loud sounds, lots of things moving, smells, and bright lights.

In all that Hayden has been through I am still thankful and incredibly blessed.  I am thankful that he does not have a life threatening disease.  I am beyond grateful that he has the ability to communicate with me his wants or needs, to give me a kiss, a hug, and say I love you.  There are parents out there that NEVER get any of those things from their children.  Heck their are people out there that are not even able to have children.  Their are parents out there that hold their dyeing children in their arms.  There are mothers out there that give birth to babies that are not living.

My challenge to you is to really look at your children and celebrate them.  Celebrate the fact that they are able to tell you NO, celebrate the fact that they are able to spill their drink on the floor, celebrate the fact that they are able to kick and scream and have a full blown temper tantrum.  What an incredible blessing and NONE of it, I mean NONE of it should be taken for granted!!!

While I type this blog my mind is thinking of all the parents I have watched hold their children while they take their last breath.  For you I am grateful to have that experience with you.  By being present in one of the hardest days of your lives you taught me to be a better parent.  I don't take one day for granted and truly take the time to be present with my children.  My heart and prayers are with you all.

I often look at Ruby and can't help to think about how super amazing she is.  I love the fact that she can tell me exactly what she is thinking........sassy or not.  I appreciate that she can tell me NO or STOP IT. It is my job as her parent to teach her and model her how to be respectful and loving.  If I choose to have a tantrum or yell at her for telling me NO what does that teach her.........yelling gets you what you want.  I prefer to get down on her level and explain to her why we don't talk to Mommy like that.  No, I am not perfect and yes, I have yelled at her.  I do my best.

I am sitting by my sweet Hayden watching him sleep.  It is amazing to me how peaceful his body looks while he is sleeping tonight.  I know in a few more days the worst of the fruit and honey withdrawals will be behind us and the healing will begin once again.

My heart is still heavy for Hayden tonight and I am okay with that.  A nice soak in the bath, with a few chocolates, and a nice book sound like a nice way to end my day and refocus on what my purpose is.