Erika had a rough year medically.  She started coughing, gagging and retching 2-5 times a week.  It was so tiring on her that she would sleep for hours after an “attack”.  We saw her Pulmonologist, Gastrointerologist, Cardiologist, and neurologist.  No one could figure out what was causing this to happen.  She went into the hospital and had numerous tests and exploratory procedures, everything was fine.  We had a narrowed down to either abdominal migraines or abdominal seizures. After also seeing a holistic doctor we decided to take her off of dairy.  The “canned” formula she was receiving through her feeding tube was dairy based and processed.  I started blending natural foods, with out the dairy. Just as we were scheduled to go back into the hospital for a 48 hour EEG to see if it was abdominal seizures, we realized that it had been weeks since an attack so we postponed the EEG.  Three months later she continued to no longer have the “attacks” we are assuming she was lactose intolerant.  

 

Something else we are trying is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.  Erika goes into a “tube” something like an MRI, it is closed and she receives 100% pressurized oxygen over one hour and 20 minutes.  This is suppose to help bring out dormant brain cells, increase blood flow to the brain, help with circulation and healing.  You need to do a minium of 20 “dives” then take a break and you can do more.  WE are very excited to see how this will affect Erika and her development.

 

This last year during the intensive Therapy she started using crutches while in the special suit!  This was a very powerful and exciting day for us.  She continues to use the crutches during her Physical Therapy at home and at School.  We see that our goal for Erika to walk is quite possible.