....I haven't updated this blog in a while partially due to the progress that Felipe has been making. Felipe's new therapist is using the Cuevas Medeck Exercises to building up muscles and improve his ability to hold himself up. The first 2 weeks, he cried throughout every session. It was hard to witness but the results were almost immediate. Felipe began to hold his chest up, more upright, he began to feel more confident in kneel walking. Kneel walking is key bc it uses all the muscles to walk and it also means he is bearing his weight on his hips. Felipe still going to the gym on Monday and Fridays and during this time is when we could really guage the difference in performance. He is holding himself up with the braces, he is taking side steps to explore his space.
While we are making progress in one area, we are slowing loosing control in the area of behavior. He is biting more, he is smacking and even once tried to kick me away. (I have to say I didn't mind the kick, bc it is showing a sign of strength where he used to be weak). I submitted a request for evaluations. They evaluated him for Speech (ST) and Special Instruction (SI). The evaluators both suggested Occupational (OT) evaluation so that they can rule out any sensory issues.
He qualified for ST, he is speaking more at an 10-12month old level. He also qualified for SI, he has behavioral issues that could stem from not being able to communicate and also from the trauma of so many hospitalizations/pain. There was a few weeks wait as the evaluations, reports and paperwork were submitted. However he was approved for ST 2x a week and SI 1x a week. He was denied OT bc the evaluator thought that his fine motor skills were above average. (he throws objects like no other! and has good aim has he frequently bopped the evaluater on the head w the toys). However, after speaking w the PT, he thinks that Felipe should be receiving OT due to his upper body weakness. We will ask for a reassessment in a few months.
At first I was annoyed that the PT withheld his opinion on the OT until after the rejection but realistically he is boarderline weak at his age group. So there is still the possibility of being rejected. Additionally, Felipe now has 2 additional services to coordinate and having a little time before another one is scheduled might be a good thing.
So we are folling up with accupunture every 2 weeks, just to make sure that he is doing well in terms of his digestion and to see if any improvements have been made. I think it has been useful for him and in combination with the new physical therapy style, Felipe has improved significantly.
As for his kidney and other development, his appointment has been rescheduled to later in August, so we can gather the baseline results at that time.
I"ll schedule in some time to update more frequently. Next steps are to 1) find an OT that is covered by his health insurance and 2) schedule an appointment with Ortho sooner to reevaluate his hips and what needs to be done.
Until then, thank you for support and prayers.
God Bless
No comments:
Post a Comment