Day 60

Well it is day 60 of the diet.  Looking back at all of the successes and set backs we have had over the past 2 months it is important to remember that this is happening to Ryan and in part to Julia as well.  They are two little children having a grand time with each other and their friends at school.  They say good morning to each other every morning and kiss each other good night each night before bed.  They are so happy to see each other that we get reports from day care that when they run into each other they have to give each other a big hug.

Through all of the craziness of doctors appointments, CPSE meetings, faxes, emails, phone calls, supplements, and constantly watching what Ryan eats we have to consider ourselves very lucky.  We have support from family and friends and we have our little boy back.

PC    

Day 49

We are psyched about the walk this weekend.  Colleagues at Mahopac Middle School purchased team shirts and wore them today to support Autism Awareness.  Phil and I are blessed to have so many people in our lives that have embraced our cause, and more importantly, have embraced Ryan.  While Ryan may not realize it now, he is not only being raised by his parents, but also by all of the people who are there for us.  There is a saying "It takes a village to raise a child".  It goes without saying that Ryan's village includes our family and friends, his teachers and support staff, and his doctors.  But it goes beyond that list.  It includes the colleagues we work with who have been supportive and lend us their ear and a shoulder to lean on at work.  It includes the people that have provided us emotional and financial support.  And I can't forget those that check in with us daily to see how we are doing, provide us with information and encouragement, and motivate us to write this blog each night.

For many years I questioned my purpose in life.  I often lie awake in bed crying because there are so many issues in the world that I can't change.  There are millions of people (and animals) suffering from disease, hunger, and abuse.  I want so badly to make a difference, but have never felt empowered to do so.  Until now.  For the first time I am recognizing my purpose and realizing what I need to do.  And it is the support from this "village" that gives me the strength.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

DC

Day 44

Ryan's first overnight trip since we started the diet. We are up at my mom's house for the night. They were prepared with several items that Ryan can eat, and everything is working out fine so far. We made sure we packed all of his supplements, and Ryan took them with no problem this evening. He had several onlookers who clapped for him and he was proud!

Ryan's skin has improved greatly. Dr. Bock said that we need to "lubricate his body from the inside out". That is what the fatty acids and fish oils are doing. His skin is almost as soft and smooth as it was when he was a baby. He scratches a lot less than he used to, and his cheeks are red and blotchy on occassion rather than daily. We've noticed a lot of the same changes with Julia, who has dry skin issues as well. Once she realized how much attention Ryan gets during "supplement time" she started demanding medicine and vitamins. We give her omega-3 vitamins in the form of a gummy bear and she loves them. She is proud of her softer skin and when I ask her why her skin is so smooth she says because she takes her vitamins.

It was nice this weekend to see family that we don't get to see too often. They had nice things to say about Ryan's progress and because they haven't seen him in a while they noticed a big change. I saw the progress a lot in the beginning and now it seems as if things have hit a plateau. It is easy to forget how awful things used to get at times and I question if they were really all that bad or if it was "in our heads". When I hear a family member comment on how much he has changed it validates what we are doing and what we have done. I guess I have to get used to the fact that this "new" behavior is going to hopefully be the "norm".

DC