Botox and other New Stuff

Friday morning Bryce had his first round of botox shots.  They are used to loosen the spasticity, tightness, and pain in certain muscles.  We have tried other medications, but he can only tolerate a very small dosage of these as they lead to increased breathing trouble.  His Physical medicine doctor has been encouraging us to have Botox done for a while now.  I have been very leery about it...I mean, really, the idea of injecting a toxin into my son really did not sound like a good idea at all.  I did a lot of research and spoke to multiple specialists about the procedure.  I also spoke with many parents who have had this done for their children.  There are definitely some risks involved that we have to be aware of, but after months (almost a year) of prayerful consideration, it seems that the benefits may outweigh the risks at this time so, we decided to give it a try.

One of the worst parts for him was the waiting time before getting called back.  It was really only a few minutes, but Bryce just does not like to sit still...ever!  (Or maybe he is just mad that I still put a bib on him.  I really need to figure out a better, more grown up way of keeping him dry!)

All the supplies

He received 3 shots in each of his upper arms.  He did not cry for the first arm, but did on the second.  I think he was just tired of getting poked!   Poor kid.

After the procedure.  He chose this frog from the basket of stuffed animals.  

We didn't really notice anything different until Sunday.  He actually sat in his chair and was able to reach out for toys and play with them a bit more than usual.  Then later, while he was lying on the floor I noticed that it was much easier for him to raise his arms to reach for things.   At one point, he was just lying there raising his arm up above his head and back down while looking at his arm and smiling.  I still don't notice a real drastic change, but he does seem to have a bit better range of motion and a bit less pain.  It will be interesting to hear what his therapists have to say about it after working with him tomorrow.  

Both kids have also received some new equipment this week.  

Annalise got some new AFO's.  Since her surgery we can actually get her feet into them!  She can still only tolerate them for about 30 minutes at a time, but it is a step in the right direction.  

Bryce got this Hensinger Head Support.  As you can see, he likes it.  If you ask him, he will tell you that he doesn't like it, but he does it with a smile and doesn't complain at all!  He has such poor head control and continually tips his head backward.  With this, he can concentrate on things other than trying so hard to hold his head up.  It can also help with breathing and swallowing...both things Bryce struggles with at times.

Bryce wearing his Hensinger and standing in his stander.  He has had the stander for about a year now.  With the head support he is able to get into a 80+ degree instead of a 60 or 70.  He loves standing!