River now has 16 erupted teeth, not necessarily fully in, but definitely broken through the skin. This includes one set of molars (which he has had for awhile) and everything in between. This explains some of River's irregular fussiness, including random middle-of-the night screaming. Motrin has become our best friend. But it feels like we're on the other side, until his next molars start working through. He was supposed to have his first dentist appointment this week, but I decided to put it off until next year as things seem to be going just fine in the oral department and we just don't need another appointment.
We're still battling seizures, but we seem to be staying ahead of them at the moment. In addition to the Keppra we've added a new medication called Banzel. It's newly approved by the FDA although it's been used around the world for several years for seizures similar to River's. We are hopeful that it will lessen the seizures, as we are running out of low side-effect medications and may have to consider more invasive treatments if they continue to worsen. The seizures themselves are still considered "tonic seizures" and are followed by a short period of laughing - a result of the disinhibition of the brain from the seizure activity. The seizures seem to be worse with fatigue or illness, and especially when River gets a vaccination. Which brings me to another topic... immunizations.
We've decided to start slowly immunizing River. We've noticed that he is much fussier, and more prone to seizures after the shot so we're only doing one at a time. We're starting with the seasonal flu shot and Dtap. It will take us awhile to get caught up, but it feels like it's a good time to get started. If he seems to have more serious reactions we'll reconsider our decision. Most schools require vaccinations, including Cedar Crest, a local residential facility for children with disabilities, where we'd like to send River for occasional overnight respite care at some point in the future.
Speaking of respite, River spent last Saturday night, all night, with good friends of ours - Steve, Willow, Nathaniel and Elliot (and Talia who passed away last year). Julia and I went down to Northampton for the evening and then came home to sleep THE WHOLE NIGHT. When I woke up at 7:30 feeling rested, I forced myself back to sleep just because I could. It was a very special treat for us, although we missed River a lot and we're happy to see him in the morning.
Check back soon as I'll try to update more frequently. Perhaps some Halloween pictures next week!
And of course some pictures...
River naps in his swing on one of our last summer days. Check out those lips!
Trying on some of his hand-me-down winter clothes... too funny.
River's 4th haircut... before...
and after...
Post bath glow.
Bundled boy and his new friend Brittany.
Showing off his chuck taylors, and his kung fu move.
2 comments:
Those lips!? Smmmoooooch! So kissable!
Thanks for keeping all of your fans updated, Hannah!
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