Ketogenic Diet

After years of contemplation and preparation, River finally is starting the Ketogenic Diet this week in an attempt to reduce his seizures. Most days he has around 3 tonic seizures, but sometimes it's more like 8 or 9. He's on 3 different anti-seizure medications (lamictal, keppra annd zonisamide) and we can't help wonder how his personality might be different without the seizures, and these medications. The seizures sometimes cause him to choke and gasp for air (for which we give him oxygen) so they can be pretty scary to watch.

I don't think we'll know if the diet is working for several weeks, but right now we're most concerned about how he'll tolerate the high proportion of fat in his diet. Physiologically, fat slows digestion and River already has impaired motility for which he takes several *magic* medications. It's been our biggest battle so we're very cautious about how he will tolerate this diet. Fortunately we've been working hard at packing on the pounds (River, not us) so if he loses a few pounds in the process it won't be such a big deal. We, the mommas, wouldn't mind losing a few pounds as well!

Here's a couple pictures of their first day at the hospital.

settling in...


morning nap, looking handsome as ever...