I'm Giddy!

[peglem]

We are 10 days out from Allie's 3rd IVIG (I'm only counting the high dose ones, which we've been getting every 4 weeks). We don't really have a baseline to measure improvement against, since this started so young, so we really don't know what to expect as far as improvement. But, we no longer feel that an exorcist would be a reasonable course of action!

 

With her anxiety so greatly reduced, I've been thinking I need to start working on overcoming some of her issues. But, I've been afraid to confront her fears because I've become habituated to the monster that used to emerge. Well, we were having a pretty good weekend. When Allie was taking a bath Sunday, she poured cups of bath water all over the floor- LOTS! I got huffy and made her help clean it up- She does know better and this was ordinary mischief, not compulsive. So then we had a bunch of wet towels to put in the washer. But, the washing machine is something that Allie has been deathly afraid of (we have not been able to do laundry while she's home for years!). Well, I decided it was time to deal with it. She got upset when I told her she'd have to help wash the towels. I told her I knew she was afraid, but she can't let fear get in the way of doing stuff she needs to do and I'd wait until she was ready. It took her about an hour. When we got the basket of towels to the machine- she immediately unplugged it, slammed the lid shut, and opened the dryer to put the towels in there. So, I gave her the soap to put in the washer, then plugged it back in and started it filling. Every time she reached over to unplug it, I handed her a towel to put in. Once the load was in and washing, she was beaming with pride! It was wonderful to see her, and guide her in overcoming this fear. I'm sure it will take more loads to completely extinguish the fear, but I know we can do it!

 

I need to figure out a way to do this with elevators, which is even a greater fear (just seeing them, we don't actually ride in them!). I've got to find an out of the way elevator that is seldom used.

 

Her eye contact has always been very poor. Today on the way to school (ESY) she was playing eye-contact games in the rear view mirror and would laugh everytime I made eye contact with her mirror reflection. But also, she's just doing eye contact all the time!

Another really big deal (to us anyway) is that she is making sure she has our attention before she communicates with us. This is new. It has been so frustrating all these years, with her being nonverbal and communicating silently, to be unaware at times that she was communicating. She touches us now and waits until we look at her before she starts.

 

These are huge things that happen, usually unnoticed, in infancy and early childhood. You sure do notice when they don't happen until your child is 15! We still don't know how far she can go and how much we'll get from recovery, but I think God has great things in store for her! She is looking so healthy and is so happy. I am so freaking amazed!!!

Edited July 19, 2010 by peglem

[thereishope]

I am so happy for you and Allie!!!!

Edited July 19, 2010 by Vickie

[LNN]

That's so great! Print your post and put it on the fridge. Burn this into your memory banks. Know this - and more - is possible!

[justinekno]

Amazing! As we start down the IVIG path for my son, it's so great to hear your story. Thanks for sharing.

[Kayanne]

I'm so happy for your daughter and your family!!!

[P_Mom]

I know everyone on this forum just wants to !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kay]

I'm Giddy right along with you!!!

 

(having a hard time figuring out how to post here, what is wrong with me!!!)

Edited July 20, 2010 by Kay

[momto2pandas]

This is so great to read! I'm so happy for you all.

[laurenjohnsonsmom]

I'm soooooooo happy for you!

 

Every child (and family) deserves to be where you are right now.

 

I am hopeful that in time we will all be celebrating small strides and great accomplishments!

 

You can contribute it to her treatment but your neverending will and determination to find healing is the real reason she is doing so well right now!

 

Give yourself a "pat on the back"-you derserve it!

 

Lynn

Edited July 20, 2010 by laurenjohnsonsmom

[Worried_Dad]

AWES ME, Peggy!!!

[EmersonAilidh]

So happy for you!!! Only up from here.

[laurenjohnsonsmom]

I L VE your AWES ME!

 

To c L!!!!

AWES ME, Peggy!!!

[dut]

[Joan Pandas Mom]

I am sooo happy for your guys. I was crying and smiling reading your post. I have an idea about the elevator. What about starting with pictures of elevators, looking them up on the computer, eventually touching the pictures and or hanging them up in her room, showing a clip from a movie over and over of someone riding in an elevator. .You are going to get there Peg. God does have a great life ahead for Allie!

[mama2alex]

FANTASTIC NEWS!! I'm so happy for you!