ECI evaluation

Cooper's had his evaluation today with the physical and speech therapists. It went really well, better than expected. The speech therapist was really impressed with Cooper's social development. This came as no surprise as he is quite the charmer. She said that he was doing well with his cognitive skills and was in the 3-4mo range and in the 4-5mo range socially. The physical therapist said that Cooper was on the lower end of the range as far as the motor skills go, but still in range. She said that she wasn't sure why be showed the side preference, but felt that it was more of a delay on the left side versus a physical problem with that side. While Cooper automatically qualifies for ECI, he was not enrolled at this time. He was placed in the follow along program through which they will correspond through mail and over the phone unless an issue comes up. If something does arise, they will come back out and re evaluate at that time. The pt gave us suggestions on what to do to strengthen his muscles. They told me that there wasn't anything that they could do for him that I couldn't. So, I will just have to be very disciplined and work with him daily on the upper body strength. They feel that he is just slightly delayed because he had such a difficult start. The pt said she felt by a year old, he would be caught up. She felt this is all simply a delay and not a brain problem. She said while he does have the side preference, he is not showing the rigidity of a child with cerebral palsy. It is a huge relief that this is something we can put in the back of our minds for now. My hope and prayer is that by the end of the year, we won't even be able to tell how rough of start he had.

ECI Meeting #1

So on Thursday the nurse that will be Cooper's ECI service coordinator came over to meet with me. She was so nice and very thorough. She stayed for well over 2 hours. There was allot of paperwork to fill out. We also went over all of Cooper's history including the pregnancy which was quite extensive. She said that Cooper should automatically qualify for services because he has had FTT. We just have to see what the pedi writes on the script. I'm pretty sure I can get the specialist to write the FTT diagnoses if the pedi does not as Cooper's said has always been one of his main concerns. She played with Cooper and agreed that his upper body was weak. She also commented on how he still keeps fists and stayed that his hands should be open most of the time now, something I had over looked. She noticed his preference for the right hand and pointed out how he would easily open his right hand to a toy, but not his left and how he was much more aware of what he was doing with the right hand. They can hopefully work to strengthen his left side and bring more of a balance. We also found out they would file on our insurance and we would not have to pay for the services. Cooper will have a full evaluation by an physical therapist and a speech therapist on Tuesday. After that, we will set up a treatment plan. I am very anxious and excited. I do have fears that getting the script may be a bit of a battle. The nurse said that until he gains that upper body strength, he won't be able to sit up or crawl. I really just want to get the ball rolling so that we can learn what to do to help him. The earlier the better. Please pray that everything works out and we can get Cooper the help I believe he needs.

4 month well check

Cooper had his 4 month check on Monday. He weighed 11lbs 8oz and was 25 1/2in long. He is now in the 3% for weight and the 75% for height. Since there was no drop off in either area, he is no longer considered failure to thrive. His ear is getting better, but is still bothering him some. Dr. Mike also evaluated his development. He said that he was actually doing pretty well. He said his tone is a little low and his head is still quite wobbly so he gave me the script for the pt. He said that he has a few red flags for Cerebral Palsy, but would not diagnose him at this time. He said we would reevaluate in a couple of months and consider an MRI if needed at that time. The social worker with ECI comes in the morning. Cooper probably won't qualify for therapy now that he is no longer ftt, but they will still do the eval and can give me some exercises so I can work with him. It may sound strange to say, but I hope he does qualify so he can get the help and catch up and get back on track. Of course I don't want anything to be wrong with Cooper, but I don't want to delay intervention or treatment if it is needed. I guess will just have to see.

Our latest issue...

First off, sorry for the lack of posting as of late; we are all sick in the Schiwart family. Cooper is recovering from a nasty cold, I am taking a Z-pack for bronchitis, and Curtis is at the doctor as we speak. Anywho, lately I have become increasingly concerned about Cooper's muscle tone or should I say, lack there of. I am with Cooper all day long, everyday, so I usually just think about what is normal for him versus not what is "normal". Well, last week, I see a baby that is only 10 days older than Cooper riding in the cart at Wal Mart, and his mother told me he is trying to crawl. Now I realize this is the complete opposite end of of the spectrum and this little boy is quite advanced, but it certainly got me thinking. Then, I see a picture of a baby boy born the same week as Cooper in which he is holding his self up on his arms. I thought, wow, Cooper should be doing that. So, I put him on his tummy and place him on his elbows; he immediately collapses, unable to hold his weight on his arms. I go to The Baby Book by Dr. Sears for a reference of what Cooper should be doing. I find that not only is he not supporting himself on his arms like he should but he also doesn't bare weight on his legs either. He should be able to sit with his arms propping him up and straighten his legs to stand while held. In fact, the only time he really uses his arms and legs is when he is arching in pain from the reflux. From what I have read, lots of reflux babies are hypotonic and need therapies to work through these issues. It make sense since he has had fft, but it still is hard that he to think that he is behind developmentally as well. I called ECI and made a referral and a social worker we call me next week and we will set up an appointment for an evaluation. I hope that it is nothing or something that we can work through with pt/ot. They also said they can work with us with any other issues that might come with the reflux, such as feeding aversions. They seem very nice and I am trying to have a positive outlook. Well shall see.