Chelation Summary

Chelation is highly controversial. I didn't like the idea. My sister (critical care nurse) and brother (chemist) warned me not to do it. The research I did several years ago highlighted kidney and liver damage, even death. The cost was prohibitive.

We tried other methods to help the boys' health, but nothing was removing the metals in which they constantly tested high: aluminum, mercury, lead, arsenic, uranium, are but a few.

In July my husband and I decided we would try it with a very careful eye on the boys. Nothing outrageous happened. We were encouraged. Within a few weeks, Ryan and Nick were talking more. Within the next few months both were much more active in school. Class presentations, dances, even dating!

Would I recommend chelation? Yes, but with absolute caution and after all other methods were exhausted. It is very expensive, and I can't deny that I'm putting meds in my kids. Consequently, we are not continuing chelation at this point. We are happy with the results thus far.

To see actual progress details and dates, please read the blog entries in August, Sept, and Oct.

Amazed and Thankful

Both Ryan and Nick went to the Homecoming Dance, and they both had fun. I am amazed that they wanted to go. I am thankful that they could go together with friends. They are still quite shy and quiet in most circumstances, yet they are courageous enough to keep trying. I wonder how many times they felt like quitting. I have often thought of the kids who walk away because they don't understand my boys. Then I think of my boys and how they felt when left alone.

I can't get into their brains. I have asked how they think or what they think. Quite often, they can't express their thoughts.

I remember when Ryan was four years old, and he couldn't talk. He couldn't say, "I love you." He didn't want to be hugged or touched. The walls in my house had dents from him leaning back to avoid hugs. At that time I had no idea he had sensory issues.

When Nick was two, he could say, "I love you," but it was one word at a time with long pauses between the words. "I"... "love"... "you". He had not progressed at all when he turned three.

Now I see them interacting with peers. Many classmates are patient with Nick and Ryan; many are not. I still can't help but be amazed and encouraged by my own kids--teens with autism--not giving up.

I am very thankful for my heroes.

Chelation Leads to a Class Presentation!

It's been three months since the boys have had their four IVs of chelation. We have seen much progress in their socialization. It's even better when people outside of our family notice. We received an email from Nick's biology teacher stating how well Nick did on a presentation.

Wait!

Nick gave a presentation? YEP. He spoke in front of his class. This was not a requirement. This was for extra credit. So Nick didn't HAVE TO do this presentation. He WANTED to do this. Nick spent a week working on this project about food, specifically watermelon.

Here is what his teacher emailed us:

Hi Mr and Mrs Johnson,

I just wanted you to know that Nick did a fantastic job presenting his project today. This was over and above what was required, but it was for extra credit--as well as bringing the watermelon for the class to sample.

He works so hard in my class. I wish I had 100 more of him to teach. I am glad I have the pleasure of having your boys to teach.

Ron S.

So here's to continued success and progress!