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!

Two Autistic Teens Go To Homecoming Dance!

Ryan and Nick are at their high school's Homecoming Dance. Since their chelation in July, both have been talking and conversing quite a bit. This is beyond what I had ever hoped for. Ryan is on a date, and Nick "carpooled" with a girl he knew from kindergarten. They are socially emerging!!! Quite an accomplishment.

More Improvement After Chelation: A Real Conversation

It has now been several weeks since we finished the first round of chelation IVs, and we are seeing and hearing about vast improvements in speech.

About a week ago Nick and I visited Michael, Cody's big brother. Michael had a few friends visiting, which surprised Nick. Like most kids with autism, Nick didn't like the unplanned visitors. I told him we could stay in a back bedroom for a while. He liked that idea. When he got hungry, Nick ventured into the kitchen to get food. While in the kitchen, Michael introduced Nick to Ted. Ted started to ask Nick a few questions on the subject of music, and Michael made sure that both Nick and Ted knew that the other played an instrument. Then Michael left.

Meanwhile, I was in the bedroom reading, and I noticed that Nick had been gone a long time. I went to the kitchen to check on him. I found him talking to Ted. I stayed and listened for about five minutes. They were talking about percussion instruments. I returned to the room to read my book. Time flew by.

"Hey, MOM." I looked up to see Nick. "Mom, I had a long 'conservation', didn't I?"

It took me a moment to understand. "Conversation?" I asked. Nick nodded.

I didn't know how much time had lapsed, but enough for me to read several chapters. I asked Nick, "You've been talking all this time?"

He beamed, "YES! I did good, didn't I?" I agreed.

The next day I found out how long that conversation had been: over 45 minutes. My Nick talked with Ted for almost an hour. Michael said that he heard Ted and Nick talk about music, school, girls, and sports. I was shocked that Nick could talk that long!

There was a time not too long ago that Nick could talk with someone for about five minutes, and then Nick would have to lie down and rest because he was mentally and physically exhausted. Talking for Nick was like running a marathon to an athlete. However, this time Nick was not tired, and he was a happy kid!

Nick had a real conversation!

Chelation IS Working!!!

The boys have undergone their four chelation IVs. The last of the IVs were given a week apart. During the last visit, I was given a "lab kit" to collect urine for each boy, so we'd know what was actually being drawn out of the boys. We are waiting for those results.

July 26, 2011
Second round of IVs. The boys complained that the IV solution was cold. That was it.

July 28, 2011
My sister called to tell me how her husband had noticed how well Nick could communicate. Her husband relayed how he could see Nick ascertaining information and forming thoughts in his head. He could see Nick thinking. Nick made a statement. Then Nick asked questions. Nick spoke clearly and slowly. My brother-in-law answered Nick's question. A few more questions followed. The process was SLOW, but my brother-in-law was amazed to watch the process. I suppose it was like watching the gears work in a huge clock. I was so happy to hear that Nick spoke clearly, and he was on topic. Too often, Nick swallows his words, and his topics are random. PROGRESS!

Aug 2, 2011
Third round of IVs. The boys drank a ton of water all day. No behavior issues. No health issues.

I've noticed that Ryan is talking much more. Of course, he talks about what interests him, but he's talking. Incessantly. Ryan? It was quite a joy. My dad also noticed that Ryan was talking more. It was really weird hearing Ryan's voice so much.

Aug 9, 2011
Fourth round of IVs. The boys vied to be first to get the IV. Nothing else to report.

Aug 12, 2011
About Nick:

Today he had an issue re PE. The good stuff:

1.) Nick was able to articulate his problem. (This is usually the first hurdle--knowing what the problem is!)

2.) He was patient enough for an hour for me to try to solve it. With every unsuccessful attempt, Nick remained composed. I finally found someone who was willing to help, but we still did not have resolution.

3.) Nick was willing to go to class with only the potential of a resolution. (WOW)

4.) Before he went to class, he was able to tell me what he needed to do and in the correct order. He didn't speak as slowly as he normally does when he was telling me this list. It was as if he could think AND talk simultaneously. He spoke clearly, using perfect English. (Double Wow)

Usually, Nick lets the anxiety build until he can't function. He literally can't think, speak, breath... THIS was just the first visit. Later in the day, he actually was problem-solving by himself.

August 18, 2011
Stuart missed one IV, so he received his last IV this past Mon, which was a week later than the other boys. He has been sick since he received his IV on Mon. He's had a fever of 101.5. He ran his system down by working too many graveyard shifts. I don't recommend doing the chelation if the person is not well! I am thankful that the other boys were done last week, and they are doing fine. I am happy!

Overall, I think the chelation has helped the boys. I still want to see what may result over a longer period of time. I am not really sure what to look for, but what I've seen so far is very encouraging. Very Positive!!! My boys with autism are talking!

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/roodee/

Is Chelation Working?

We started chelation on June 28, 2011. There are different methods to chelate: sprays, pills,and IVs. The IVS are the most expensive, but they are also most efficient, getting into the deeper tissue quicker. We chose this method because we wanted to get as much of the toxins out as we could during summer. Also, if there were any side effects, we'd be able to monitor the kids 24/7. The office staff assured us that there was nothing to worry about. I smiled, but I screamed in my head, "THESE ARE MY KIDS. There's plenty to worry about, like their well-being!!!"

This was to be the first of four IVs given. We spend two weeks building the boys' systems with probiotics and vitamins as well as getting rid of the yeast in their digestive tract.

Here is a brief description as to their behaviors after the initial IVS:

June 28, 2011
Overall, I'm encouraged. The boys are acting normally. No aches, pains, behavioral issues, etc. Initially, their arms hurt. They all consumed a ton of water yesterday and today. They feel fine. I am relieved. The nurse said that if there were any negative reaction, it'd be fairly immediate. All is well. Cameron has swelling at the injection site, but ice will take care of it.

July 3, 2011 As far as Ryan and N goick, they had headaches for a few hours the day after. Cam and Stuart had no headache. It's been 5 days, and I'd never guess that they underwent a procedure. So far so good, ie no behavior issues or serious physical ailments.

July 8, 2011 Today I told the boys we were going to visit a family. The boys protested as they don't like to socialize much. I told them that we'd stay for 30 minutes. We ended up staying 2 hours plus. After the initial ten minutes of discomfort, things started clicking. Ryan talked with a girl. Nick and Cam had fun with the rest of the gang in the pool. When visiting people that the boys don't know, they are usually isolated. Nick is quiet, and Ryan is stoic. Today they were having fun WITH peers. I didn't know my own kids. They are talking!!!

It's just mind boggling. I'm not sure what to expect with each day/visit, but I am encouraged so far!

photo credit: nukeit1 from flickr