Parker's Promise

This marks our 2nd week of CIMT or Constraint Induced Movement Therapy.  No he did not break his arm.  The cast is intentional.  Because of the extensive damage to the left side of Parker brain, if left to its own devices Parker's brain would not even know the right side of his body existed. But he is not left to his own devices and he has an incredible team of therapists, teachers, and a family with a mother that will not give up on that right hand.

I have looked into this therapy for a long time and knew it was coming, but we had to be in the right place emotionally to take it on (something about 8 months of seizures, moving across the country and moving twice in one year...) And now finally we are here!  And it has not been nearly as bad or as stressful as my mind made it out to be.  The hardest part is that unfortunately we had to discharge from one of my favorite OTs ever (I have a few- don't worry if you are another of our favorite OTs) and switch his OT for 3 months to Gillette hospital for this therapy-- but this is what they do. This hospital is incredible and the whole hospital is designed and set up for kids just like Parker.  And we live 17 minutes away.  People travel from all over the world to come here, so we might as well take advantage of what they have to offer. But I really miss my OT.

So the idea of CIMT is that you cast the good hand all the way to his shoulder down past his fingers to constrict the good arm and force the brain to use the right arm.  A permanent cast for 4 weeks. (As opposed to a cast that can be removed for baths, etc) That is the premise. Unfortunately, my tricky adaptable child has adapted quite well to having a club for a left hand is still functioning quite well.  But we are trying!  And there is progress- and any improvement at all will be so worth it.  We actually plan to do this therapy once a year for as long as he will tolerate it and hopefully continue to see improvements.  Here are some pictures and videos for your info, entertainment, or however you choose to enjoy. :)

Hands down, meal time is the best.

This kid is highly motivated by food.  He is my child after all.

And don't you love his cheering section?

Sometimes when Mom is not feeding you fast enough, you have to take matters into your own hands.  

Or face...

And did you know that casts make great bats?  Especially when the arm is not actually broken?

I sure love this tricky adaptable child of mine.  I love him to pieces.