Over the Moon...47 weeks Seizure Free

I don't write about DS2's seizure disorder very often but it is time for an update!  Yesterday we went for his check up with his Neurologist at MUSC and he had a great visit. I have to say that I love our Neurologist and the staff at MUSC.  I know it is a God thing that we ended up with Dr. Turner.  His level of care, concern and understanding is beyond anything I could have hoped for.  He deals with DS2 so wonderfully and doesn't forget that this Epilepsy Journey is one the whole family takes.  I am grateful that he proposed and has directed us in using the Modified Atkins Diet as a treatment for DS2's seizures.  He and the entire staff at MUSC seem to understand how scary this journey is daily and are extremely patient with me and my Mama Drama (which is more valuable than you can imagine!) 

As far as DS2, he is 47 weeks seizure free (yep....I count each and every week!) and growing like a weed.  He has been on the Modified Atkins Diet (a less restrictive version of the Ketogenic Diet) since February and so far we have seizure control!!!  His blood work has been fantastic and shows no ill effects of the diet on his other systems.  He does amazingly well on the diet, much better than I think most adults would do!  Of course, the holidays are presenting some challenges as all the traditional sweets are more available and tempting but so far, so good.  I am proud of my little guy and his ability to cope with the changes in his life.

It has been almost a year since our world changed and we began this journey, but I know God has blessed us beyond measure with each moment!

17 Weeks Seizure Free and a Ketogenic Diet!

Last week we had a check up with DS2's neurologist at MUSC.  It has been 17 weeks since he has had a seizure and he is doing great.  We have been treating his seizure disorder with the Modified Atkins version of the Ketogenic Diet.  Yes, there is a diet that has worked wonders for many children with Epilepsy! 

With the guidance of his Neurologist, we chose not to medicate but to try the Ketogenic Diet and so far we are seeing wonderful results.  I haven't mentioned our treatment plan in detail before as I wanted us to have a few months to get into the groove with it and see what the results were.   He has been seizure free for 17 weeks and his headaches have practically gone away (he does occasionally headaches still but they have been treatable with over the counter Ibuprofen and he hasn't had to leave school because of them.)

The Atkins version of the Ketogenic Diet isn't as rigorous or as difficult to manage as the pure Keto. Diet but it is still a challenge as we have him at around 15 carbs per day (YES...per day.)  The biggest changes for us are that we no longer eat fast food out for the most part and have to plan for all his meals and snacks ahead of time.  I sometimes feel like my entire day is spent planning what/when he will eat.  He is tolerating the diet well (with only a few complaints of "I just want a piece of bread!") and we haven't had any negative side effects thus far.  I realize if his seizure control changes we will have to revisit the treatment plan but for now I am so happy that it seems to be working.  His Neurologist was practically giddy at the appointment and how well DS2 is doing.  All blood work looks good and things are progressing better than I could have imagined. 

I know things can change unexpectedly and we will deal with them if they do.  I am so thankful for this treatment plan and how it has helped my little guy.

DS2 is doing great in school, playing baseball and life is as it should be for a 10 year old boy!