Dyspraxic Journey

Tag Archive: kidney

Parasite Detox with Humaworm

Are we crazy? Well, yes, by the way, we are quite crazy for performing a family parasite detox. You might ask, why would we even think about a parasite detox? Our primary driving force in this family is CB. We got the results back from the comprehensive stool analysis and it was noted that Dientamoeba fragilis (d. fragilis) was found in CB’s stool and high fecal fat and protein products were identified which signaled fat absorption issues. This info combined with the fact that CB’s impulsive and compulsive behavior had ramped up tremendously and he had persistent shiners under his eyes, prompted me to consider that a detox might help his system perform better. Also, parasites can spread easily so we thought if one family member has one, then it is likely other family members have it. We decided on Humaworm as the detox of choice based off the reviews, the fact there are doses for all ages, and the ingredients for the children’s version were acceptable.

Well, a detox isn’t much fun. I know this is so hard to believe :). The detox is for 30 days. For the most part, Olem and I are fine. It is annoying that we have to take 2 pills 30 minutes before we eat or 2 hours after we eat and we are supposed to take them every 8-12 hours. We mostly abide by these rules. It is sometimes 14 hours between pills due to meal timing and sleep. During the first few days, the detox produced quite a bit of gas for the entire family. It tapered off a bit by the 4th-5th day. Our eyes have been off-and-on bloodshot. Stool formation for the family has been impacted. The pills can easily give you heartburn/indigestion so you have to ensure to drink enough water when you take the pills and to keep water handy nearby. I thought I had strained my back one afternoon from lifting HB too high. The pain went away and resumed 2 days later. I realized that it was actually my left kidney hurting. I drank extra water and the pain went away. This Humaworm stuff is definitely interesting. (more…)

February 25, 2016 Allergy, Diet, & Supplements, , , 0 Read more >

Genetics Testing – Whole Exome Sequencing

The decision has been made to move forward with the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) genetic test. We have waffled back and forth on this one several times. CB had some initial testing done via the CMA (chromosome microarray) and everything came back negative. CB’s pediatrician suggested we move forward with the WES, but the neurologist suggested we don’t mess with it. The geneticist suggested we don’t move forward unless we have something more specific to look for. We felt comfortable with holding off on the genetics testing. This lasted until we heard so much about it at the Apraxia Conference in July. They talked a lot about the FOX2P gene and a deletion within chromosome 7 within the 7q31 region. I then felt compelled to look into it further. Because this is really just starting to get more recognition and more parents are recently doing this type of testing, the information about this gene and several others is somewhat limited. The belief is that this gene mainly impacts language and speech. Since CB has global issues, not just related to speech and language, then we don’t know if he could have this deletion and something else. Or if it would just be something else. While researching this gene, Olem found another gene that could be impacted and would provide an explanation for a whole array of CB’s and HB’s differences. The PAX2 gene is expressed in primitive cells of the kidney, ureter, eye, ear and central nervous system. CB has issues with his kidneys, ureter, eyes, and CNS. We are not sure about ears. The interesting thing is that HB also has issues with his kidneys, ureter, and eyes. So far, we haven’t seen any issues with his CNS, but the severity and impact of the gene duplications/deletions is variable.

Some of the potential issues/findings are

  • Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome
  • skin & joint abnormalities
  • kidney and urinary tract abnormalities
  • ocular abnormalities
  • CNS abnormalities
  • Renal coloboma
  • sensorineural hearing loss

It is definitely a mixed bag when it comes to genetic testing. You can find out all sorts of information that you may not know what to do with. Additionally, you can find out things that are likely to happen or that have a potential to happen. However, your child may end up with none of the issues that are presented as possibilites. This can cause extra worry that may not be needed. However, we feel that by completing the genetic testing, we will have a better picture as to what is impacting CB. Also, the findings may be useful for getting CB additional help with school.

We will see how this goes, but we are trying to prepare ourselves mentally. We hope to just use the information that is currently relevant and just keep the other information on file but nothing we act upon.

September 24, 2015 Tests & Evaluations, 0 Read more >