To Infinity and Beyond.....

HBOT started!  It was a bit of a challenge to keep LJ calm at first, despite our agreement to only withstand the oxygen administered at 1.5an atmospheric pressure.  We couldn't have a phone, camera, jewelry or synthetic clothing (there've been some isolated incidents of fires at other clinics) inside the chamber- no way to communicate with the outside world except for light-blinking and talking through some headphones.  Luckily they had these little port holes ( a la submarine-style) hooked up to TV's so we watched Toy Story for part of the time.  LJ reminded me of Buzz Lightyear with his helmet on.  It wasn't a laughing matter though when his hysteria turned into foaming at the mouth on the ascent.  We were able to signal to the technician to give us some time to calm down before continuing with the treatment.  Here's a picture for proof (see below).  The descent was uneventful.  We are doing one treatment a day for the next two weeks.  We haven't set the schedule for after that.  But be sure I will bring some of his favorite books to read to him for the future treatments! 

Tomorrow morning we have our state PIE annual assessment meeting with all of the therapists.   These are designed to help set attainable goals for the upcoming year. LJ has to meet at least one of the three criteria to qualify for services.  Fortunately, or unfortunately he meets all three.  He has at least a 25% delay, he has a diagnosis of CP and he has an abnormal condition causing a delay in his growth (aka muscle tone).  I'm sorta excited because it means we can all get on the same page and regroup. I really like checking things off a list.  On the other hand, I know he is behind.  I know he is not going to grow up to be a pro-athlete.  I am going to the ends of the earth to make life easier for him.  So this is really just a formality-one that happens to be followed up by his 15-month health assessment with the pediatrician.  The journey continues...