Life is a blur

I figured it was time to update! We are getting ready for summer. We have our first family vacation planned in 8 years. We are heading up to Walker, MN for a week long stay at Adventure North Resort on Leech Lake. I used to vacation at another resort as a child on Leech Lake. I am very excited to take my family and have a nice relaxing and FUN week!

Zack has had some changes in his medications lately. We have increased his Fluoxetine (for anxiety) up to 2.5 mL from 1.25 mL. We have noticed some more changes in his ability to communicate at school. His teacher had emailed me a few weeks ago stating he had read for her and even answered a question from across the room.  We are also taking 7 mL of Trileptal and 2 capsules of Depakote twice daily. These are both seizure medications. Additionally he has had some allergies pop up. Bummer! So now he has to take eye drops and Flonase which is complete with bloody noses. We have given him some saline nose solution which helps! At least now he can breathe!

We do see Dr. Zelaya again this Thursday for an EEG follow-up appointment. His EEG was March 30th of this year so I am assuming there hasn't been much change considering the time gap since the EEG to the date of appointment.

Zack's development continues to surprise us. He has just about completed his year of 1st grade. We have learned that he will go onto 2nd grade and will have a regular homeroom and will go to special education for reading, math, and writing. He will learn those core subjects in a smaller group which will help with his anxiety levels as well as learning disabilities. He is doing well with sight words and is taking more pride in his work.  He has had a great year with his teacher Mrs. Ramos.  He continues and will also get speech therapy next school year. They don't feel that he requires it over the summer. We of course will work on school work this summer but it will focus on FUN! It is summer after all!

Blog Update

Things have been busy for Zack. We were able to remain medication free until this summer. In early June we noticed him waking up in the middle of the night very scared. He would look around as though he was seeing things that were not there. He would point at things that were not in the room. We called Dr. Zelaya and he called us back. His EEG showed a type of seizure occurring in the occipital lobe of the brain. He wanted to start Zack on Trileptal. We have been taking Trileptal 7 mL 2 times per day since June 11, 2012. He stopped waking up and seems to tolerate the medicaiton well. However his anxiety levels were keeping him from speaking at school. He also seemed scared and nervous according to his teachers. After finally getting into a child psychologist and getting an official diagnosis of Selective Mutism we decided to try 1.25 mL of Fluoxetine in the mornings. While I was hesitant to try and was sure it wouldn't help I am happy to say I was wrong! This medicine allows him to relax at school and in social situations. While he still has trouble speaking in the classroom he will raise his hand to answer non verbally. He is also speaking to his special education teacher and to his speech teacher.

His most recent EEG in October 2012 showed a new type of silent seizure activity. Sadly sometimes other medications can help one type of seizure and at the same time cause another kind. Zack was started on Depakote in November 2012. We have to have regular blood work performed as this medication can cause damage to his liver. So far the minimum dose seems to be working and his labs are coming back normal. He takes his medications like a trooper!

He continues to have difficulty learning but he is starting to read a little for us. It is neat to see him get excited when he knows a word! I credit his teachers and learning team for providing him the help he needs and for providing us with tools to help him at home! While I wish we could have maintained a medication free life I am blessed that there are medications to help! Again, one day at a time is all we can do and that is ok.

One day at a time

Goofy Brothers!

 Zack continues to show that he is learning new concepts. While he will not talk at school he continues to talk up a storm at home. We are currently trying to find a pediatric psychologist to see him as we are suspecting he may have Selective Mutism. He is a happy guy who loves puzzles, playing Wii, coloring, looking at books, and listening and dancing to music! We are concerned how he will adapt to a new school next month when we move. He seems excited and does understand we are moving to a new house. However, I am pretty sure the new school will be a tough adjustment for him. I pray that God has put us in the right place at the right time and He will guide Zack to where he needs to be. This move is a blessing even though the main downfall is moving further away from my family. Kevin will get to be closer to work and thus will get to be at home more often and spend more fun time with our boys. We are very blessed to have everything we do. We pray daily for Zack's seizures to remain controlled without medication and pray for his (and Tommy's) development and growth. There are many times when I feel saddened when Zack has a difficult time either academically or socially. I feel angry that things are not and will not be easy for him. Then I remember that while as a mom it is natural to worry about your children, only God knows what the future will bring. Whether he goes on to be class valedictorian or not means nothing. We are taking each day as it comes. We watch him struggle to write, yet he is trying so hard! He writes his name and is reading a little. He is learning basic math skills. More than anything he is an awesome big brother and a wonderful son. We are so blessed we were chosen to be his mom and dad! My life is amazingly simple....just the way I want it to be!

Building towers

Tommy Turns ONE!

Wow! I cannot believe Tommy has turned one! He is a super busy little boy now =) He is walking and babbling and starting to say a few words! Thank you, Tractor (he is a Rothzen) and of course dog, mama, dada, babble...the basics! We celebrated his birthday with a simple family get together and of course cake and ice cream!

Life changing decision

Well...after months of planning I am now a stay at home mom! I cannot believe it! It still feels like I am just taking some vacation days from work but I am sure that feeling will be short lived! I am ready for this new adventure and cannot wait to really spend time with my boys!

Another EEG

Well here it is...another yearly EEG. I can say we are thankful it only has to happen about once a year...and pray that it continues to be that way. Zack did amazing today. He struggled and fought for about 15 minutes but then just kind of gave in and chewed on his blankie and went to sleep. He stayed up until 12 AM the night before so he would be sleep deprived. Thank goodness for the Wii! He fell asleep well for the test and the EEG techs could not have been more amazing with him. All in all it was a better day than we hoped for but one we are not going miss!

WOW! It has been way too long!

A LOT has happened in our lives to this point. Zackary continues to grow each day...both physically and mentally. He is in preschool everyday from 8-11:30. He is very quiet at school and does continue to have quite a few speech delays but at home he is super talkative. He can communicate his needs very well and is 90% potty trained! WHOOOOO! There are days when I realize he is definitely behind the other kids in his class but I have to remind myself that he is a miracle. Not a day goes by that I don't think about what could have been. He is counting to 20 by himself, recognizes his name, can write some letters, knows his colors, and LOVES to sing songs. He plays well with his friends and is overall a very good boy!

The biggest change for Zack is the addition of baby Tommy! He loves being a big brother and even began using the potty pretty consistently the day Tommy was born. Tommy Anders Rothzen was born June 22, 2010 at 8:52 AM weighing in at 6lb. 12oz. Zack has stepped up to play the big brother roll quite well and Kevin and I are so proud of him.

Growing Up Too Fast!

Happy New Year! Things are going well here. Zack is (as you guessed from the title) growing up right before our eyes. Don't take us wrong, it is great, but it makes me a little sad too. He is continuing to learn new things and is really following directions. He even brings us the TV remote! His speech is coming along, although slower than we would like. He is making a lot of vocalizations and he is beginning to try and repeat most things we say. He knows some of his colors and can count to ten although he does skip numbers now and then. But the best part is that he is starting to show interest in the potty! He uses it almost everyday and our goal is potty trained by three! We'll see! In this photo he is reading Successful Farming! He takes after daddy!

Happy Holidays

I cannot believe it is time for the holidays already...where does the time go? Things are pretty chaotic around here....work, home, family gatherings, home, work, etc....maybe some sleep here and there. I am happy to report that Zackary is still doing very well. This is all because of God we are sure! He is loving speech therapy group. He goes once a week still and we found out last week at his preschool evaluation that he is not delayed enough to warrant early admission to our local preschool program! This is the first time Zack has been declared not dealyed enough. He is such an amazing little boy and we get so much joy from him each day. He tries to do everything we do (typing on a computer, washing dishes, cleaning, making beds, doing laundry....it is too funny!) We don't know why God chose to bless us so much but we are truly thankful. He gives kisses, hugs, and says around 30 words (not consistently though). We even began using the potty (again, not consistently enough to not wear diapers)! But, we can keep trying I guess. Not that he is always perfect...he does get is share of time outs on the "naughty stool" but for now we are very content with the way things are going. Best wishes for a healthy and happy holidays for you!

Ignoring the ignorant

Okay, so I usually can let stuff slide but this comment really set me off. The other day I heard someone say that a certain Preschool program in our town called Bright Futures is where the "dummies" go. Yeah....someone who actually knows my child very well in fact and knows that he will be going there. When in fact Bright Futures is open to everyone in the area with first choice given to those in the early intervention program. Then to only children and then to anyone...actually there are more non EI kids there than EI kids. I told our PT that if Zack were to be labeled a "dummy" or "slow" for the rest of his schooling because we attends Bright Futures then I was out....here and now...no way is my child going to be labeled. So, he may not learn math well but who cares...I am 27 and still cannot do fractions!!!!

Recent Photos

If they could see him now!

So, Zackary is 2 1/2 years old and a full blown toddler. Here are pictures to show how far he has come!

October 2007: Zack learns to crawl
December 31, 2007: Zack takes first steps!
December 2007: We get to wean from Topamax (the last drug)
March 2008: Zack turns 2 and we are med free
April 2008: Most recent EEG....no seizure activity while on no meds!


Zackary's favorite things: Daddy! Coloring, looking at books, blocks, therapy sessions (I never EVER thought that would happen), eating, riding on tractors, going up and down the slide at the park (by himself), going to Grandmas, singing songs, sign language (he knows about 20 signs)...and more!

A mom's faith

Zackary Raymond is now 2 and half years old. He has come such a long way. Many physicians told us not to expect too much. If I could see their faces. I remember asking God....what did we do wrong? why us? why do we deserve this? But, I remember the day I gave it all up. That day driving down to the VEEG in September 2006...almost 2 years ago to this day I talked to God. I said that "I don't need any answers anymore. I am giving this to you and putting Zackary and our family into your hands. I need to be there for my son and give him 150%. I don't care why, I don't care if he is "special" because of course he is special...you gave him to us. I put may faith and trust in you Lord...to watch over Zackary...give me the strength to take care of him, treat him, and love him." From that day on that is what I pray for every night....along with all of the other moms, dads, babies, siblings, families of IS children. We still do not know what Zackary's outcome will be for life. I don't worry too much about that anymore (of course a little drug called Lexapro helps with that!) All I know is this: I have an AMAZING little boy. His smile lights up a room. We get to witness a miracle every single day. When he says a new word I want to cry, when he walked, I sobbed right along with Sue (his PT). It is at this point God has given me my answer...I was given Zack to bring me closer to God. For this I am truly blessed.

Zack's first Christmas

Zackary was officially off of ACTH by December 1, 2006. Almost 3 months after the nightmare began. At this point Zack was still on Phenobarbital 7ml in the am, noon, and pm; and Topamax. Both were liquid form and went into his formula. He had learned to sit up again, was smiling more and more, making baby sounds, sleeping fairly well and focusing more on objects. His play became more intentional but he showed no signs of large gross motor skills and hated being placed on his tummy. Here is Zack at his first Christmas. We truly had something to celebrate.

Zack on ACTH

So, we were sent home expecting to get horrible side effects and expecting the worst. I am pleased to say that other than a couple of high blood pressure readings and a puffy face he did very well. He was excitable and laughed and smiled all the time. He slept well and of course...ate like a piggy. We continued to notice spasms for a while. They became less frequent and by about 3 weeks into treatment stopped. His follow up EEG two weeks later confirmed no more hypsarrhythmia. They called Dr. Zelaya immediately...he was quite surprised to say the least. We kept on with the weaning schedule.

Zack's ACTH Schedule

First 5 days....40 Units/day
Then for 7 days....40 Units every other day
Then for 7 days....35 Units every other day
Then for 7 days....30 Units every other day
You get the picture...all the way down to 5 Units

We were done 11/27/2006

ACTH....financial crisis

So, we get the script for ACTH....didn't think much about it. The nurses called it into our pharmacy (we needed the headstart as it is not kept on pharmacy shelves) so that it would be ready for our pick up upon discharge. We leave the hospital and head there. Kevin walks back out to the car with two tiny bottles and says...here it is...liquid gold. At that time (fall 2006) ACTH was at the bargain price of $1600.00 per vial so our cost was just over $3000.00. We put it on our MasterCard. In fact, MasterCard called us the next day...asking if it was really us who put that charge on it. They felt sorry for us. (not sorry enough to write it off though). Thank God I have a great set of in-laws who loaned us the cash so that we wouldn't have high interest. However, with the cost now I highly doubt they could've done that. So, we get the meds and head home with our injection supplies. We meet the home health nurse...Nancy. She was fabulous (even called Walgreens and yelled b/c they sent us home with 30 Unit syringes....he needed 40 Units so we had to stick him twice) morons! So, another trip to town to pick up bigger syringes. She is nice and gives him the first injection...she said I could learn next time. Again...fabulous woman.

VEEG Day September 29, 2006

Zackary was 6 months old. We were admitted to the Children's Hospital of Peoria where it was determined almost immediately he had IS. They first tried a mega dose B-6. However, that was a long shot and it did not work. The next course of action was ACTH. We were give then side effects, how to inject, our home health care schedule, etc. Here is Zack during his 27 hour VEEG.

September 8, 2006 Repeat EEG

So, we take Zack for another EEG. Actually, my mom went with Kevin as I could not be there. They called me when they got him hooked up and called me when it was over. They didn't even get out of Peoria when Kevin got a call on his cell telling them that his EEG was VERY abnormal and to get back to the clinic ASAP. I immediately left work to get to Peoria (45 minutes away) to see his EEG myself. Very chaotic....classic hyyps but no clinical seizures...we never even saw as much as an odd eye blink. We had to see the other neuro as Dr. Zelaya was out on vacation. He decided to up Zack's phenobarbital big time. That meant a sleepy, drugged up baby. Here is a sample EEG of a hyyps.

Summer 2006

Here is Zackary at 3 months old. He has a great smile like is daddy. He loved to "pose" for the camera. At this point he was only on phenobarbital for seizure control. No IS or any other signs/symptoms had occured yet.