From top left: Nordic Naturals cod liver oil, children's chewable multivitamin, whey protein powder, detox pill, vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) pill, lecithin granules, vitamin A (beta-carotene form) drops, oxicell (glutathione and superoxide dismutase) topical cream.
This morning, Bertrand woke up with his glands (tear ducts, eyelids, nose, skin pores) on overdrive and pooping a lot. With Bertrand, poop is always a good sign. This means he was in a GREAT mood: happy and interactive. Also, no (*knock on wood*) seizures.
DUE DILIGENCE. Bertrand's naturopathic treatment does not replace his conventional medical treatment. He remains on the medications lamictal (25mg x2), depakote (250mg x2), actigall (180mg x3) and carnitor SF (450mg x2). And, he'll remain on these medications unless his neurologist and gastroenterologist say otherwise. (And, we will subject naturopathic recommendations to the same experimental and observational scrutiny we apply to any other.)
This initial naturopathic treatment plan is just that: initial. He will not remain on these high doses of vitamins and supplements long-term. In 3 weeks, he has a follow-up to adjust this treatment plan and go over test (lead, food allergy, microbiology) results.
In researching the individual items of the treatment plan, I am most skeptical/concerned about the "detox" supplement aimed at liver detoxification. We will be watching Bertrand very closely for any adverse signs. The remaining treatment plan items (supplements, craniosacral therapy, etc.) cause harm only to our pocket book.
As far as tests go, there were two blood tests and one stool test. The stool test is called a "microbiology". From my understanding, it is used to measure the levels and identify the types of both good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract. The blood tests included one for lead (self explanatory) and one for food allergy.
FOOD ALLERGIES. I've asked Bertrand's doctors about food allergies before at the encouragement of
little John's mom. Also, I know Bertrand's IgE and IgG are elevated. This can be due to infection or allergies. For the most part, his doctors have always dismissed this as "he's probably dealing with a cold". He also had an
EGD earlier this year which showed no signs of Celiac or food allergies.
But, Bertrand's upper respiratory tract always sounds congested. Every single doctor checks him out because of it. But, upon listening to his lungs, which are clear, they just scratch their heads and say he is fine. Well, the naturopathic doctor doesn't think this is "fine" and I agree. That doesn't mean I'm convinced it is allergies, but something is causing Bertrand's raspiness, snoring, and rough breathing issues. I hope we can get to the bottom of this.
The naturopathic doctor felt that Bertrand should be tested for food allergies because he sees upper respiratory issues commonly with dairy allergies. Yes. DAIRY. As in 90% of Bertrand's current diet. And, I'm pretty sure it's just another IgG/IgE test which will almost certainly come back elevated, because they always do.
So, what to do? Well, like anything else, if it is indicated, we'll give it a shot. Compared to ACTH injections, the ketogenic diet, and all the other torture he's been through, cutting out Bertrand's dairy would be a cinch.
At Bertrand's follow-up with the naturopathic doctor today, we received the results for his IgG food sensitivity panel. According to this test he is highly reactive to most dairy... AND soy. (Oops! So much for soy milk.) We'll seek a consultation with an allergist. In the meantime, we'll continue to experiment with a non-dairy/non-soy regimen for Bertrand. Good thing he loves coconut milk.
