Starting late last Spring/early Summer.
We were looking into some oral therapy for one of our kiddos. Mild speech issues no one has been able to figure out a cause for, but as this child has matured learning to compensate and overcome. As we were setting up an evaluation it was suggested we have the whole family evaluated. Often issues are congenital and multiple family members have issues. The therapy cause correct issues before they become issues later in life. Worth looking into.
What we weren't expecting was concern regarding another child's palate. We were aware of the issues, but no one had suggested anything else. The quirks in his behavior we dealt with, thinking it was just the way this child was created. Such as this child doesn't like to sleep in bed, always sleeps in recliner and/or couch. Frankly, I don't care where my children sleep as long as they sleep these days. Life is busy and some things I just don't have the energy to argue about. Even if this child starts in bed, always ends up on the couch, either due to sleep walking or just waking up and wandering there after a bathroom trip.
Next stop was the doctor to check adenoids and tonsils. Nothing remarkable, so a sleep study was requested. We were put on a wait list and I received a call just before Christmas for after New Years. After our initial appointment, the PA agreed our kiddo was borderline and would benefit for a sleep study to either confirm/diagnose an issue or it was behavioral and we would decide what to do regarding behaviors.
Best part was there was a cancellation and we were asked if we could return later in the week for the sleep study. As we hadn't been able to restart school, I said sure.
I wish I could post pictures of all the wires. While I was allowed to take pictures for Dad I was forbidden to share them with anyone else including siblings. Which is why I also am being very careful to not suggest which child went with me to KC to the Children's hospital. While there is noting to embarrassed about, I am trying to respect wishes here. So if you do know who I am speaking of please, request my child's desire for privacy. I am posting results only because so many have been praying and asking.
So the results:
Airway is clear! No apnea! No issues with orthodontics that need to be done. Wahoo!!
Diagnosis: Periodic Limb Movement Disorder which causes brain arousal during sleep and causes low levels of dopamine in the brain.
In our case, the disorder is being caused by iron deficiency. Which also means there is a ferritin deficiency. Since this child is a carnivore I asked what could be lacking in the diet to prevent iron absorption. Vitamin C. Said child does not care for produce!! Lesson is being learned that Mom's balanced meals are meant to allow for maximum nutrition. Each food is reliant on another food for maximum nutrition and health. While this child consumes produce, it is not varied enough. Understanding that athletic performance and overall feeling well and happy is dependent on diet, there is a willingness to try and eat more variety, albeit reluctantly. We will need occasional blood tests as a result of the iron supplements, but in time we should hopefully be able to discontinue the supplements and just eat healthy! Praising the Lord!
We also discovered the child is lingering too long deep 3 sleep. An indicator of not getting enough sleep on a regular basis. Wiggling around in bed, procrastinating, asking all those late night questions. You get the idea, all the stuff that drives a parent nuts when they just want their children TO GO TO BED!!!
Well now, the child has heard it all from the doc! Sleep and eat your veggies!! Amazing how much more validity there is to the mantra when it isn't the parent saying it!!
