Luukas' story

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Winter 2007/2008 and spring 2008

Luukas will turn two tomorrow (30 May), so it's time to update his blog :)


We have been fighting against epilepsy, but without real success. Although it seemed in winter that things were getting better, in the end the change in medication that had been taking place from November to April did not lead to improvement. Actually Luukas' seizures happen now more often (up to 10 times per day). We are now changing the medications again. This time it is possible that a side effect will be for Luukas to lose his appetite. This is a bit worrying. So far we've been so happy that, unlike many handicapped children, Luukas has had no problems with eating.

Luukas sits better, finds his balance better and in some extent uses his hands –mostly in the front line - to protect himself from falling down, holds his head better, chews and bites food better, more or less drinks from a cup, holds his bottle while drinking from it. Turns to his back from the sides and from the sides to the back. There is still much problem with turning from the belly, but we are still working on it. When we make and help him do it, he is able to hold himself on his hands for a moment, as well as to stand by himself without support for a moment. In some extent, and with our help, he is able to bend and straighten his knees.

Luukas is a happy little man, who likes to shout and scream and laugh at his own voice, as well as when we say "funny" things to him. He is starting to communicate with his shouting with us, and it is a fun game :)

In the middle of our problems there are many blessings. God willing, at the beginning of autumn Luukas will have a baby sister :) A huge blessing is Ania who is now living with us and exercises with Luukas every morning. She is such a help! God bless you, Ania :) The fact that Luukas' epilepsy is being taken care of by the greatest Finnish specialist in infantile spasms, and that Luukas' ophtamologist is also a very educated and skilled lady, are also our blessings. Or the fact that we have such nice and helpful people as Luukas' neurologist, physical therapist, and now also a speech therapist. And of course our friends, both IRL and on-line, who've been praying for Luukas and helping. Thank you very much!