Day 39

The best way to describe Olivia today would be “cranky butt.” She was miserable gettting out of the car and never fully snapped out of it. Nothing was making her happy. Even so, she gave me no trouble getting into the chamber. She gave a little smile to the tech as we he slid us in. I wonder how the HBOT makes her feel. Honestly, I don't feel much different. However, if we were going in for me, we'd be diving to a stronger pressure.

Yesterday, I didn't blog, but there really wasn't much to say. Olivia was super super happy to be there. Completely opposite of today. Maybe she knows we are finishing tomorrow. I know she will miss them!

Day 37

Olivia did great today! She was happy to be there, happy to get into the chamber, happy in the chamber, and happy after the dive. What more can you ask for? I think alot of it has to do with the people there. She loves them, its a cheerful atmosphere, and always a positive experience. We will miss them.

Olivia is saying “mama” more and more. I got a school note saying that she has showed them how she says it. She is even starting to say it on her own, without a request or in imitation. She has a new sign, “I'm sorry.” She uses this sign upon request at the end of a “time out” session. She is doing better in “time out” as well. She used to get up after about 15 seconds of putting her into a seat. Now, she is able to wait a full minute until we go up to her, discuss why she was put into time out, she signs “I'm sorry,” and then hugs and kisses. (her favorite part) Its something!

We're off tomorrow and then we go Wed, Thurs, Fri to finish!

Day 36

Olivia had big smiles for everyone at the HBOT center today. When I came back from the bathroom, she was snuggling up with the receptionist. I offered to trade jobs with her, I'd work the desk if she'd go in the chamber with Olivia, but she didn't accept. Olivia wasn't too bad today. We had the head of the bed all the way flat, so that offers a little more room for when Olivia likes to lay cheek to cheek. For a few minutes Olivia laid on her back at the foot of the chamber and watched tv. It was a beautiful thing!

Olivia continues to say “mama” upon request. She also says “aga” for again, and today she was repeating “gaga” for grandpa. I hope this continues! I think Daddy is starting to get jealous and has been working with Olivia to say “dada” much more lately.

Only one week left!

Exiting dive 33

Happy coming out and running for a sticker with grandpa!

Olivia After 33 Dives

What a wonderful smile and laugh! You can tell she understands what I'm asking, but is showing her new found defiance!

Day 34

Olivia did very well today. She was happy to be at the HBOT center and went into the chamber with ease. The only issue she had was her need to bite the blankets, my clothes, her hands, the straw, etc. I got nervous a couple times that I was going to accidentally get bit. Luckily, I didn't.

Olivia continues to say “mama.” She isn't calling out to me independently, but when she hears it, she'll repeat it. Its a start! She is pointing nicely, loves to look through books of animals and point to them. She has a book that has big pictures and matching buttons that say their name when you press them. She enjoys pressing those buttons and makes a sound after hearing the word. She understands and wants to repeat the word, but just can't yet. Its coming!

Day 33

Back to the chamber! Its been 2 weeks since our last dive, and we missed it! Olivia has been doing wonderfully. We are very excited with the progress Olivia is making. "Mama" is sticking! She continues to say it with a scruffy voice, but you can tell she's proud of herself! She is also saying "agah" for "again" when we are playing with her and stop, she'll say "agah" and wait for us to continue. She's using it very well and all on her own. She's also using the "more" sign appropriately and on her own.
Only 7 sessions left.

No HBOT today..

The whole family has a cold. We can't go into the chamber because it would be uncomfortable. Olivia enjoyed a day at home and grandma's! If our noses and sinuses are all cleared up, we'll be back in the chamber for Wednesday.

She's saying Mama!

She said "mama" so great, but of course daddy missed it! So we tried to get her to say it again, and she did! (not as good as the one we missed, but oh well) You also get to see adorable eve steal the show (or camera) and say bye!

Counting, pointing, and trying to say mama.

Olivia is counting the pictures on my shirt, she then points to me and attempts to say mama. Eve makes an appearance too showing us how well she is walking and pointing!

Hanging with my favortie friends at HBOT!

Olivia likes the mobiles they have at the center. Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for!

Day 32

Olivia was lively, energetic and happy today! She was alert and excited to interact with people. She had a great day at school and was smiling getting off the bus. After having her snack in the car, she took a nice nap on the drive to the HBOT center. I think she could've slept longer, but we had to wake her when we got there. She woke up slowly, but livened up when she saw her favorite people in the office.

Olivia was very cooperative going into the chamber. She lays right on me and puts her head down. Today the center was full of people, so Olivia waited patiently with her head down on my chest until we slid into the chamber and our movie started. Today we watched “Snow White and the 7 dwarfs.” When that finished, we watched “Lord of the Dance.” Olivia likes the music, singing, dancing, and the rhythm of the tapping and drums.

Olivia was happy during the dive. I can always tell when there is someone outside the chamber nearby because Olivia starts beaming with happy smiles and sounds. She likes to play games with the people outside the chamber. A simple game of putting her hand on the glass and having her playmate matching their hand to hers is great fun.

When we came out of the chamber, Olivia was full of energy and strength. She was pulling me and her favorite people around the office to find the special stickers. She used to not have the strength to pull anyone, usually I had to slow my walking to stay at her speed. Wow, how that has changed! Her happy run looked even more peppy than before. Her legs look much stronger. I'm thinking that they are now strong enough to jump, but she just needs to learn how. I'm also wondering if she still needs her ankle braces. She looks great! When I pick her up and spin her around, her body is much tighter and stronger. She can pull her body into me and bring her knees up. I'm loving it!

Today was our last dive of the week. I'll try to take some home videos to demonstrate her new strength and skills. Our next dive will be next Monday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 31

We are in the home stretch! Today was pretty good. It felt more like a Tues. than a Friday. Funny huh? Olivia was tired coming off the school bus and slept the entire ride to the center. . She woke up very sleepy, but happy. She was calm getting into the chamber and for awhile inside.

Then she started army crawling me. She just wanted to get up close to me. I think she wanted to count my freckles, but her nails need trimming, so she was scratching me instead and I had to stop her. She sang a little in the chamber and was pretty calm throughout the dive.

When we came out of the chamber, that all changed! She was super energetic and excited. She was checking out the center and all the people in it. When we finally left, she went running throughout the parking lot.

Olivia is getting a bit more defiant. She'll shake her head “no” when asked to do something that she doesn't want to do. Thats pretty new. She has an opinion now... She used to just go with the flow. I could take a toy away from her and it never phased her. Now, if its something she really likes (like play dough) she'll get mad! Its not making my life easier, but I guess its a good thing developmentally.

This morning we we finished getting Olivia ready for school, I told her we need to get her coat on to go to school. She got all happy and said “go go go!” It was really clear and appropriate!

HBOTOLIVIAwithMommy

Cheek to cheek with Mommy!

OliviaInHBOTchamber

The tech signs "all done" Olivia responds to this and gets ready to come out! She then runs out of the room to get a sticker!

HBOTOlivia

Here Olivia is hanging out. Grandpa tries to play with her, but she's not that interested. She gets very excited when her favorite receptionist comes to visit!

Day 30

Wow! ¾ done! Today was a great dive. The air was cool, Olivia was cute, and the time flew. Olivia stayed up by my pillow today. She went to my side, which is better than right on top of me. The only thing is that she kept wanting to put her face on my face. At first it was cute, her soft little cheek felt nice, but after 20 min or so, it got old. We started playing little tickling and peek-a-boo games, sang some songs together, and then we started counting. Olivia has taken a liking to counting. She can't say the numbers, but she uses her pointer finger, points to objects, and makes the right rhythm and tone of counting. Another really good advance is that now whenever I ask her to say something, anything, she responds back to me with a sound. Its just coming out with vowels or G sounds, but she's trying! I wonder if it sounds right in her head.

Olivia made friends with an elderly lady yesterday as we were waiting to be seen for an appointment. This woman was talking to Olivia, showing her the jewelry she was wearing, and asking her questions. I told the woman Olivia didn't talk, but she kept asking her questions and to repeat words. This woman told me that 16 years ago, she had suffered a stroke. When she came out of the stroke, she thought she was talking, but no one understood her. She said it took 6 years of speech therapy to regain her ability to speak intelligibly. She said she thought Olivia was talking, but we aren't understanding her. Maybe she's right. I'll try to listen harder.

Day 29

Today felt like a Friday. Olivia was very tired, and I'm not sure why. She's been sleeping pretty well at night. I'm hoping its because she is developing and not fighting an illness.

She was cranky in the chamber...very 'sensory' seeking. She likes tight squeezes, likes to bite things and nudge her head into people. Unfortunately for me, I was at the receiving end of all that stimuation. I don't have anywhere to go in that chamber. I am vulnerable to head butts, biting, and just getting my personal space invaded. Even though its very small in the chamber, if positioned well, we could both be comfortable and have some personal space. Olivia purposely gets into my space. She puts her face on my face. She pushes her weight into me. She nudges her head into mine. She bites on my clothing with the risk of getting my skin as well.

I really don't know how to help her with this. All I know is that its no fun to be close to her when she's like this.

Day 28

Olivia was funny today. When we were walking into the HBOT's front door, Olivia noticed it wasn't the usual receptionist at the desk. She abruptly stopped in her tracks and wouldn't walk in. She knows the person who was at the desk, it just wasn't who she was expecting. I picked her up and brought her in. I made sure to find out the tech that she loves was in the other room and as soon as Olivia saw her, she dropped my hand like a bad habit and went running to her.

I don't think I mentioned this yet, but I found a way to get Olivia to say “mama” I've been trying to get her to say it for years now. If I say it with a scruffy 'frog in the throat' voice, she'll repeat it (in a scruffy voice) Its really funny, but not how I imagined my daughter would say “mama” I guess beggers can't be choosers. She still doesn't call me “mama” but its a start!

She actually doesn't label anything. She whines to get my attention and will then sign. She hasn't comprehended the concept of names yet. I wish she would!

Day 27

Not bad for a Friday. I'm tired. Olivia slept good on the way there and woke up happy. She was good going inhto the chamber, but since taking the week off, she forgot how nice it is to stay at the foot of the chamberc and watch movies. She army crawls up me so that her face is on my face. The chamber is feeling more tight because of that and the leftover halloween candy we are finishing.

Olivia stayed happy for the entire dive and came out happy and energetic. We enjoyed a nice walk outside after the treatment before getting back into the car for the 1hr+ drive home.

Only 13 more dives! We are not going to know what to do with ourselves!

Oh! Something really cute Olivia did today. In the car on the way to the center, Olivia was giggling. I'm not sure what was so funny, but she had an adorable little giggle!

Day 26

Ugh...I guess we were due for a rough day. Olivia had a great day at school and I'm grateful for that. She was very hungry on the ride to the center and ate alot, so she didn't fall asleep until we were most of the way there. She had a hard time falling asleep as well, so that meant she was cranky, kicking the back of grandpa's seat and whining, until she finally calmed down. She woke up cranky The receptionist commented on how she didn't know this Olivia. I told her I was all too familiar with her.

Needless to say, she didn't want to get into the chamber. Luckily, she didn't put up a fight, but just wasn't her normal happy self. I put on an extra blanket because it was so cold out today. That was good and bad. It was bad because the chamber felt extra tight. The tech had to squeeze us in because instead of Olivia hanging out towards the bottom of the chamber where there's more room, she chose to lay right on top of the italian sub I had for lunch. Next time I'll remember not to have a big sandwich before going to HBOT. It was good because for some reason Olivia was sensory seeking and needing to bite. The blanket was getting bit instead of me. I later took her water bottle apart to give her the straw to chew on. It seemed to help quite a bit. Towards the end, Olivia was getting impatient, so the tech was nice enough to play with her a little bit with a stuffed tiger that Olivia likes.

When our time was up, the tech signed Olivia's “all done” and Olivia was really happy. She was excited to get her sticker, run around outside a bit, and slept most of the way home. I guess it was just one of those days.

Running after HBOT!

Coming out of the chamber she sent kisses to the technician. She then did some happy feet dancing, took the tech by the hand and ran with her to get a sticker!

Olivia midway through HBOT treatment

Olivia is doing great! We can't wait to see how she'll be by her 40th treatment.

Day 25

Olivia was so cute today. Her smiles shine so bright! She stayed up close to me in the chamber and was very cuddly. At the end of the dive, the technician signed “all done” to Olivia through the glass. Olivia perked up and smiled. Her face was adorable...it was like she was thinking, “Hey! You know my language!”

Olivia's verbal imitation is improving. She'll copy the “uh-oh” sound, the kissing sound, raspberries, and now will imitate a low scruffy “frog in the throat” sound. She started doing it last week. Probably cause her throat was scratchy, but now she'll do it when I do it. This is very good! Next, hopefully, it will be consonant sounds...and then words!

day 24

A terrific dive! Olivia is so very happy to come to the HBOT center. She is very vocal, waving and greeting her favorite people. She was ready and excited to get into the chamber. She was wonderful during the dive. She cuddled and played with me and interacted with grandpa and the technician. It was a little tight in there...probably had something to do with all the halloween candy we ate last week.

We took a video in the car on the way to the center today. She is very responive and her processing is getting much quicker! Her teachers are very pleased with her progress. We are so happy!

We took another video of her getting out of the chamber. She was blowing kisses to the technician and grabbed her by the hand to go get stickers! You can also see her happy feet dancing and running!

Update

Hi!
Sorry we haven't posted in awhile. Olivia and Eve caught a cold on Friday and have been keeping me busy ever since! We haven't gone to HBOT all week. We will be starting back on Monday. If we were to go into the chamber with sinus congestion, it would be painful.
Olivia is doing great otherwise. This week she started pointing to pictures on paper. She's not always accurate when pointing to a certain item, but is trying which is new! Her little sister Eve is pretty good at it and is teaching Olivia. Its awesome! (not to mention adorable)

Day 22

Good dive. Not much else to say about it.

As for my observation of Olivia, I noticed she has been laughing more. Its like a stronger longer laugh. She's getting more excited about things. She's really into greeting people with waves, smiles and hugs for her favorite people. She has more energy and zest. Its great to see.

I'm excited for Saturday, halloween, because this will be the first year I think she'll “get it” She knows what candy is and likes it! Its going to be fun. For the past Halloweens I've had to roll her around in a wagon. I think this year she'll want to run from house to house! She's going to be “little Bo Peep” and her little sister Eve will be her sheep.

Tomorrow is Friday! Yaay!

Day 21

Today was OK. She was happy to get to the office, so thats always nice. She loves the staff and they love her. The technician said Olivia has a “magnetic personality,” and I can agree with that. People are drawn to her..even other children. For a child that cannot speak, she communicates very well. My husband and I joke that Olivia is 'beyond talking' that talking is 'so last year.' She is waiting for us to figure out mental telepathy. Sorry Olivia, you are gonna have to talk! Humor us, will ya?

She continues to have great eye contact and very bright smiles. She is also getting very good reports from school. We are grateful for that!

Olivia running and following one step commands..

Day 20

Olivia made her “celebrity” entrance today. She was very happy to come to the office. She walked through the doors, stopped, and started waving and calling out. It was really cute. Its like she was saying “I'm here!”

She was ready to get into the chamber and now knows when I say “get close to mommy” it means for her to put her head down. The tech closed the door and started the oxygen and pressure. When I first felt the pressure on my ears, Olivia smiled and giggled. It seems like she enjoys it now. She doesn't rub her ears, doesn't whine, just smiles and tries to interact with the people around. We have gotten comfortable in there now. I don't think I lost any weight (it would've been nice) but it seems much more roomy in there somehow. The stretcher even had the head inclined a little bit today and it didn't bother me.

20 dives down, 20 to go. We have an evaluation with the pediatrician this week. I'm going to review all my blog entries just to remind myself of where we started and see where we are now in this process.

Thanks for following along!

Day 19

It was a pleasure to see Olivia entering the HBOT center today. She was smiling, waving, reaching and just really happy. She greeted the receptionist, she was really looking at all the decorations in the office and “taking them in.” When I came back from the bathroom, she was already by the chamber, patting the stretcher, ready to go in. She was playful through the glass, wanting to entice people to play with her. Her smiles were bright and full of pure joy! It really lifted me up.

The dive went pretty well. After awhile, she started signing “all done,” but there was still 15 more minutes to go. She wasn't bad though, just tired of being confined. She was happy to come out. She gave the tech and my dad a high five. She took the tech by the hand to get a sticker and did her happy run again.

I took her to the bathroom with me, and we practiced washing her hands. She is working on this in school. She is able to dry her hands with the paper towel and throws it in the garbage on her own. For us, this is huge! This shows me that yes, someday, she will be able to do things for herself! Things will be easier! Most importantly, she is LEARNING!

We are seeing improvements with Olivia...she is waving alot and appropriately. Today getting on the bus, she turned around to wave goodbye to my neighbor, got on the bus and waved to the driver. It was wonderful!

Day 18

Taking off yesterday was nice. Olivia slept 13hrs and 20 min. last night. She woke up happy and refreshed! She had plenty of beauty rest and it was perfect timing because she had her school picture today. She looked super cute.

Olivia was cranky arriving at the center. She cried going in, and for a little while inside. She was fine for awhile, got whiney again, and got over it. She stayed at the bottom of the chamber, which I really appreciate, and was happy getting out. The tech lifted her off the stretcher and she took his hand to go get a sticker. She then enjoyed some time with the receptionist admiring her and her stickers. She is making more and more friends! You can tell the staff is falling for her. Who could blame them?

When we went outside, Olivia ran to get a rock. It was a new run! It was a REAL run, not just a fast walk. The true definition of running is when at one point, both feet are off the ground. It was great! It was adorable. Jumping is next!

Day Off

Today we decided to take off to see if Olivia would benefit from a mid-week break. I thought she would take a nap soon after coming home from school as she usually falls asleep right away in the car, but she didn't. She did, however, fall asleep for the night at 6pm. Lets see how she is tomorrow!

HBOT Olivia dive #17 coming out!

The tech asked Olivia if she wanted a sticker...she loves the stickers!

HBOT Olivia dive#17

Happy going in!

Day 17

Y'know, I think Olivia can read! (either this blog or my mind :-) Today she again stayed at the foot of the chamber and we had another great dive! She was super super happy at the office.. walking around, playing with the receptionist and noticing all the decorations. She went up to the chamber and tapped it like she wanted to go in. We went in with no whining, and she stayed happy throughout the entire time! We watched a movie, played patty-cake, interacted with the tech and grandpa, and sang songs. The time went fairly quickly and she came out happy, verbal, and energetic! We enjoyed a nice nature walk afterwords. She was kicking acorns and stomping on dry leaves. Great job Olivia!

Day 16

I was afraid today was going to be rough. Olivia woke up cranky, but as soon as she saw the HBOT technician, she brightened right up! She then went happily into the chamber and stayed happy throughout the dive. She must've read the previous blog or my mind, because she stayed at the foot of the tank and watched the movie “The Little Mermaid” most of the time. It was a blessing!

Other than Olivia and I having rosy cheeks, I noticed something on myself today. Starting this morning my throat felt itchy and then by lunch it was getting sore. On the way to the center I felt my glands were a little inflamed. After the dive, my throat and glands were fine! I think thats pretty awesome!

DAY 15

TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF!!!!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited its Friday? We are tired! Olivia fell asleep on the way there and didn't want to wake up. BUT she did and wasn't happy about it. She didn't want to walk. Her new thing is that she wants to be picked up all the time. I think she got that from her little sister. This morning waiting for the bus, she threw a fit cause I wouldn't pick her up. I had Eve in my sling. Olivia's fits include collapsing to the floor and crying. The ground was wet and I was trying to get her to stand, nope, spagetti legs. My patience is running slim. She was ok getting into the chamber, but started signing “all done” about 30 mins in. She was scratching at the door and moving around alot. I tried to slide down to the foot of the chamber to give her more room, but it made me vulnerable to hair pulling, head-butting, and eye scratching. I like it much better when she goes to the foot of the chamber.

We were both happy to get out! I could use a drink, but can't cause I'm working tonight. Oh well, chocolate will have to do. Oh, and the icing on the cake was the ride home (which I'm still experiencing) its dark, and wet, and tons of traffic. Ugh!

Monday I'll be refreshed and renewed. TGIF!

HBOTday14insideChamber

It was another good dive! She is handling it very well now. Even if she's not in the mood to go in, once we're in there she's fine.

Day 13

Olivia was super vocal today! She was babbling away, singing along with me, and she answers back with a sound when you ask her a question. She knew the end of the dive was coming when she saw the tech come around to the side of the chamber. She's well aware of where the door is. When the door opened, she cheered! She ran up to the tech and hugged her. She took her by the hand and they ran over to where the stickers are kept. She's loving the stickers! We are on our way home now and she's sleeping. We decided next week to take Wednesday off to see if that helps Olivia get more rest. Her teachers keep writing how tired she is. On a very positive note, for two nights straight now she is sleeping all night without interuption! Daddy and I are loving it!

Day 12

Oops! Sorry we're late posting! I think when Olivia and I are in the chamber, she is getting smarter and I'm losing some.

We had a nice dive. Olivia and I cuddled, she put her head on my shoulder and wrapped her little arm over my neck. We looked into each other's eyes and played peek a boo games. She has the cutest little face and big round eyes! The time went a little slow. I thought it was time to come out, but then my dad gestured that we still had 11 more minutes until we started rising to the surface.

I feel like we are pretty used it now. I don't feel too confined anymore, and the pressure change isn't that bothersome. Olivia knows the routine, and though she isn't always enthusiastic about going in, she still goes with the flow.

Olivia has been sleeping the ride there, part of the ride home, and then sleeping the night from about 8pm till 6:30am. Last night she slept straight through! Nice! Even with all this sleep, her teachers are still writing that she's tired. We might try cutting her therapy down to 4 days/week and see if that helps.

Day 11

Another great dive! Olivia was happy, she didn't run to get into the chamber, but she didn't fight it. Its funny, there are three chambers that all look the same, but they are all a little different. Some people have their favorite one. Today we tried the one to the far left. It has a valve by the head just like in a plane where the air flows overhead. I was able to control the air (full blast!) and point it right to my head. The chamber was nice and cool, and we were comfortable. Olivia spent most of the time at the foot of the chamber or resting her head on my belly. Towards the end of the dive, she turned onto her back and watched “Dumbo.”

Olivia's teacher wrote a great note today saying that she is doing really well! I wonder if the oxygen is helping her learn. Its exciting!

Day 10

Another sleepy Friday! What a busy week. Olivia's teacher keeps writing that she is tired in class. I'm wondering if its from her busy HBOT schedule, or all the hard work she's now doing at school! We might have to tweek her schedule...more sleep somehow!

Grandma and Eve came today. Its always fun when they come since they like to hang out with us and play games through the glass. Olivia did really well. No meltdowns! I think we are getting used to it. We were doing some speech in there. I could get her to make the “mmm” sound, and say “ah” I'm working really hard trying to get her to say “Mama!” I know she can say it, but I'd like her to be able to repeat it and say it when she wants me! When that happens, we are having a great party!

Day 9

Dive #9 – Sponsored by Aunt Mary and Uncle Tony

We'd like to thank Aunt Mary and Uncle Tony for their generous gift! Today was a great dive! Olivia went into the tank easily and stayed happy for most of the treatment. We watched “Mary Poppins” and enjoyed the music and dancing. Olivia was singing “Twinkle Twinkle little Star” very nicely. She makes sounds at the right times and melody. All thats left is words! Its in there and its coming out slowly but surely.

We tried a different chamber today. It was closer to the oxygen source, so it was cooler and for some other reason, the speakers were louder too. Olivia and I cuddled under the blanket and kept each other cozy. We are definately getting quality cuddle time!

Tomorrow is Friday and grandma and Eve are coming. Yay!

Happy after HBOT dive #8

After HBOT dive #8

Exiting HBOT chamber dive #8

Entering HBOT chamber #8

Day 8

Another great dive! She fell asleep almost immediately on the drive there. She woke up a few minutes before we arrived. She had her snack with grandpa and was happy to go in with me! She ran up to the technician and hugged her. It looks like she's made another friend.

The dive went well, we watched “Happy Feet.” When she started getting whiney, I slid down to the foot of the tank to give her more room. This seems to help so that she can move around a little better. She drank her juice when the pressure changed and didn't even rub her ears!

When she came out, it was like she had Happy Feet! She was energetic and happy, and vocal! Yesterday, she started singing in the chamber to herself. Today we were clapping together and she was giving me kisses. I'm going to post some videos of her after the dive today...too cute!

One thing I've noticed on myself, my face seems to have a rosier appearance! I have some natural blush. Hey, if I start looking 10 years younger, I won't complain.

HBOT exiting chamber on dive #6

She was super excited getting out of the chamber! She was happy and very energetic! She even hugged the technician!

Day 7

Olivia fell asleep very soon after we started off for the HBOT center. We didn't even have time to show her the video. Oh well, I think she's getting bored with it anyway. She woke up when we turned off the car and she wasn't super happy. Grandpa gave her a brownie and that worked wonders!

Olivia was a little cranky getting on the stretcher with me. I was hoping she would be cheerful since another little boy and his dad were watching us go in and I didn't want him to get scared.

Olivia was “all done” about half way through. Then she was a bit whiney and cranky..she was biting the pillow and chewing on her straw. I moved myself down to the foot of the chamber and Olivia rolled on her back so that her head was on the pillow. She seemed comfortable (I wasn't, but its not about me..) She was drinking her juice and actually watching tv! If I can get her used to this position and comfortable watching the tv, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to leave her alone in there. Its a long shot, but I can be hopeful!

Day 6

Best dive yet! We got to the HBOT center 10 mins earlier than usual. We walked through the main entrance instead of the side. My dad played with Olivia in the lobby at the water fountain as I visited the restroom (I learned my lesson!) Olivia had a snack with my dad in the lobby and then Olivia pulled me down the hallway (running) to the office. I let her choose the movie, and she chose “Finding Nemo.” How appropriate for our dive! We went into the chamber happily. I brought in her juice and I think she finally realized that drinking as we change pressure helps. She only drank in the beginning and the end. She started signing “all done” when we were in about 45 mins and never cried. She came out of the chamber very energetically and looked like she wanted to hug the technician!

We took a little walk outside before getting into the car for our ride home. She ate again and is now getting sleepy.

I don't have any dramatic changes to announce. Its more subtle. She seems quicker, more alert, its like she is processing things she sees and hears faster. So far so good!

Friday, Day 5

TGIF!! We are tired. Olivia is usually tired by the end of the week, so I wasn't surprised how tired she was this morning. I was surprised, however, when she came energetically off the bus and RAN up the driveway to the house. I then read in her note from her teacher that she took a 25 min nap at school. She then took another nap in the car and woke up very cranky when we got to the HBOT center. She cried going into the chamber, whined and cried during the treatment, and was happy to get out. Now, as we are driving home, she is cranky again. It looks like she'll fall asleep. Yup, she's out.

All in all, it was a good week. I'm glad we are doing this. I knew it would be tough, and it is, but we are all hoping it'll be worth it. I'll be watching her closely this weekend to look for differences!

Day 4

Today went much better! It had alot to do with my mom and Eve coming. It changed the dynamic of the trip, so she was in a much better mood when we got there. This time, I layed on the stretcher first and she actually came to me. She layed on me without a fuss, and we slid in without tears! (or snot) I brought in her drink, but she refused it during the pressurization. She did drink it at the end, so I think that helped. We used a flatter pillow and the air stayed nice and cool. My mom kept coming over and playing with Olivia, she made both of us laugh! I was laughing so much, I started to wonder if we were getting laughing gas instead of oxygen.

The time went by much quicker. Olivia did have moments of whining, but not too bad this time. I didn't feel overly confined either. One time I had an itch on my leg, though, and I couldn't scratch it. Oh well. I made sure I visited the bathroom before going in and that helped tremendously!

After 2 HBOT sessions

She is responding very well to her video. You can compare this to the video of her the day before on youtube. (search for oliviasmommee) its vid00024

Day 3 videos

This is getting into the chamber, playing inside, and getting out!

Day 3

I have to say that Olivia has been happier lately. She still fights getting dressed and her hair done, but on the whole, she's been more cheerful and playful. For example, when Olivia was coming home today on the bus, she saw me through the bus window and started smiling, clapping and vocalizing. She energetically came off the bus and chased me up the driveway. Also, last night when we got home, I put Eve to sleep and came downstairs to find Olivia playing very nicely with playdoh. (her favorite) It was different though..she was squeezing it and pressing it into the table and her belly. She was pushing her fingers into it much stronger than I've ever seen her. It was good! Olivia also got a good report from school today. Her teacher wrote that she did very well with her 1:1 instruction. She mastered 2 simple commands: stand up and clap hands. Its a start!

Everyday on the way to the HBOT center, we play the “Baby Can Read” video and tape her watching it. Today she did much better! It sounded like she said “Hi” while waving and tried to say “dog” but it sounded more like “gog” Its coming! She's also quicker to follow the commands, clap, arms up, arms down, open mouth, touch your nose.

Surprisingly, I'm getting more nervous each time we come to the HBOT center. In my mind I'm trying to stay positive. I was hoping Olivia would want to take a nap in the chamber, but she always falls asleep on the way there. I can't help but worry that I'll need to pee while in the chamber and there's nothing I can do. Yeah... that came to fruition today...it doesn't help that Olivia likes to rest on top of me. The last ten minutes were tough. When we got out, I had to rush to the bathroom, which is out of the office and down the hall! I didn't even put my shoes on!

Olivia anticipated the chamber earlier today. Yesterday it was when we took our shoes off. Today it was when we got out of the car. I gave her some granola bar thinking maybe she's getting hungry in there and we can't bring anything in with us except a drink. Maybe I'll try bringing one in tomorrow. The only problem with that is, I'm probably gonna get soaked in her drool. Its bad enough when she's crying that her tears, drool, and yes, runny nose get all over me! (Thats being a mom for ya!) With a drink, its just gonna get wetter.

It seemed a little stuffier today..I felt warmer and was afraid the glass would fog up. It was like being in a car with the engine turned off in the rain. I'm glad the glass didn't fog up, that would've freaked me out! The air is coming from behind my head, so I think the pillow was blocking it a little.. Tomorrow I'll use a flatter pillow.

As time went by, I got more anxious, (as my bladder felt fuller) and Olivia got calmer. I'm thinking tomorrow will be better. Grandma and Eve are coming tomorrow!

VID00023

This is Olivia on our way to the first HBOT session.

Videos and Pics

Ok...so I'm just learning here, but here is a video of going into our first dive and a pic of Olivia just hanging out in the chamber.



This video is our first few moments in the chamber..I'm not sure if Olivia is complaining or singing. You can see her rub her ears as we are reaching pressure.

Day 2

Olivia came home from school very happy. On the hour drive to the center, Olivia took a nap. I don't know if that was a good thing or not. When we got there, we went right in. Olivia didn't seem too happy about going back in. She started frowning as we were taking off our shoes. She was whining as we slid into the chamber and was cranky most of the dive. We tried changing the movie two times and that helped a little. The problem is that she doesn't want to be on her back looking up at the t.v. , so she is looking at me or around the room and just hears the movie. I got her to watch Barney for awhile and she was calm, but it was short-lived. When we had about 15 minutes left, Olivia signed “all done.” There was some crying then..and she looked like she wanted to get out, but the tech then put on Elmo and she calmed down for the rest of the time.

Did I say that the chamber was tight? I wish I would've lost a few pounds beforehand, so there would be more room to get comfortable. I thought I would've felt more claustrophic. I had a fear of submarines, but since the chamber is clear, I focus on outside the chamber and not the boundaries of the glass. Its also nice and cool, and you can feel the air coming in, which helps alot. Its easy for my mind to wander into scary thoughts, but I work hard to keep them at bay and distract myself with Olivia or the t.v.

I think the time went a little faster today..maybe cause I was working hard to keep Olivia happy. When we slid out, Olivia didn't even try to get up. My dad lifted her off me and then she was all happy and energetic again. We play 'ready, set, go!' and ran down the hall to the bathroom. Supposedly the pressure of the chamber affects your bladder...I don't think having Olivia laying on my bladder helps either. My dad showed Olivia how to press the button on the water fountain. She thought it was hilarious!

Onto day 3!

First HBOT Session

We made it through our first HBOT session! I was a little nervous/excited...but luckily it all went well. On our drive there, I let Olivia watch a “My Baby Can Read” video. Not because I necessarily desire her to read right now, but its still good for her and she really likes it! I taped her watching it and we can compare her response to it weekly.

Olivia was happy to be at the office, its very pretty there. We checked in and went over to the chamber room. There are three chambers side by side and a little boy was getting into one. Olivia was fine sitting on the stretcher, but when we needed her to lay down so that they could slide her in, she cried. The tech suggested I go in with her, so I took off my jacket and shoes and layed on stretcher. Olivia layed on me and she pushed us in. With Oliiva on top of me, there wasn't any extra room above her. It was tight! Eventually Olivia slid down my body and hung out by my legs. The chamber is perfectly clear and we could easily see everything around us and could hear the hiss of the oxygen being pumped in and the music of “Wiggly Wiggly Christmas” (Olivia's favorite video)

It all happened so fast, I did'n't have time to think about it...and I'm guessing thats a good thing. My ears started popping..Olivia doesn't know to swallow and I forgot in the rush to bring in her drink. She was rubbing her ears, but didn't seem to be in any discomfort. We sang along with the video most of the time and played with Grandpa through the glass. My parents are really helping us through this adventure. Grandma is staying home with Eve, and is preparing us dinner. Grandpa is driving us, staying with us, and video taping. We are very thankful for their help! Thank you!

The time went fairly quickly..Olivia and I snuggled, sang, looked around..etc. Decompressing wasn't too bad, Olivia was whining, but I also think she was tired. When we slid out, Olivia was very happy, babbling a lot and full of energy! We ran around the lobby for awhile since we have a long ride back. She was very thirsty and hungry on the ride home. I'm glad my mom packed snacks, cause she ate a whole PB&J sandwich, some pretzel rods and yogurt raisens.

We took alot of videos and a couple pics, so I'll try to post them as soon as I can.

Preparing for HBOT

We are starting HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy on Monday. This is an experimental treatment which has been showing promising (amazing) results with children that have autism, sensory processing disorders, and gross motor issues. We are hoping this therapy will 'push' Olivia forward with her verbal skills, her sensory needs, and motor skills.

Olivia is not autistic. However, she shares a lot of the same needs that autistic children have. She is 3.5 years old and has not started talking yet. It just seems like her brain is not wired correctly to produce words. She is doing amazingly well with PECs (picture exchange cards) She knows what she wants and is understanding what she hears more and more. She just can't repeat what she hears! HBOT supersaturates the blood and organs with oxygen and increases the release of stem cells...this will hopefully allow Olivia to heal herself. The doctors and specialists cannot find anything wrong with Olivia, so they can't treat her.

Olivia LOVES music...she loves to dance and sing. One day I started singing "High Hopes" and even though she has never heard this song before, Olivia started singing along very enthusiastically and loudly! It was amazing...

So here we are...starting out on yet another adventure. We don't know how this will work for Olivia, but we certainly have HIGH HOPES!!