It's been 14 days on our new journey.
Some of you know, we have been starting all the doctor visits, again. After getting pretty settled and to a 'normal' life again, we figured we better get to it.
Kamalee had been displaying rough, sporadic and wild behavior. Even more than her normal. It had been escalating, quickly; since Jayse, moving to a new state, living in a camper, living with another family and then a whole new house again. (I guess we can't blame her. That's a whole lot of change for a little girl. And even more for a little girl that does not like change.) But it was getting overwhelming and too much to handle.
One day, it felt like I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't handle her temper and yelling and hitting. I was stumped on how to move forward. So I reached out to a facebook community and asked for help. I was happy to learn I was joined by much company. It is a little easier to deal, when you know you aren't the only one. Of course, there were comments I wish I would have not had to read but many helpful people, in the same situation, and good advice. I thank God for the kind individuals that were able to give advice and reassurance that I wasn't doing anything wrong. As for the others, I won't acknowledge them. :)
In January, we finally found a pediatrician to have her be seen. (We LOVE her by the way) After my concern and expressed school concern, we thought Kamalee may have ADHD. It sure would explain a lot. I like to know what I am getting in to. So, for weeks prior to the doctor visit, I did lots of research. ADHD is a hard diagnosis. And even hard to pair it with Down syndrome. And so our journey starts.
To be given a diagnosis of DS/ADHD, it is done on an exclusion process. Exclude ALL other medical possibilities until you don't have any other ideas what the cause is...basically. So we did the blood testing, thyroid testing, vision screen and so on. So far, all has been good. Great news. But that means we are steps closer to ADHD diagnosis. I asked the doctor what we could do, without medicating. Eliminate milk? Gluten? Therapy? She had one small recommendation, to eliminate RED food dyes. It was one of those things where I thought, hmm...interesting. But kind of forgot the idea by the time I got home.
Back to my facebook community and helpful friends. I would guess that 45-60% of the good advice has to do with RED dyes.
After a couple weeks, and a few days of red dye research (I tell you, I research everything. I like to know what I am getting in to.) I found some really nasty facts. Like red dyes are made from petroleum or bugs. Gag. It completely shocked me to read about the "foods" we put in our bodies. In case you are not ready for a life change....I won't share more about that.
But, that got me more motivated than ever to be healthier. We started the 100 Days of Real Food. If you want to know more, check out her site. We are in the process of eliminating all junk, ie. processed foods and dyes. We are commited 100% to no dyes. As for the processed food, we are following an 80/20 lifestyle. 80% of what we eat is all natural and no preservatives. There are still a few things we haven't totally switched over; peanut butter, non-pasteurized milk, organic eggs. But this is a huge 180 for our family...I think we used to be know as the SweetTreatsCrew.
After 14 days, I am happy to report:
Kamalee's attitude has improved tremendously.
Both kids are eating healthy and really well. Only a few "eeuuwwiieee"s at supper. :)
Justin and I have both lost weight! (if you don't have facebook, Justin can now where his skinny jeans)
Kamalee's sleep has improved. She has slept through the night about 10 of the 14 nights. HUGE!
We have much more energy.
We have much more energy.
I think we will be sticking to this!
So.....South Dakota family...get ready for a change when we are home. Gramma Cindy, better get some good recipes. No more chocolate cake and white frosting (unless adapted to REAL foods, of course) :). Papa Joe and Grandma Bubbles, lock up those cookies and no more ooey gooey caramel rolls.
(Well, maybe just for me and Justin.)
We can cheat once, right?!
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