Dr. Jim Bob

At the recommendation of our OT and a good friend, Ian and I went to visit Dr. Jim Bob at Lifetime Family Wellness Center today. Dr. Jim Bob and his staff do a lot of chiropractic and nutritional work with kiddos (as well as adults), and Ian was happy to find their office fully stocked with toys and books.

We met with Dr. Jim Bob, and his associate, Andrew. After a short consultation and a bit of observation, Dr. Jim Bob said that he was going to be working on balancing the activity in Ian's brain. Right now, Ian is left brain dominant in terms of activity level. As they work to increase the neurological firing in Ian's right brain, we should see an increase in awareness of his physical activity and how his actions affect others (i.e. hitting hurts). They are also going to focus on getting Ian's cerebellum back in line - yay for better balance! Cerebellum alignment will also help the sensory input Ian receives and gives to be able to flow more easily and without obstruction.

I wish I had pictures! When Dr. Jim Bob started rubbing on a certain spot on the right side of Ian's head, Ian totally relaxed. He looked like he was enjoying some serious pampering! In fact, when Dr. Jim Bob stopped, Ian held very still and waited for him to start up again. Andrew used a cold laser on the back of Ian's neck - Ian held very still for this treatment as well. Dr. Jim Bob also adjusted Ian's spine in a couple of places.

Ian really seemed to enjoy his time there. We left with a list of supplements for Ian to take and exercises for him to do. It is going to mean Momma staying on her toes to not forget them! But Ian's diet is so limited in what he will actually eat right now that we need to make sure he gets all the nutrients he needs for healthy development. His supplement list right now includes:

Fish oil - 1 tsp/every other day (good brain oil!)

Flaxseed oil - .5 tbsp/alternates with fish oil every other day (helps coat and repair digestive system)

Aloe vera juice - 2-4 oz/day (apparently this helps coat and heal digestive system too)

Co-enzyme Q10 - 100mg/day

Probiotics - 1tbsp/day

Neurological-development activities to do at home include lots of jumping, bouncing, spinning, and vibrating. Dr. Jim Bob suggested spinning Ian in a chair (something our OT has suggested as well), but to spin him a few more times to the left than to the right. Since the brain paths cross function, spinning to the left will continue to stimulate the right side of the brain. He also suggested buying a massager to use on each side of Ian's spine and on his feet to help him calm down.

We are looking forward to seeing how these treatments, along with the Feingold diet, work for our little boy!