NeuroCytronix Flash Update

FLASH UPDATE: JULIUS is SWALLOWING and KISSING 

I want to take a few minutes to write about the criticisms I reviewed on various platforms before I decided to submit a request on Julius’ behalf to participate in Cytotron treatments. One in particular went something like this. “It doesn’t work. That kid cannot put his feet down flat when he walks.” My internal reaction was very contrary, “Wow! That kid is walking now!!” RFQMR treatment has never claimed to be a cure for cerebral palsy. This was discussed during our initial interview. We have never been mislead. There is no magic wand that can be waved in the air and shift one body into being a completely different body. The gifts that come are in steps: small improvements that lead to improved function. How that unfolds is unique to each participant.

Our new friend, Ezra, can now use both her hands functionally, her first step towards better coordination. And her mom, PJ, is able to remove Ezra’s headrest from her wheelchair, meaning Ezra can hold her head up. Of course, Ezra fatigues. Her muscles have not done this before. They need strengthening through practice. Ezra’s new therapeutic window presents this possibility that was not there prior. (You can read more about therapeutic windows in my previous update.)

Now, for Julius (and I want to be sensitive about how I share this), his unique improvements continue. How you judge them and how I judge them may differ because my lens and yours may not share similar backgrounds.

Here goes…
1) JULIUS IS SWALLOWING. He is not going to eat tacos any time soon. But, he is swallowing. (For the record, Julius had been tube fed since his birth.) So what changed? Julius has recently been preferring to sleep on his back. This is not like him because he chokes on his saliva. His normal bedtime sleeping position is on his side, toggling him off his hip and back again to prevent bedsores. If he does flip to his back, I am awakened by his oximeter that alarms when his oxygen drops as his saliva blocks his airway. Suctioning is required to clear the blockage. I do this often in the night when he is on his back. It’s exhausting for both of us. Yet, Julius has been insisting to sleep on his back. (Maybe the hotel mattress is uncomfortable for him?) After fighting with him to stay on his side, I finally gave up, knowing my sleep would be less than optimal. But that didn’t happen. No alarm woke me. Just before sunrise, Jules needed a shift in his position, but no suctioning.The next night was similar and I found myself staring at his throat while he was sleeping, counting the swallows as I fell asleep.It happened again the next night. He wanted to sleep on his back, and needed no suction. So yes, Julius is swallowing. He is protecting his own airway. He is comfortable. And the bonus is that I’m having better sleep, too. Who knows, maybe there is a taco in his future?

​2) JULIUS IS KISSING ME. This is something he did when he was little, but after his adult jaw developed abnormally he hasn’t been able to “pucker.” Perhaps his kissing is a reflex. When I lean in to kiss him, he rounds his lips. With my recent facial paralysation, my pucker is far from symmetrical so we are both learning how to kiss each other again. You might not think Julius is kissing me, but his eyes look intensely into mine, differently than when he blinks good morning or says he wants something. It is a specific look that means, “I love you” and that’s validation enough for me to say, “Julius is kissing me.”