"Good luck," were his parting words. "This will be the rest of your life," said the neurologist who performed our second opinion, offering the grim diagnosis of Doose Syndrome. I had no reason not to believe him. I'd already googled the hell out of "drop attacks" and knew. "But what about this video?" I naively countered, hoping he might watch it with me and get excited too. But he firmly shook … [Read more...] about The Best Luck
epilepsy san diego
Aiyana Kalealani We Love You
“Can God do anything mom?” It can be useful to answer a question with another question when you don’t have an answer, “Like what? What do you wonder if God can do, Oscar?” “A cartwheel. Can God do a cartwheel?” My 5 year old son wants to know. In fact, God can do a cartwheel. He’s doing one now. Head over heels, he’s taken the whole world with him. Round and round, up and over, finally co … [Read more...] about Aiyana Kalealani We Love You
Welcome Friend
When I saw I'd missed 3 calls from an old friend in the middle of the night, I almost didn't call her back. My name starts with "A" so I am often butt-dialed. But I was on vacation alone in Washington, so her timing was perfect. Sitting on the edge of a forest, overlooking the ocean and having a long, uninterrupted conversation with an old friend sounded dreamy. "Who is this?" she answered … [Read more...] about Welcome Friend
Where To Find Pediatric Cannabis Support
"Diane, please note: Mother gives 7-year-old male patient THC oil to treat his seizure disorder." I'd never seen a doctor speak into a tape recorder before, but then I'd never seen this doctor. I fully expected Peggy Lipton to appear with her wide smile to offer me a damn fine cup of coffee and a slice of cherry pie. Trying not to roll my eyes, I corrected the new doctor who was covering for our … [Read more...] about Where To Find Pediatric Cannabis Support
Solid Gold: Tips From Dr. Bonni
The most commonly searched terms that get parents here are: "CBD", "Kids" and "Dosing". They're asking the internet because doctors certainly aren't telling them. Except as a social worker, I ethically can't tell you either. What I can do, however, is empower you with the tools and resources you need to figure it out yourself. I promise, once you get the hang of it, you will feel even stronger and … [Read more...] about Solid Gold: Tips From Dr. Bonni
Mythic Mothering In The Upside Down
"Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters. . . . and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof.” D&C 61:15-19 When my 3 year-old son became obsessed with The Nightmare Before Christmas I tried not to be concerned. Sure, it’s a kids movie but I don’t know . . . He was just so little and scary movies have never been my thing. I was raised a member of the C … [Read more...] about Mythic Mothering In The Upside Down
Weeding Through The Research
Studies on pediatric Cannabis are rolling in and I want to put a handful on your radar and show you where you can find the rest. I'll try to spare you my analysis because I want you to come to your own conclusions. I don't believe in one size fits all. Some of us in our community may share the same diagnosis, but we don't share the same circumstances. You live in a different state, have different … [Read more...] about Weeding Through The Research
Status Update
I was suppose to be there to pick him up at 2 o'clock. Except the entire day was setting me up. A $13.47 errand took me to 3 different shops across town. When I got the call from the school at 10 past, I was certain it was just to reassure my son that I was on my way. Instead, it was that call. The worst call. "An 8 1/2 minute seizure on the playground at recess. The ambulance is on their way. He … [Read more...] about Status Update
Is Medical Marijuana Legal For Children In California?
If you are a parent treating your child with cannabis in Southern California, then you are probably a patient of Dr. Bonni Goldstein's. Or, you are on her months-long wait list. We all agree, our families are very lucky to have an expert in pediatric cannabis in our own backyard. She has been recommending cannabis to children in our community and supporting our parents for years now. And since my … [Read more...] about Is Medical Marijuana Legal For Children In California?
Looking for it
"You're looking for certainty," my son's neurologist reflected. I lowered by chin and raised my eyebrows with pursed lips. I've been Buddhish for over 20 years and work in the field of death and dying. I'm pretty sure I don't believe in certainty. And certainly not when it comes to epilepsy treatment. I saw this post on brilliant Elizabeth's blog a couple days after this appointment and made … [Read more...] about Looking for it