Lead Poisoning: The Next Step

So it's been an... emotional week or two to say the least. 

We have platelet levels back up (YAY!!!!), however, we received very troubling news that the twin's lead levels are on the rise. Alecia came out at a 38, and Ahavah a 28. Ahavah just finished a chelation therapy for her lead back in November.

Again anything above a 5 is proven to hinder brain development as well as organs in the body. With our highest of a 74, and our average around a 25-30, for TWO YEARS, we're facing grim circumstances...

I now look back on the past month and realize those bursts of wrath and agression I've been dealing with in Alecia are due to her high lead levels. I remember asking her why she keeps getting so angry and I remember her saying, "I don't know! I can't help it! I just get so frustrated and angry!" 

It's just the scariest thing when lead attacks your children's minds. You see them slow in certain areas, struggling over verbalizing things sometimes, and extreme changes in temperament and it's almost too much to handle. 

SO after crying for 4 days and being on the phone with the wonderful, WONDERFUL people at the Department of Health we had some ideas of what we could do next. I met with the girls NEW pediatrician (which I am SO in love with, I could write a whole blog post about them) and we ran some blood work and made some referrals.

We've already:
(1) Passed Environmental Inspections, Several Times: Our home, paint, dust, dirt, water, cookware, toys... everything. Past living place. Current church location. You name it, we tested it. 

(2) Changed the way we eat and live: Got rid of all chemical cookware. Eat almost completely organic (pesticides can be tricky business). Take vitamins and supplements. Got rid of pretty much all chemical exposure.

We don't know where the lead is coming form and why only the twins have such tremendous levels. So here are the next few steps we are taking:

(3) Genetic Testing: There's been studies done that certain genes have been linked to your body not being able to clear heavy metals from your system. I don't know if these are genes that you're born with or if they mutated, but we're getting the twins tested for this. 

(4) Behavioral/Developmental Specialty Care: The road I NEVER wanted to embark down. Mostly out of fear. I don't want to continually assess them and see the effects this demon has had on their once whole and healthy brains. I am so scared to take this step. I was encouraged to years ago, but I just couldn't get myself to do it. I am so thankful we homeschool since I can continue to challenge them academically whenever and wherever we are, I am also the most informed on what they struggle in and what to watch for. 

(5) Assessing their Overall Health: We're running blood work and such to find any gaps in their vitamin levels or nutrition. Their health as a whole. The twin's dental health over the last year has taken a real toll for the worse and they have NO reason for this at all! You read my blog! You see how healthy these kids are. So we'll be seeing this holistic dentist we were recommended too over the next few months to evaluate why their dental health has been affected and what we can do to help it without exposing them to more heavy metals and chemicals.

I'm not gonna lie. 

I've been an emotional wreck.

Want the Truth?

I get lonely thinking no one really knows what I'm going through. 

Then I remember that doesn't matter. 

I forget how severe and "stressful" this all is until it shows it's ugly head again.

But there's one thing that still remains with me.

My anchor. 

My hope. 

My God.

The Holy Spirit who speaks directly to my heart. 

I KNOW my GOD and HE IS GOOD.

He knows what's going on and I don't need to.

I WANT to. :)

But we pray about the next step and He's so faithful to guide us.

We'll follow Him into whatever He has for us. 

From this life into the next. 

So weary parent. 

It's okay to cry. 

It's okay to feel.

God knows, you don't need to pretend. 

But you need to fall back on Him and let Him make the choices, not those emotions. 

Seek Him. 

Wait on Him. 

Trust Him.

We walk by faith NOT by sight.