A Mother’s Diary of Reina

December 1999

To Whom it May Concern,

At this writing, our daughter continues to benefit from CFI Therapy sessions. Specific effects of this therapy noted so far are listed below.

CFI Therapy sessions have been directly responsible for the partial straightening of Reina’s right upper incisor, which received sharp trauma in a recent fall at school. It is especially gratifying to know that teeth can be straightened by CFI Therapy, without physical structures (orthodontics, or "braces") being placed on the teeth, which our disabled daughter would not be able to use anyway. The specialist in autism treatment, Dr. K., M.D., who orchestrates all of Reina’s medical care, has recommended that we continue our CFI sessions for at least one more year. We are looking forward to our future sessions with Hellmuth Hinz.

KEY TO MY WRITING

• “NDB” = Never done before (i.e., a totally new skill or capacity that we have been trying to develop in Reina, previously w/o success using any other form of therapy or intervention)
• *a special observation

Specific Results:

February 2, 1999 --- On way home, after therapy session, Reina is very calm & relaxed. In general, since the first CFI Therapy™ session Reina has been calmer and less agitated. This has helped enormously in dealing with her autism, at home and at school.

• *NDB – ((Reina has previously had nonpathogenic diarrhea)…Held bowel movement while sitting in car, on instruction, until reaching home, where she successfully used the toilet. (THIS is a great step forward!). Later in evening, while on a long walk w/Mom: 
• NDB straighter feet (less splaying out)
• NDB more natural body carriage while walking (less jerkiness & hesitation)
• NDB beginning of natural oppositional movement of arms & legs while walking (Reina has always lacked this trait – her arms had hung straight at her sides w/no rhythmic movement while walking)
• NDB better use of stride, i.e., moves feet more naturally from heel to toe, springs up on toes as she should at end of stride.
• NDB attempted a sprint
• NDB controlled an object w/hands behind her, while walking forward (=better balance).
• NDB ran well over a course of more than 40 continuous yards. (previously could not do 10) Nice, springy body carriage.

Diet: As per Dr. K, M.D., Reina is on a gluten free, milk free, egg free diet. Most of her foods are cooked at home. She drinks only water. I also use ginger as a digestive depending on her state each day.

Dietary Supplements (*Recommended by Dr. K.): Ascorbic Acid, Borage Seed Oil, Dimethylglycine, Flax seed meal, Green Source, Kelp, Melatonin (at night), MindCare (herbal Ayurvedic formulation for autistic individuals, a proprietary herbal blend containing: Brahmi, Gotukola, Morning Glory, Musk root, Ashwagandha, False Black Pepper, Almond, Indian Valerian, Sweet Flag, Amalaki, Haritaki, Guduchi, Staff Tree, Trumpet Creeper, Cardamon, Fennel, CowItch, Giant Potato, Salep Orchid, Arjuna, Nutmeg, Vibhitaka, Ginger, Clove.) NutraFlora FOS (Fructoolitosaccharides = probiotic food), SuperNuThera (High B6/Magnesium multivitamin), *Mega B50, *VitalZymes (digestive enzymes), *NatureEarth Probiotics, *SuperGarlic

The only prescription drug my daughter takes is Tegretol at night for seizure control. 

Re: question about falls (One of Hellmuth Hinz’s questions during our first therapy session), I thought you meant a severe fall, a very traumatic event, something that would require hospitalization. After I got home, and thought more about your question, I realized that your understanding of "fall" and mine may be different. In Oregon where I grew up, a "fall" was a serious event. What I now hear called a "fall" would have been a "slip," or "tumble" to us. So I think I should record that she has taken many "tumbles," in the course of learning to stand and to walk. There were two other incidents which I should record: 1) she knocked on her older sister's door, and the door opened suddenly, and she fell forward on the carpet. This happened in 1989 (10 years ago!) and I had nearly forgotten it. She did not seem hurt, but was very surprised. 2) she also fell from a pony (the safety strap slipped) at a fair when she was about, I think, 7 years old. I was standing beside her and caught her as she went down, in stages, from the pony's side. This was a very "broken" fall, in fact I have not thought of it as a "fall", and again we could not discern any injury to her. She was not even frightened by it, instead she found it funny and laughed. (Reina often thinks "sudden change" events are funny, regardless of their social context.)

More diary notes:

February 5, 1999 --- On way home, after therapy session, Reina very calm & relaxed. Rubbed eyes as if sleepy (this child has never been a "napper" either). In general, since the first CFI therapy session Reina has been calmer and less agitated. *NDB Held bowel movement while sitting in car, on instruction, until reaching home, where she successfully used the toilet. Later in evening *NDB straighter feet (less splaying out) *NDB more natural body carriage while walking (less jerkiness & hesitation). *NDB beginning of natural oppositional movement of arms & legs while, walking (Reina has always lacked this trait). *NDB better use of stride, i.e., moves feet more naturally from heel to toe, springs up on toes as she should at end of stride. *NDB attempted a sprint, *NDB controlled an object w/hands behind her, while walking forward (=better balance). *NDB ran well over a course of more than 40 continuous yards. Nice, springy carriage. 

February 15, 1999 --- First secretin infusion at Dr. K’s office, Grapevine Texas. Infusion went well. Noticeable effects were: calming effect, elimination of "cold spots" on much of her body. She was very relaxed on the way home. Overall the secretin seems to have had an immediate tonic effect on her system. Will watch to see if this lasts.

Feb. 18, 1999 --- NDB – Tried to stand on her head (Playing). NDB – Played w/Ernie doll by the ears, trying to sit him up in a normal upright posture = imaginative play. Effect of foot straightening seems to be holding. She is still walking very straightly and her balance has improved (A CFI Therapy effect noticed before this)

Feb. 23, 1999 --- Previously noticed effects still holding: straighter stride, better balance. Tooth angle (U. right incisor) has begun to lessen. Facial angles look more "square" w/less of the droopy eyed look. She has been very alert. Continuing w/nutrition. It is remarkable how calm she is now, where in the past she would have been nearly uncontrollably peripatetic. She seems much more in charge of herself. (You have to have an autistic child to know why this is a great advancement!)

Feb. 26, 1999 --- Reina started at her new school today. Have been continuing occipital CST as shown to meby Hellmuth Hinz, about once every two days. She obviously enjoys it. Feet are still straight. Her front tooth continues to straighten and (NDB)….she keeps talking about "teeth" as if she’s feeling something in them unusual. Maybe she is feeling something in her jaw. Could be the straightening effect. She certainly has never talked about her teeth in the past. The oppositional arm movement, which is desirable while walking, seems to have disappeared over the last few days.

March 4, 1999 --- Third CFI Session. Reina’s status: although she still has the Type A flu (diagnosed by a pediatrician’s in vitro test on Mon., March 1st), I thought a CFI session today would benefit her. She spent the morning in bed, too weak to move much. She slept in the early afternoon, no interest whatever in getting out of bed. I fed her fluids from a dropper. She did not want to sit up and eat, and was fussy and tense (perhaps from flu induced muscle or headache) on the trip in to the Arcturus Foundation, Inc. very, very fussy. She was so agitated it disturbed my driving. Then she went through the session OK. Used restroom at middle of session. Became calmer towards end of session. On way home, she was extremely relaxed & quiet. She held my hand a lot, and her skin felt smooth and cool (not like it had been, blotchy & hot in places) It was a pleasure to see her so utterly devoid of tension. She was totally at peace {I must note that this is extremely rare for her, usually her autism makes her quite anxious while driving, and she fusses a lot}. She looked out the window & watched things in a studious manner – not usually done. We saw a big gorilla balloon blowing in the wind at a car lot, and she laughed at it (= an appropriate reaction). When we arrived home, I thought she would be too tired to do any more this evening. She surprised me by going to her place at the table, expecting to eat. We ate, and then I thought, now she will crash in her room. No, she got interested in the kitchen in an old Mickey Mouse toy that she dearly loves, but which is now broken. She showed no desire to leave the kitchen for her room. I asked her if she wanted a new toy, and she indicated that would be all right w/her. So we went out to ToysRUs (about a 10 minute drive) & bought a few new toys, including a replacement for her Mickey Mouse toy. She stood up unaided in the store, walked around and looked at least 30 different toys, studying each one quietly, as if she’d never been ill, or in bed for the past 4 days! I really expected more muscle weakness from that much time in bed. The turnaround definitely came during the CFI session….it decreased her fatigue level considerably (or increased available energy, I don’t know which). This is a surprising result of the CFI: It is now 8:19 p.m., and this is a child who I thought would be sound asleep from illness and exhaustion by now. Instead, she’s lounging in her room, quite alert, running a SeeNSay toy and shows no sign of wearing down! Later, around 9:00 p.m., she did retire for the night as usual.

March 15, 1999 --- Reina ill with the flu, out of school

March 16, 1999 --- NDB: After play session at a school playground, Reina anticipated leaving and put her sand toys back in their box w/o prompting. This was an appropriate social reaction. I cannot ascribe this reaction to any specific cause.

March 17, 1999 --- In general Reina has been calmer and more purposeful in her activities. There is far less aimless peripatetism than in the past. She continues to walk straighter, right foot still splays outward in the old way.

March 25, 1999 --- Observing Reina play, she has learned to "strike" things. She did not hit before this, could not hold a striking object in her dominant hand and aim at a target object and actually strike it. She now bangs dishes on countertops in this fashion, each strike is discrete and purposeful.

March 29, 1999 --- Second secretin infusion at Dr. K’s office. Also got visual exam. Her vision has improved somewhat, but further improvement in motor coordination will require daily visual exercises at home. The infusion produced a noticeable flush across Reina’s face and chest. This flush disappeared within 20 minutes & she was quite well throughout the procedure. The results of the infusion were the same as before: she calmed down a great deal more, was quiet and her body was pleasantly warm to the touch. General Notes: She continues to improve across the board. Dietary refinements and supplements are continuing to help as well.

April 1, 1999 --- Appt. w/Hellmuth Hinz, 4 p.m. Relaxed, calm & and subdued on the way home, even though very hungry by this point in the afternoon.

April 2, 1999 --- Up at usual time, but miserable and fussing (Very unusual – Reina usually rises like a bird, "chirping & singing" & very happy to be awake). Normal amount of morning urine. Urine has turned a lime green color. Gave 4 oz. water, followed w/usual morning routine. Stayed in bed longer than usual, "lolling" on bed. Got her up for her remedies about 0830. Then breakfast at 0930. On long walk in late a.m., she was very slow and less self directed than usual. Wanted to walk, motivation was not the problem. Right foot is straighter and showing signs of staying that way while walking. Her feet are straighter working together as well.  NDB – She skipped three steps while on our daily walk. Prior to this, therapists have thought her incapable of doing the skipping gait. 

April 13, 1999 --- On walks, right foot straightening more and more. About 3/5 steps are just right in terms of alignment.

April 14, 1999 --- Nurse called from school, Reina has runny nose, rhinitis, so took her to Dr. L., M.D. Turns out both ears infected, draining into throat, causing severe sore throat. This is bacterial, Dr. L., M.D. feels we can use an antibiotic (Zithromax) on a short 5 day course w/o interfering too much w/Reina’s gut flora, so I consented. Also balancing this w/Kyodophilus probiotics in greater amounts, proportional to the antibiotic challenge to the gut. A significant change: Reina is compliant with "being sick" – when I told her she’d be out of school and on bed rest for today, and perhaps also tomorrow, she gladly left the car, walked through the house & hopped into bed, where she has happily stayed all this p.m. w/exception of toilet breaks. THIS IS A FIRST for her….usually keeping her in bed is quite a chore, she just keeps popping out. She seems to have a genuine understanding that she is ILL today and MUST stay in bed. Quite an improvement from the "nurse’s" (that’s my) standpoint!!!

Remainder of April 1999 --- Had 3rd Secretin infusion at Dr. K’s; also, most CFI effects still holding, especially the improvement in foot orientation and gait. She now walks more than three miles effortlessly and wants to go further. I am amazed at the increase in her endurance. 

May 17, 1999 --- Appt. w/Hellmuth Hinz, 10:00 a.m. Reina definitely needed a "tuneup," and got one today. She was tense and screeching when coming in, and within 10 minutes of start of therapy calmed down and was happily quiet. She went home very quiet and happily playing in the car = no distractions for the driver (me)! So that was very nice. Reina has started in a new school, a special needs residential facility’s day school program, for specific training in behavior modification. This is the Bayes Achievement Center in Huntsville, Texas.

To summarize CFI effects so far, the following observations reflect what I have consistently observed as direct effects of each CFI session:

• Increased calmness that lasts for days
• Increased energy that peaks for several hours following therapy
• Enhanced functioning of the immune system (able to "throw off" infections that would otherwise have been much more serious and last days longer)
• "Squaring up" of facial features; less of the "hangdog" look that has typified her facial appearance for years
• Tooth straightening and better spatial separation of formerly very crowded teeth
• Increase in physical growth and weight gain (formerly a very poor eater, and a very thin, very small child for her age)
• Musculoskeletal system coming "on line" much better, more overall coordination, self-control and improved physical abilities
• Great increase in physical endurance (formerly couldn't walk 50 ft. w/o tiring; now does 3 mi. easily & wants to do more)

I suspect, as Reina’s mother, that the following are also effects of CFI, but since the therapy sessions have a less direct relationship to the appearance of these effects I am listing them as "CFI probables"’ or, results in which CFI acts with Reina’s other therapies to produce overall combined effects, such as:

   NDB Enhanced concentration (worked on school computer reading program for periods up to 40 min) – shows increased interest in books, stories and understands cause and effect much better. Follows directions of adults with much less resistance. Better digestion (formerly a "leaky gut" child). Better bowel and bladder control. Higher spirits, more interest in school and her environment. Better compliance with routine school demands. Faster recovery from ordinary fatigue. Better adjustment to sudden changes in routine

June 3, 1999 --- Fourth Secretin infusion at Dr. K’s clinic. Went well, nothing unusual, except that Reina’s behavior and responses were the best ever. She had the usual post infusion flushing which passed within 20 minutes. Then was very calm for about 5 hours. Dr. K. consulted with me regarding the future treatment regimen, and explained the options open to us. The hierarchy requires heavy metals, organophosphates and pesticide toxins to be addressed next. Three routes of treatment are:

1. Herbals (long & slow)
2. DMSA – an analog of DMSP (related to DMSO) – of the thousands of patients treated with DMSA, only 2 have had a negative effects/inset of undesirable CNS symptoms
3. PC15 – European development, experimental, used by a US physician on 45 patients w/excellent and fairly quick (3 mon.) results…not enough statistical data to predict side effects, etc.

We need to test Reina for a need for organophosphate and pesticide presence before choosing a treatment protocol, if one is indicated. Dr. K. stated that IgE responses on the RAST test are foods to be ELIMINATED from her diet: Wheat, (Gluten), Egg White (Albumin) and Cow’s milk (Casein). It is unknown whether she is allergic or sensitive to lactose, but since cow’s milk is out of the diet anyway, it is a moot point. The diet should include supportive foods as listed on the FA report. Her recent difficulty in swallowing he feels is an artifact of erupting molars = no intervention needed.

June 23, 1999  --- Reina continues in great health. We are sticking with the dietary & supplemental food changes. She is so robust, growing rapidly & extremely happy at home & elsewhere. She did her third respite weekend at Bayes w/o incident. After ten years of having an "emergency prone" child, I am astonished at this sweeping change – I keep expecting the school to call me as they used to almost every day, with some problem of Reina’s that requires my intervention. NO MORE! She has been at Bayes for 1 month now, w/no calls, and this is due to her better health and also their extreme competence in handling behavioral difficulties. 

July - Sept. 1999 --- Long hard summer; Reina did Extended Year Program (summer school) for 9 weeks. Daddy laid off his job. We continue w/the program, missed our Sept.(?) session w/Hellmuth Hinz. Reina became more "out of tune," so we resolved not to let more than 30 days go between CFI sessions. 

October, 1999 --- Reina had one CFI session this month. Her gait continues to improve. Now, the sessions are taking on a "tonic" effect – she just seems to need a CFI "Tuneup" every 30 days to keep progressing. Her health continues to improve. We have noticed less facial "banding," better embuchere, better alignment of teeth and a great improvement in facial appearance. Reina now seems "pretty" where she seemed "droopy" before. She obviously feels better now than at any time in her previous life.

- J. Segueira, Spring, TX