Guest guest Posted February 7, 2004 Report Share Posted February 7, 2004 Pam, First of all, bless you!! I had a similar situation to yours (except for the house, thank goodness)--my son develped seizures last year when I was pregnant! Nothing like " multi-tasking " (because you have to!!) I went to a lecture just this week by Dr. Vining, who is a pediatric neurologist at Hopkins; she's Dr. Freeman's partner. Someone asked the question about the Atkins diet. She said they recommend parents buy the Atkins book, and do exactly as it says. I believe it's 10- 20 grams of carbs for the induction of the diet, but double check me. The protein doesn't matter--that's the beauty of it over the ketogenic diet. Your little guy won't have to be hungry because he can eat all the fat and protein he wants!! And a lot of the side effects of the diet that are related to protein malnutrition won't be anymore. Regarding the lethargy, I'd first make sure he's not too dehydrated before adding carbs. If not, and it doesn't clear in a few days, I'd have your doctor get some lab. Dr. Vining specifically stated she thinks the Atkins should be under supervision by the dietician and neuro also; I think the lab abnormalities (low glucose, too much acidosis, etc) for the induction of the Atkins are similar to that for the induction of the regular ketogenic diet. I am so happy to hear that it's working for you!! Please keep us posted! Debbie (mom to Bryce, almost 5) > Hello All, > I joined this group back in Sept or so, but life has been quite > hectic, including my home burning down in the huge Cedar Fire on > Otober 26th, so I am just re-surfacing with this group. I am also > expecting a baby in 4 months. > > My 7yo son was diagnosed with a seizure disorder in August > 03. It was unclear what type of seizures he was having, either > atypical absence or complex partial. He started off with hundreds > per day, depakote brought them down to about 2-4 per hour. The > depakote also made my son depressed, actually suicidal, plus took > away his ability to learn and made me want tranquilizers > > has since failed his second drug zarontin. I remember reading > that Dr. Freeman recommends starting the keto diet after failing the > second drug (of course all my epilepsy books burned so I can't > reference them any more until I buy more). > > 's neuro said that since he failed 2 drugs that he has very > little chance of any drugs working. I got up the courage to ask > about the keto diet. The neuro is trained in it, but suggested we > try atkins instead. So, we are weaning the zarontin and doing > Atkins. Th neuro said we can wait to start the next drug (which he > said " might make all hell break out " ) for a few weeks. I hope to > never start it. > > Our first keto day was yesterday and was sz free! He hasn't > ever been sz free since the szs started! Today he is very lethargic > and has had one sz so far today (although he would have normally, > with drugs, have had about 6 by now). He is also weaning zarontin, > so the sz could be attributed to that. Whatever, I am pretty > excited. > > I am worried about how I am going to keep up with the diet change > during all the other re-building/moving/etc upheaval we are in, but > what a wonderful opportunity we have right now! > > My biggest questions right now are: > 1) how many carbs should I start with. The nuero couldn't > help me at all. I see that s-Hopkins is starting with 10gms/day > so that is what we have started with. > > 3) If seems too lethargic, should I add more carbs and by what > amount should I add or should I just wait in hopes he will adjust to > the 10 carbs more? > > 2) should we worry about how much protein, or just try to do > straight Atkins? > > I am so glad you all are here! > keep on keeping on, > PamMcD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2004 Report Share Posted February 7, 2004 Pam, First of all, bless you!! I had a similar situation to yours (except for the house, thank goodness)--my son develped seizures last year when I was pregnant! Nothing like " multi-tasking " (because you have to!!) I went to a lecture just this week by Dr. Vining, who is a pediatric neurologist at Hopkins; she's Dr. Freeman's partner. Someone asked the question about the Atkins diet. She said they recommend parents buy the Atkins book, and do exactly as it says. I believe it's 10- 20 grams of carbs for the induction of the diet, but double check me. The protein doesn't matter--that's the beauty of it over the ketogenic diet. Your little guy won't have to be hungry because he can eat all the fat and protein he wants!! And a lot of the side effects of the diet that are related to protein malnutrition won't be anymore. Regarding the lethargy, I'd first make sure he's not too dehydrated before adding carbs. If not, and it doesn't clear in a few days, I'd have your doctor get some lab. Dr. Vining specifically stated she thinks the Atkins should be under supervision by the dietician and neuro also; I think the lab abnormalities (low glucose, too much acidosis, etc) for the induction of the Atkins are similar to that for the induction of the regular ketogenic diet. I am so happy to hear that it's working for you!! Please keep us posted! Debbie (mom to Bryce, almost 5) > Hello All, > I joined this group back in Sept or so, but life has been quite > hectic, including my home burning down in the huge Cedar Fire on > Otober 26th, so I am just re-surfacing with this group. I am also > expecting a baby in 4 months. > > My 7yo son was diagnosed with a seizure disorder in August > 03. It was unclear what type of seizures he was having, either > atypical absence or complex partial. He started off with hundreds > per day, depakote brought them down to about 2-4 per hour. The > depakote also made my son depressed, actually suicidal, plus took > away his ability to learn and made me want tranquilizers > > has since failed his second drug zarontin. I remember reading > that Dr. Freeman recommends starting the keto diet after failing the > second drug (of course all my epilepsy books burned so I can't > reference them any more until I buy more). > > 's neuro said that since he failed 2 drugs that he has very > little chance of any drugs working. I got up the courage to ask > about the keto diet. The neuro is trained in it, but suggested we > try atkins instead. So, we are weaning the zarontin and doing > Atkins. Th neuro said we can wait to start the next drug (which he > said " might make all hell break out " ) for a few weeks. I hope to > never start it. > > Our first keto day was yesterday and was sz free! He hasn't > ever been sz free since the szs started! Today he is very lethargic > and has had one sz so far today (although he would have normally, > with drugs, have had about 6 by now). He is also weaning zarontin, > so the sz could be attributed to that. Whatever, I am pretty > excited. > > I am worried about how I am going to keep up with the diet change > during all the other re-building/moving/etc upheaval we are in, but > what a wonderful opportunity we have right now! > > My biggest questions right now are: > 1) how many carbs should I start with. The nuero couldn't > help me at all. I see that s-Hopkins is starting with 10gms/day > so that is what we have started with. > > 3) If seems too lethargic, should I add more carbs and by what > amount should I add or should I just wait in hopes he will adjust to > the 10 carbs more? > > 2) should we worry about how much protein, or just try to do > straight Atkins? > > I am so glad you all are here! > keep on keeping on, > PamMcD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2004 Report Share Posted February 8, 2004 I found my article on the Atkins " Efficacy of the Atkins diet as therapy for intractable epilepsy " by Kossoff, , et all, Neurology Volume 61(12), 23 Dec 2003, pp 1789-1791. The last paragraph states they start on the induction at a max of 10 grams carbs per day. If the child is losing too much weight, they try increasing the fat/protein calories first, then if no help increase carbs by 10g per day as tolerated. Sorry for such a long-winded answer! > > Hello All, > > I joined this group back in Sept or so, but life has been quite > > hectic, including my home burning down in the huge Cedar Fire on > > Otober 26th, so I am just re-surfacing with this group. I am also > > expecting a baby in 4 months. > > > > My 7yo son was diagnosed with a seizure disorder in August > > 03. It was unclear what type of seizures he was having, either > > atypical absence or complex partial. He started off with hundreds > > per day, depakote brought them down to about 2-4 per hour. The > > depakote also made my son depressed, actually suicidal, plus took > > away his ability to learn and made me want tranquilizers > > > > has since failed his second drug zarontin. I remember > reading > > that Dr. Freeman recommends starting the keto diet after failing > the > > second drug (of course all my epilepsy books burned so I can't > > reference them any more until I buy more). > > > > 's neuro said that since he failed 2 drugs that he has very > > little chance of any drugs working. I got up the courage to ask > > about the keto diet. The neuro is trained in it, but suggested we > > try atkins instead. So, we are weaning the zarontin and doing > > Atkins. Th neuro said we can wait to start the next drug (which > he > > said " might make all hell break out " ) for a few weeks. I hope to > > never start it. > > > > Our first keto day was yesterday and was sz free! He hasn't > > ever been sz free since the szs started! Today he is very > lethargic > > and has had one sz so far today (although he would have normally, > > with drugs, have had about 6 by now). He is also weaning zarontin, > > so the sz could be attributed to that. Whatever, I am pretty > > excited. > > > > I am worried about how I am going to keep up with the diet change > > during all the other re-building/moving/etc upheaval we are in, > but > > what a wonderful opportunity we have right now! > > > > My biggest questions right now are: > > 1) how many carbs should I start with. The nuero couldn't > > help me at all. I see that s-Hopkins is starting with > 10gms/day > > so that is what we have started with. > > > > 3) If seems too lethargic, should I add more carbs and by > what > > amount should I add or should I just wait in hopes he will adjust > to > > the 10 carbs more? > > > > 2) should we worry about how much protein, or just try to do > > straight Atkins? > > > > I am so glad you all are here! > > keep on keeping on, > > PamMcD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2004 Report Share Posted February 8, 2004 I found my article on the Atkins " Efficacy of the Atkins diet as therapy for intractable epilepsy " by Kossoff, , et all, Neurology Volume 61(12), 23 Dec 2003, pp 1789-1791. The last paragraph states they start on the induction at a max of 10 grams carbs per day. If the child is losing too much weight, they try increasing the fat/protein calories first, then if no help increase carbs by 10g per day as tolerated. Sorry for such a long-winded answer! > > Hello All, > > I joined this group back in Sept or so, but life has been quite > > hectic, including my home burning down in the huge Cedar Fire on > > Otober 26th, so I am just re-surfacing with this group. I am also > > expecting a baby in 4 months. > > > > My 7yo son was diagnosed with a seizure disorder in August > > 03. It was unclear what type of seizures he was having, either > > atypical absence or complex partial. He started off with hundreds > > per day, depakote brought them down to about 2-4 per hour. The > > depakote also made my son depressed, actually suicidal, plus took > > away his ability to learn and made me want tranquilizers > > > > has since failed his second drug zarontin. I remember > reading > > that Dr. Freeman recommends starting the keto diet after failing > the > > second drug (of course all my epilepsy books burned so I can't > > reference them any more until I buy more). > > > > 's neuro said that since he failed 2 drugs that he has very > > little chance of any drugs working. I got up the courage to ask > > about the keto diet. The neuro is trained in it, but suggested we > > try atkins instead. So, we are weaning the zarontin and doing > > Atkins. Th neuro said we can wait to start the next drug (which > he > > said " might make all hell break out " ) for a few weeks. I hope to > > never start it. > > > > Our first keto day was yesterday and was sz free! He hasn't > > ever been sz free since the szs started! Today he is very > lethargic > > and has had one sz so far today (although he would have normally, > > with drugs, have had about 6 by now). He is also weaning zarontin, > > so the sz could be attributed to that. Whatever, I am pretty > > excited. > > > > I am worried about how I am going to keep up with the diet change > > during all the other re-building/moving/etc upheaval we are in, > but > > what a wonderful opportunity we have right now! > > > > My biggest questions right now are: > > 1) how many carbs should I start with. The nuero couldn't > > help me at all. I see that s-Hopkins is starting with > 10gms/day > > so that is what we have started with. > > > > 3) If seems too lethargic, should I add more carbs and by > what > > amount should I add or should I just wait in hopes he will adjust > to > > the 10 carbs more? > > > > 2) should we worry about how much protein, or just try to do > > straight Atkins? > > > > I am so glad you all are here! > > keep on keeping on, > > PamMcD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2004 Report Share Posted February 9, 2004 The articles do state 10 carbs to start and I think it is -Protein = 35% of the calories If there is too much weight loss, slowly, calories are increased Remember--too much protein , too many calories can turn to glucose and seizures could return Atkins is a great diet--and hopefully it will be fine-tuned enough and our kids can do well on this diet, seizure-free! Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Hello Arnie!!! So glad to hear from you and that you have your IE pretty much functioning for you too. I love having guys here though most seem to lurk. Waving to Bill, Terry, Evan!! I'm sure there are some guy points of view that us gals aren't aware of. Hope you all will enlighten us as you can. (Do you find that you fall into 'must solve X problem' thinking? - just curious) Arnie, I so know how our journeys have plateaus where we can camp out and get ready for the next leg onward. I've been happy with staying 'even', possibly a touch released, but mainly just at peace with eating and myself. I know that when I am ready and want to hone on some of the more challenging (for me!) aspects like mindfulness and finding my real 'sweet spot' with satisfaction ('just full') I could release some more. Not pushing that at this moment, but its forming up in my mind and presenting itself to me. Looking forward to reading your posts when you can write them. Ehugs, Katcha IEing since March 2007 > > Hi, > > My name is Arnie and I was active with this group some time ago and then my participation fell off. Just thought I'd stop in and say hi. > > From the first time I read the book " Intuitive Eating " I knew my dieting days were over and that hasn't changed. I've been slowly getting better at many of the principles described in the IE book. Mostly principles 1-5. But I now need to focus more on the second half and give more attention to 6 to 10. > > I have become much more accepting of my body as it is today. Every now and then, usually triggered by someone else's comments about me, I get the idea I should get on a diet and loose weight. But I think it through and decide that's a crazy idea. Since I quite dieting I've stayed around the same weight. When I was always trying a new diet, I always ended up gaining weight in the long term. I'm doing the best thing I can right now. Learning to accept myself as I am. Taking a long term approach that is leading to a much happier life. > > This group and the wonderful people in it was a big help to me and although I can't keep up with all the posts I'll try to stop in from time to time and throw in my $0.02 worth. > > ARNIE > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Arnie, thank you so much for your post. I am fairly new at this and often wonder if there is anyone who has actually done it for a while and what it has been like. I sure am glad to have heard from you because I was getting to that point of quitting or dieting perhaps. Don't be a stranger. Sandy  Hi, My name is Arnie and I was active with this group some time ago and then my participation fell off. Just thought I'd stop in and say hi. From the first time I read the book " Intuitive Eating " I knew my dieting days were over and that hasn't changed. I've been slowly getting better at many of the principles described in the IE book. Mostly principles 1-5. But I now need to focus more on the second half and give more attention to 6 to 10. I have become much more accepting of my body as it is today. Every now and then, usually triggered by someone else's comments about me, I get the idea I should get on a diet and loose weight. But I think it through and decide that's a crazy idea. Since I quite dieting I've stayed around the same weight. When I was always trying a new diet, I always ended up gaining weight in the long term. I'm doing the best thing I can right now. Learning to accept myself as I am. Taking a long term approach that is leading to a much happier life. This group and the wonderful people in it was a big help to me and although I can't keep up with all the posts I'll try to stop in from time to time and throw in my $0.02 worth. ARNIE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Hi Katcha, Yeah, I noticed the other guys posting here, that's great. To answer your question, yes, I do tend to think that solutions must follow a formula, (ie, solve for X, type thinking). Maybe that's why when I was on a diet, I could always stick to it religiously. 100% on or 100% off. That is the challenge of IE. No formula, just my own and other peoples experience to learn from. Sometimes things work for me, sometimes they don't. So long as I stay with IE as best I can I've found that in the long term I progress. I like what you said about sometimes just camping out and getting ready for the next leg of the journey. Life does not need to be one big, long, hard struggle. Sometimes it's also important to relax and enjoy where we are, at that time. It's really nice to chat here with you again. ARNIE > > > > Hi, > > > > My name is Arnie and I was active with this group some time ago and then my participation fell off. Just thought I'd stop in and say hi. > > > > From the first time I read the book " Intuitive Eating " I knew my dieting days were over and that hasn't changed. I've been slowly getting better at many of the principles described in the IE book. Mostly principles 1-5. But I now need to focus more on the second half and give more attention to 6 to 10. > > > > I have become much more accepting of my body as it is today. Every now and then, usually triggered by someone else's comments about me, I get the idea I should get on a diet and loose weight. But I think it through and decide that's a crazy idea. Since I quite dieting I've stayed around the same weight. When I was always trying a new diet, I always ended up gaining weight in the long term. I'm doing the best thing I can right now. Learning to accept myself as I am. Taking a long term approach that is leading to a much happier life. > > > > This group and the wonderful people in it was a big help to me and although I can't keep up with all the posts I'll try to stop in from time to time and throw in my $0.02 worth. > > > > ARNIE > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Hi Katcha, Yeah, I noticed the other guys posting here, that's great. To answer your question, yes, I do tend to think that solutions must follow a formula, (ie, solve for X, type thinking). Maybe that's why when I was on a diet, I could always stick to it religiously. 100% on or 100% off. That is the challenge of IE. No formula, just my own and other peoples experience to learn from. Sometimes things work for me, sometimes they don't. So long as I stay with IE as best I can I've found that in the long term I progress. I like what you said about sometimes just camping out and getting ready for the next leg of the journey. Life does not need to be one big, long, hard struggle. Sometimes it's also important to relax and enjoy where we are, at that time. It's really nice to chat here with you again. ARNIE > > > > Hi, > > > > My name is Arnie and I was active with this group some time ago and then my participation fell off. Just thought I'd stop in and say hi. > > > > From the first time I read the book " Intuitive Eating " I knew my dieting days were over and that hasn't changed. I've been slowly getting better at many of the principles described in the IE book. Mostly principles 1-5. But I now need to focus more on the second half and give more attention to 6 to 10. > > > > I have become much more accepting of my body as it is today. Every now and then, usually triggered by someone else's comments about me, I get the idea I should get on a diet and loose weight. But I think it through and decide that's a crazy idea. Since I quite dieting I've stayed around the same weight. When I was always trying a new diet, I always ended up gaining weight in the long term. I'm doing the best thing I can right now. Learning to accept myself as I am. Taking a long term approach that is leading to a much happier life. > > > > This group and the wonderful people in it was a big help to me and although I can't keep up with all the posts I'll try to stop in from time to time and throw in my $0.02 worth. > > > > ARNIE > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2011 Report Share Posted August 3, 2011 Hi Katcha, Yeah, I noticed the other guys posting here, that's great. To answer your question, yes, I do tend to think that solutions must follow a formula, (ie, solve for X, type thinking). Maybe that's why when I was on a diet, I could always stick to it religiously. 100% on or 100% off. That is the challenge of IE. No formula, just my own and other peoples experience to learn from. Sometimes things work for me, sometimes they don't. So long as I stay with IE as best I can I've found that in the long term I progress. I like what you said about sometimes just camping out and getting ready for the next leg of the journey. Life does not need to be one big, long, hard struggle. Sometimes it's also important to relax and enjoy where we are, at that time. It's really nice to chat here with you again. ARNIE > > > > Hi, > > > > My name is Arnie and I was active with this group some time ago and then my participation fell off. Just thought I'd stop in and say hi. > > > > From the first time I read the book " Intuitive Eating " I knew my dieting days were over and that hasn't changed. I've been slowly getting better at many of the principles described in the IE book. Mostly principles 1-5. But I now need to focus more on the second half and give more attention to 6 to 10. > > > > I have become much more accepting of my body as it is today. Every now and then, usually triggered by someone else's comments about me, I get the idea I should get on a diet and loose weight. But I think it through and decide that's a crazy idea. Since I quite dieting I've stayed around the same weight. When I was always trying a new diet, I always ended up gaining weight in the long term. I'm doing the best thing I can right now. Learning to accept myself as I am. Taking a long term approach that is leading to a much happier life. > > > > This group and the wonderful people in it was a big help to me and although I can't keep up with all the posts I'll try to stop in from time to time and throw in my $0.02 worth. > > > > ARNIE > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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