Kartik was born on 12^thNovember 2003after normal,healthy,full term pregnancy. He was born through c-section because of meconium discharge.He didn’t cry normally immediately after birth as other child does,he cried after few seconds and pediatrician never suggested to put him in incubator as he said everything was okay and normal.

Around his 6 months of age we started realizing that he is not strong and is unable to maintain his balance as he was supposed to hold himself at that age.When we showed him to the pediatrician he told us Kartik had low muscle tone and recommended physiotherapy.  We started giving him occupational therapy while he was still 7-month-old and at that time he couldn’t hold his neck and couldn’t even roll himself.He was not able to sit or talk as well.With therapy he was improving at very slow rate,then we started other ayurvedic treatment and oil massage.  We tried many treatments, therapies and saw various medical practitioners.  As far as I remember, the list is as below:
<ul class=”visible-progress-list”>
<li>Paediatric Neurologist in Pretoria, South Africa (Unitas Hospital)</li>
<li>Paediatric Neurologist in Mumbai, India (Hinduja Hospital)</li>
<li>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa</li>
<li>Ophthalmologist in Pretoria, South Africa (Pretoria Eye Institute)</li>
<li>Ophthalmologist in Mumbai, India (Shroff Eye Institute)</li>
<li>Pediatric Endocrinologist in Cape Town, South Africa (Red Cross Children’s Hospital)</li>
<li>Pediatric Metabolic Disorders Specialist in London, UK (Great Ormond Street Hospital)</li>
<li>Ayurvedic Practitioner in Mumbai, India</li>
<li>Acupressure Treatment in India</li>
<li>Pediatric Neuro-Physio Therapist in Mumbai, India</li>
<li>Swimming as a stimulant and for his enjoyment, Louis Trichardt, South Africa</li>
<li>Hippo therapy (Horse Therapy) as a stimulant and for his enjoyment, Louis Trichardt, South Africa</li>
<li>Occupational Therapy in Louis Trichardt, South Africa</li>
<li>Tomatis [Audio-Psycho-Phonology (APP)], Sound Therapy in Cape Town, South Africa</li>
</ul>
<h4> Various types of therapies given:</h4>
<ul class=”visible-progress-list”>
<li>Occupational therapy</li>
<li>Ayurvedic massage and medicine(+_20pills 3times a day)</li>
<li>Scottsen technique</li>
<li>Acupressure therapy</li>
<li>Hippo therapy</li>
<li>Aqua therapy</li>
<li>Music and speech therapy</li>
<li>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy</li>
</ul>
In the meantime my child also underwent many more painful tests as well.

All these different kind of treatments were helping him little for his stability and balance but did not make much difference.According to his MRI his mental growth was quite normal.Although he wasn’t speaking he was capable enough to show or direct us what he wanted with his finger.At the age of 3 he knew colors, different animals, birds, vehicles, vegetables,fruits,his body parts etc. and would answer us when he was asked about it.

We met quite a few doctors all around the World.  They couldn’t find any specific problem with him.  The only conclusion they could make was my child got few symptoms of CP and dystonia.  They would tell me I must give him few physio treatments and leave the rest of things to time.

We came to Mumbai to see one of the physiotherapists and after checking him she suggested Botox treatment for both his scissorlegs for the spastic condition and wanted to put him on different kind of aids like special shoes,belts, wheelchairs etc.

Kartik was not able to sit on his own.  There was no trunk control; he never used to take weight on his hands; there was no head control.  He was hyperactive child and used to roll on the floor making circular movements.  He used to stand on his toe when we made him stand.  He could barely sit with his legs crossed and unsupported.  His body was very stiff at most of the joints and a fairly high level of spasticity was present in his pelvic region.  His only mode of movement was rolling around, which he enjoyed a great deal.  His sleep was very sensitive and would be disturbed frequently.

After few days on recommendation of Kashmiraben from Mumbai we saw Dr.Vasa on 30th march 2008. She saw all his reports and then she checkedKartik’s movements when he was playing on floor.He was very much hyper that time, he was kicking with both his legs constantly and his toe fingers were stiff .His neck stability was also not good. He was scissoring both his legs.After checking him Dr. Vasa asked for our commitment and as we were ready to do as she said she started her treatment by giving one exercise to do for that week to see the effect and consistency.

For the next few weeks while I was in India every week Dr.Vasa used to see us and suggest necessary changes.In few days we started noticing few good changes which we never expected to get so soon may be.After Kartik’s therapy was started with Dr. Vasa, Kartik looks like an absolutely changed person. Besides the physical changes and the number of activities that he can do now, I would like to mention especially that he had retinal detachment; a lazy left eye and white calcified spot in his retina because of which he used to tilt his neck to left and see things with the right eye. Doctors said he is blind with his left eye. Now he can see normally with both his eyes.  The scissoring of his legs has disappeared.  He is moving around the room everywhere on his own now. His body has become very loose and he sits very well. His understanding has improved.  He is socializing much better now.  He can do additions with his fingers.  He eats by self and is not dependent on us anymore. I had never thought that my son will do so well one day!!!!. Thanks to Dr. Vasa.