Spina Bifida

My wife and I are parents of a boy Caleb; who was born in Aug 1997 with a neural tube defect - Spina Bifida [myelomeningeocele L3 down, VP shunt, Arnold Chiari malformation].

In Sep 2002 my wife and I had another baby [Joshua, child number 5] with a more severe Spina Bifida {born 24 weeks and lived for 2 hours}. My knowledge and background in Neural Tube Defects is of a personal and professional nature.

NEW: in Dec 2007 our suspicions were confirmed when our 4th child Connor 10 was diagnosed with Spina Bifida Occulta T12. Connor has had ongoing bowel and bladder partial incontinence.

That makes 3 children in our family.

My wife and I often find ourselves supporting Families and Individuals who have children with SB as well as offering education to raise public, and health professional awareness.

We have been supporting families for many years, however in 2009 we began formally as the Central Victorian Spina Bifida Support Group.

PLEASE NOTE:

The supporting and awareness raising roles that my wife and I undertake is done from our own experiences.

The Spina Bifida Foundation Victoria does not endorse my power point presentation or is to be held responsible for comments shared through personal support.

If you would like to arrange a presentation or require assistance with pregnancy counselling please contact me (mark) via email.

These pictures are taken from the power point presentation I offer to families, health professionals and others who are interested in learning about Neural Tube Defects.

Formation of the Neural tube (our spine) starting as a neural crest.

cut away of a Myelomenin

closed Myelomeningocele or Meningocele

Normal and Enlarged Ventricles often leading to Arnold Chiari formation

of brain stem and cerebellum.

Ventricular Peritoneal Shunt [VP shunt] to release fluid from blocked ventricles.

Sites to visit.....these sites offer comprehensive information about SB.

http://www.sbfv.org.au

Spina Bifida Foundation Vic.

http://www.ifglobal.org/home.asp?lang=1&main=1

International Federation for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus.

http://www.spinabifida.org

Spina Bifida Queensland

http://www.spinabifida.asn.au

Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association.

http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/~rowley/sb-kids/

Spina Bifida Association America- Learning among children with SB.

http://www.mydr.com.au/default.asp?article=3182

Continence in Spina Bifida.

What is Reiki?

Rei means Spiritual. Ki means energy.

Reiki uses a special form of 'ki' (Japanese for Qi or energy) to rebalance and then charge the body's energy system.

Reiki is often described as a relaxation and meditation method that promotes healing.

Is Reiki harmful?

NO. There are no harmful side effects reported from Reiki healing. In fact Reiki has the ability to accelerate the

healing process. After a Reiki treatment you may feel better straight away or a little uneasy, as universal energy

tries to restore your natural energy balance. Ex: As wounds to our skin heal it gets a little itchy and uncomfortable,

this is when we know that the healing process is taking place. Reiki will start the healing process in the very first

session. During the days following your session, your body will continue the healing process. You can help this

process by spending at least 10 mins a day sitting quietly in meditation. By the second and third session people often

return saying how much better they feel in mind, body and spirit.

Before treatment.

If you have decided to attend a Reiki session well done. Please spend a few days prior to your session thinking about

what areas you feel needs working on. Mind/Emotions, Body/illnesses, Spirit/Life journey.

It is good practice to eat and drink healthy prior to coming. Feel free to explore Reiki on the internet or in books.

Actual Session.

Come in comfortable clothing. Reiki energy can move beyond clothing and jewelry

[however no electrical items to be worn]. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member to observe if you wish.

On the day of your session we will talk briefly about those areas you have thought about. All you need to do in your

Reiki session is come with a little faith that inner peace and harmony will come from your session.

Seven Major chakras.

How is Reiki channeled?

I will move my hands to each major and minor chakra from head to toe. Guided by universal energies, I will either

hover over a chakra or gently lay hands on you or your clothing. You will spend your healing time lying down on a

well padded Reiki table in meditation. It is often described as a pleasant relaxing time. You may feel some tingling,

stomach rumbling, twitches etc. According to many Asian and Eastern cultures, Reiki is channeled from universal energy,

in through your crown chakra [top of head] and down through other chakras throughout your body clearing energy blockages.

A Reiki treatment enables your energy to flow more freely from one part of your body to the next.

After treatment.

I will sit with you while you regain your awareness. No medical diagnosis is made in Reiki. It is common that emotions

or feelings can sometimes shift in the days following a treatment. This is nothing to worry about. Remember this is a sign

that healing on many levels is taking place.

History.

I was born in Melbourne 1970. From a very young age I was universally initiated towards spiritual awareness. I have a diary

upon request. I has been a spiritual teacher and guide to many people over past 20 years. Currently I operate a counseling

practice 5 days per week. Is soul journey towards enlightenment has taken him to learn Reiki.

Lineage.

I have been guided by Reiki Master Jeremy O’Carroll www.om-reiki.com.au Jeremy’s Reiki lineage can be directly traced

back to Mikao Usui. [Founder Usui Reiki]. I is also a member of Australian Reiki practitioners registering body Australian

Reiki Connections.

Mark's qualifications.

2000 BaNursing [LaTrobe Uni] RN Div 1

2004 Musubi-Do Martial Arts - Shodan.

2007 BaSocial Work [LaTrobe Uni] MHSW, MAASW[Acc]

2007 Post Grad Cert- Loss, Grief, Trauma Counselling [Flinders Uni].

2010 Advanced level Mediator.

2011 Reiki I & II. Usui Reiki Ryoho

Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre.

2 Humbolt Dve, Long Gully, Bendigo 3550

Wedesdays

85 Wills St Bendigo.

Postal: PO Box 2, Nth Bendigo 3550

Fax: 0390124289

Mobile: 0439-996008

Email: totality@affectconsulting.com.au

www.affectconsulting.com.au/totality

Dec 2011 - Jun2012:

[Intro talk, Reiki session, Closing talk].

Re-energise...$40 - 1/2 hr, Full Reiki...$70 -1 Hr.

available for school fairs / community events at reduced rates.

[ Home ] [ Advocacy ] [ Spina Bifida ] [ Pregnancy ] [ Mental Health ] [ Loss & Grief ] [ Trauma ] [ EAP ] [ TAC ] [ Workcover ] [ Mediation ] [ TOTALITY ]

Affect is a term used in the mental health field that means:

^1.A pattern of observable behaviour. ^2.An outward manifestation of a persons feelings. ^3.To influence changes in emotion.

General enquiry

We are a Bendigo council recognised child friendly service.

Last updated 5.12.2011 HG