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Post by Gillian on Sept 13, 2004 10:00:29 GMT -5
Well, last week was a disaster at school for my 9 year old. He was home more than he was at school. Constant phone calls telling me there was some problem. Now it's Monday again and I'm sitting around waiting for the stupid phone to ring. I'm so sick of the phone ringing I want to throw it out the window. My son's medicine was changed last Friday but it seems to be doing nothing so I don't really see this week being any different.
Okay, I'm really just venting here. I feel glued to home, the phone, the school. Thank goodness for you guys.
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Post by Mayleng on Sept 13, 2004 11:20:44 GMT -5
Hang in there Gillian. I hope you find the right meds soon. It is frustrating I know.
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Post by RobbysMom on Sept 13, 2004 12:43:25 GMT -5
I know how you're feeling. We went through the same thing when our son had a bad reaction to anti-d and then we had to go through the withdrawal period. Not a pretty picture! My husband even called the principal to ask him to call him instead to take some of the burden and pressure off of me. I was a mess and felt so helpless. We were very fortunate to have a super principal who never asked us to pick him up, but told us that they could handle the situation. (He did his work with the older kids or hung out with the principal.)
What medication is your son on?
I honestly hope this week goes better for you and your guy.
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Post by chaknine on Sept 13, 2004 14:03:30 GMT -5
Hang in there! It will work out! Keep on venting, it is good for you and makes you feel better!
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Post by Gillian on Sept 14, 2004 8:58:01 GMT -5
At the moment he is on Clonidine and Geodon. Yesterday was an okay day but he messed up at the after school program. He really doesn't need to go to the ASP but a lot of his friends go so he wants to but the people are really not used to him and can't handle him.
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Post by RobbysMom on Sept 14, 2004 9:36:50 GMT -5
Is your son on Clonidine for hyperactivity because he can't take stimulants?
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Post by LurkNoMore on Sept 14, 2004 10:02:14 GMT -5
Keeping my fingers crossed that today is a better day for your son!!!
Keep us posted (and vent away...that's the greatest thing about this board...we understand what you are going through)!
;D
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Post by Gillian on Sept 14, 2004 10:50:00 GMT -5
The Clonidine is to help him think things out. He is back home again as I write. This time I think it is a reaction to a medicine change. He is fast asleep. It's hopeless.
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Post by VaMom on Sept 14, 2004 13:02:06 GMT -5
Gillian, The first thing I want to say is a huge hug {{{{{}}}}} for all you are going through. I'm glad you are venting to the board. However, I am also very confused by your situation. I think I read that your son does not yet have a diagnosis? Is that true? If so, then why is he on medication? I am also wondering about the doctor's choice of Clonidine to help him think things through? Clonidine is really much more for explosive behavior, sleep problems and some hyperactivity/impulsivity control. And yes, it makes them VERY VERY sleepy. It can actually have an adverse impact on attention. What do you think is your son's biggest struggle? Has stimulant medication ever been tried for your ds? If so, what were the results? It sounds to me like things are just being thrown at you without any real understanding of your ds and his issues. I hope as testing progresses that you get some better answers because no one should have to live through what you're living through right now.
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Post by Gillian on Sept 14, 2004 13:37:47 GMT -5
His out of control explosions are what brought this to a head. They became so frequent and so out of control we finally had him hospitalized. This is where they came up with a medicine plan of Clonidine and Risperdel. It definitely helped with the constant out of control explosions (which would go on for hours) - he still explodes but it's of a much shorter duration and a little less volatile. But the good results we saw at the beginning are going away. The risperdel made him eat ravenously and he gained a lot of weight and the clonidine made him sleepy. The Geodon is in place of the risperdel and its helping with the eating but doing nothing for mood. Still on the clonidine.
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Post by VaMom on Sept 15, 2004 8:11:26 GMT -5
His out of control explosions are what brought this to a head. They became so frequent and so out of control we finally had him hospitalized. This is where they came up with a medicine plan of Clonidine and Risperdel. It definitely helped with the constant out of control explosions (which would go on for hours) - he still explodes but it's of a much shorter duration and a little less volatile. But the good results we saw at the beginning are going away. The risperdel made him eat ravenously and he gained a lot of weight and the clonidine made him sleepy. The Geodon is in place of the risperdel and its helping with the eating but doing nothing for mood. Still on the clonidine. >> The poor guy. How horrible for all of you. At the hospital, did they do an MRI or EEG? If so, what were the results? And, is he being evaluated for bi-polar?
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Post by Mayleng on Sept 15, 2004 12:05:01 GMT -5
It does sound like bi-polar to me. Have you checked out some Bi-polar support sites to see if anyone there have used this med? Try this link: www.bpkids.org/
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Post by sierra on Sept 15, 2004 12:31:58 GMT -5
I'm coming in on the middle of the story. I'm wondering about Oppositional Defiant Disorder, too.
When kids get all rageful you also have to think about depression. Depression is a whole different animal in kids.
Anyhow, if you keep a mood journal for him and see a good diagnostic doc whatever the underlying problems you'll get to the bottom of it.
What kind of doc is treating your son?
Find some time for yourself in the middle of this whirlwind. It's near impossible to keep your cool and make good decisions when your child is going through so much. Even a late night bubble bath or a walk in the woods can help.
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Post by Gillian on Sept 16, 2004 11:04:08 GMT -5
Many thanks for all the good ideas. Yes, I have considered all the thoughts you have come up with ODD, Bi-Polar and many more. We have yet another call in to his med doc. I think they need to stabilize his mood somewhat first and then deal with his thinking. I think they are trying to get him thinking things through with the idea that he will then rationalize it out but that is not happening and I think it's time to come at it from the other direction. Everyone keeps saying wait until the testing is done but I don't think we can keep waiting because things are moving back downhill too quickly. Aaaaaaugh! Many thanks once again for all your great ideas.
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Post by VaMom on Sept 16, 2004 17:46:59 GMT -5
Gillian, Obviously we're not doctors, we're just moms like you. However, I am familiar with the symptoms of bi-polar ... in addition to the reading I have done, I have several friends and a family member who are bi-polar, and your ds' symptoms are consistent with bi-polar. IF it is bi-polar, you are right... NOTHING, I mean NOTHING is going to happen for him until his moods are stablized. Please keep us updated. We care about you and ds. Hang in there.
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Post by RobbysMom on Sept 17, 2004 1:45:49 GMT -5
If you are not already doing so, I highly recommend sierra's suggestion of keeping a journal of his moods and meltdowns and include what you think set him off, as well as how long it lasts, how it was resolved, etc...
My heart goes out to you, I hope you find the help your little boy needs.
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Post by chaknine on Sept 17, 2004 6:47:13 GMT -5
If you check out the site www.bpkids.org it has printable versions of mood charts! Very helfpful. Also sometimes bp kids can be ultra rapid cyclers and it can be difficult to track there moods. But it is worth trying!
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Post by Gillian on Sept 17, 2004 10:16:17 GMT -5
I agree. The more I look into it the more I think it's bi-polar. Last night we switched to Abilify so we shall see if that helps. Thanks again for all your ideas and wishes.
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Post by chaknine on Sept 17, 2004 22:45:24 GMT -5
Keep us posted Gillian!!! good Luck!
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Post by sierra on Sept 21, 2004 10:34:01 GMT -5
How's it going? Better I hope.
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Post by Gillian on Sept 24, 2004 9:04:25 GMT -5
Hi again, The Abilify has definitely helped. Since being on it he has only come home from school once and then only stayed for a short time. That is a big change. We are still not out of the woods with him but just getting him to stay in school all day is a huge step forward. He has just had some testing done by a Clinical Psychologist and we will hear what she has to say next week. I did go to the bpkids website - I do think he probably has this - its a great site. Thanks again for all your suggestions. Now, any ideas for getting my 13 year old to school on time in the morning!!! Oh it's such fun being a Mom
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Post by VaMom on Sept 24, 2004 14:14:21 GMT -5
Gillian,
I am so glad you had a chance to exhale a bit this week. hang in there.
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Post by Gillian on Oct 15, 2004 15:21:43 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I had some trouble with my computer so I've been gone awhile. My son's recently completed some psychological testing at our local University but they are taking forever to get the results back to us. We are planning to get some testing done at a Children's Hospital in the next city but really want these results first. My son is still up and down - still coming back from school too often. School is being really relaxed with him and I really appreciate it. He still sees his therapist and med doctor at the local Mental Health Department but we have a long way to go.
I spoke to my sister in England today and she was telling me about a wonderful day she had recently in London - 'You should of been there' she said - Ha! I'm ready to buy my one way ticket today!!!
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Post by dmom32002 on Oct 17, 2004 19:52:40 GMT -5
Just came into this site, but you also discribe Intermittent Explosive Disorder.
I also wonder do you have a IEP, or something for school.
donna
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Post by Gillian on Oct 18, 2004 11:56:28 GMT -5
Yet another week and he's home again. I'm so tired of this. It's parent teacher conferences this week - what a joke. What is there to talk about - he's never there. He's on Abilify at the moment but it's not doing much of anything. We are going to have to try something else. Along with all this my Junior High guy is really screwing up with his school work lately. He seems on a mission to do as little as possible regarding school. His p/t conference is tomorrow - I'm sure that will be all joy too!!!!! I am so sick of all this.
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Andy
Full Member
Posts: 83
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Post by Andy on Oct 18, 2004 13:19:04 GMT -5
Gillian... I hear you LOUD and CLear. Throw the phone OUT!! Take some time for yourself and relax. Spa, manicure, pedicure..ect. My 10 Bipolar(diag in Jan 2004) was given Zoloft! >:(He went manic) It broke my heart. He got into fights, principal called me, he stayed in at recess ect. That wasn't my son at all. Bad med side effects. He had ADHD which we can't do anything about until he is stabolized. He still isn't. I wonder what other anti-seizure meds are out there that people have had success with? Say your prayers. I am a last year survivior! I think I almost ended up on meds. I'm a mom who does too much!
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Post by dmom32002 on Oct 18, 2004 13:20:40 GMT -5
HUGS Gillian, I wish I had some answers but i don't.
donna
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