Tuesday, November 25, 2008

I believe this is good news

We have been regulars at Dr. M's office lately. To the point, we no longer have to sign in. The receptionist knows who we are and waves us on.

Last week, the doctor started The Boy on a new medication. I know I've told you this is the hardest part of managing his ADHD. You have to do a trial and error sort of deal and it just kills me to give my child these medications. You don't know how they're going to react and what kind of side effects will happen. This is my Baby. A four year old. In helping him, I have wondered if I will hurt him. Make sense?

Just to set the record straight. I am not in this alone. The Man is right beside me and we make all the decisions for medications together. It's not a "he" or "she" deal. This is just my blog and I tend to use "I" and "me" for the most part.

The new drug of choice is called Vyvanse. I think this might work. The Focalin he was on gave him massive meltdowns. The end of the day was horrible for all involved and that made me so sad and frustrated. I know people who have had amazing success with Focalin and I really REALLY wanted The Boy to have that success so we wouldn't have to try another drug. It just wasn't meant to be. The same parents who loved Focalin also made sure to tell me that they went through many different medications before finding "the one".

Vyvanse might be the one. At least it is at the moment. I know there's a chance it may work for a few months, then just quit. What is up with that??? Then again, it may work for him indefinitely. What is up with this condition??? It has so much control over a brain and how you function. I have researched and researched and come to the conclusion that doctors may never really know all the answers with this condition.

God has just been gracious enough to show doctors what can help control it.

This is has been a great week for my baby in school and at home. Focalin made his speech funny. He would jerk his words when he talked while on it. He would come to tell you something and it would be like he was talking in quicksand. Oh, how I hated that side effect. Now? He's talking slower but plainer. It doesn't appear that it's such a chore for him to formulate his thoughts.

And it lasts. Oh, it lasts much longer. Supper time finds him eating like he should. A 1 mg. Melatonin tablet later and he's ready to settle down for bed.

Is this how it's supposed to be?

He's had a couple of incidents at school. BUT...and I say that loudly here...it's been when a kid has bugged him to death. Both times, he's "used his words" to tell them to stop and they kept right on. So, he popped them one. I personally think that's normal behaviour for a 4 year old. In fact, I'm pretty durn proud he used his words. Miss K., his teacher, has been quick to inform me that he did what he was supposed to with asking them to stop, but she has to write up the report because he did hit a friend. I told her I knew he was wrong in doing that, but HE'S USING HIS WORDS!!!! We are both so proud of him and it's going to get better. With age and maturity, he's going to learn how to walk away. Maybe Miss Rose can work on that next session.

Also, he's had one meltdown in the past week. It was when the Wii remote wasn't working right. I can't say I blame him on that one. My guy loves him some Wii. Therefore, when the remote messed up during a game, he got upset. Can you blame him? He's acting like a 4 year old. That I know and can appreciate.

The impulsivity has been taken down to a decent level. He's able to drag himself to a stop when we holler not to run in the street. Have you any idea how much my heart needed that. I mean the organ inside my body that is beating and keeping me alive. The stress of those situations and how scared that boy has made me? Yeah, my heart is very thankful he's better able to listen and comprehend and make his body stop.

Because the results have been satisfactory in Dr. M.'s eyes, he has requested to see The Boy again in two months. Wow. I don't know if we'll know how to function not having that appointment every week. This makes me nervous, but Dr. M. has faith this will all work out. He's been very diligent in The Boy's care and if there are any concerns or questions, I am to call his office. I think I might can live with that. He told us yesterday that knowing there have been better school days, a better quality of life at home, and add in the fact my kid was scarfing down some popcorn....he's feeling good about this particular medication. (Uh...this is where I request prayers that the good ol' Doc is right)

Miss K. has been the one to witness the best part of the medication. Now, it's our turn. The Boy is out of school until Monday. I get to witness first hand if this is the best choice for my child. I'm right excited about it, to be honest. This kid started walking at 8 months 4 days. He's been in motion ever since. I've been right behind him.

Maybe now I'll get to walk WITH him.

7 comments:

Krys72599 said...

And I so hope you get to enjoy the walk!!! What a nice image, Mom and Dad beside him, instead of chasing him down!!!
We're all rooting for you and Vitt!

Stefany said...

You guys are doing amazing little Vitt is lucky to have such a family. Keep up the charge and thanks for sharing these moments with the rest of us who thinks your family is perfect.

Love ya!

Michelle said...

This is great news...and right here at Thanksgiving (when you seemed to need something like this the most)

Happy Thanksgiving Hope and family...what will the rednecks at the parade do without ya'll this year? ☺

Good luck with all the deals!!!!

I Am Boymom said...

Oh, bless both your hearts. Dealing with issues like this are hard on families! I hope this one is the one and you can be done with the stress of finding something that will help yer little guy! hang in there!

AndreaLeigh said...

What an answered prayer! The little man has such a good mom and dad, to be so attentive and questioning of his treatment. It makes me sad that I know some parents that don't do that for their kids. Anyway... that's another topic.

Monogram Queen said...

I am so happy to hear this. I can't imagine what you and he have been through. Bless your hearts! Happy Thanksgiving Miss Hope and precious family!

Kristi said...

I hope this keeps working! That would be such a blessing. I can't imagine how draining it must be to deal with this everyay. You are awesome girl. Can't wait to hear how it all turns out.