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Post by ginger on Oct 31, 2009 17:58:29 GMT -7
We have been struggling for a long time with Bryce. He has been on medication for one thing or another since he was 2 years old. He is now 7. They first said he was hyper; then he had attention deficit disorder. More recent, he had juvenile bi-polar disorder. He had to be rushed to the ER and they said that his blood was toxic from all the meds he had. Alicia took him off everything and started an on-line search for another doctor. None of the doctors want to listen to her when she tells them about his behavior; or the tests she wants done. She had to fight for even a simple blood test. Her ex is a real jerk, and just wants to increase the doses. Well, she finally agreed with Michael to take Bryce to Baltimore to our old pediatrician. He ordered blood work; which came back good. So the next step is a neurologist. We are praying they will at least narrow things down and start him in the right direction. Please think good thoughts for him. It is so hard when they are young and can't really understand what is going on. It broke our hearts when he said "Why can't you just give me a new brain so I can be good?" How do you answer that?
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Post by petpeeve on Nov 1, 2009 9:56:45 GMT -7
Ahhhhhhh Ginger, I'm so sorry I didn't reply to this sooner. We had a virus on our computer last night. Ron was on getting rid of it. I just now found your post when I came to make my good morning post. And, I had a post all ready to send and that darn Internet Explorer message came up saying they needed to shut down, lost the post. Poor little guy. Our little Abby seems fine for now. But, I know things can show up later. I just have to wonder about all the shots they give kids these days. I certainly will be keeping good thoughts for Bryce. We moms just need to take a stand against doctors. They think they know our kids better than we do.
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sqwrrl
New Member
Squirrel Girl
Posts: 12
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Post by sqwrrl on Nov 1, 2009 21:47:10 GMT -7
Ginger, I almost cried when I read the part about him asking for a new brain. That brings back so many memories with my own son, and just to read almost the exact same words that my son asked many times when he was younger, hurts so much all over again. My son is now 14 1/2 years old, but was diagnosed with ADHD when he was in the 1st grade. It was hard to accept it at first, because I had always heard people talk about kids being on meds for ADD or ADHD, but didn't really need them. They said the parents were just giving it to them because they didn't want to have to deal with the child's behavior and actually have to discipline them. I certainly didn’t want people thinking that about me or my child, and I certainly did not want my child taking medication that he did not need either! After doing a LOT of reading and research on ADD/ADHD, I learned a lot! I just wish that all those people that still believe ADD and ADHD are “made up” illnesses to give a child medication, would read up on the subject before spouting off their mouths! They would actually learn that Ritalin (which used to be the most common ADHD medication used) is in fact Speed (an upper), and if you give it to someone that is NOT ADHD, it will do just the opposite effect. Instead of calming them down, it will MAKE them hyper, that’s why it’s called Speed. They would also learn that there are adults out there that have to take some type of ADD/ADHD medication on a daily basis as well, or they wouldn’t be able to function in the real world! (Oh, I could go on and on about the things that people THINK they know about ADD or ADHD!) Anyway, my son started out on Ritalin, and was on it for several years before switching to a medication called Vyvanse. He was on the Vyvanse for about 2 years, but currently he is not taking anything. When he was tested in the first grade, they told us that some kid’s conditions are worse than others, and that they will have to remain on some type of medication for the rest of their lives. They said they thought my son would be one of the ones, that as he got older, would be able to tell the difference in what he’s doing, and what he’s supposed to be doing, and start making those corrections on his own; therefore, eventually eliminating the use of medication all together. My son turned 14 in May, and shortly after that, I started noticing changes in him and the way he acted. Of course, he was starting to mature in general, but other little things that he used to do, he wasn’t doing anymore. He started High School this year, and I told him that I was very proud of him and the things that he had learned to accomplish on his own, and that if he wanted to, I would let him start the school year without any medication, but if he started having trouble with his school work, or getting into trouble in class, he would have to start taking it again. This coming week will be the end of the 2nd six week period, and he is maintaining an A/B average. I am so proud of him!
Ginger, I know that my son’s issue with his ADHD is nothing compared to the things that Bryce and your family have had to live with for the last few years. I just wanted you to know that I truly understand some of the things that you are going through. I really don’t know anything about Bi-Polar disorder (juvenile or adult), but do know that it is a very serious condition. I’m sure that must have been very scary for everyone, Bryce included, to have to be rushed to the emergency room like that. I too hope and pray that the Neurologist can figure out what is going on and help Bryce get on the right track. It is so sad that he has to be so young, and already have had so many problems. Like you said, he really doesn’t understand what all is going on. I never really found a correct way to answer my son when he asked that question, but then again, I don’t know if there really is a correct way or not. I just made sure that he knew I loved him for who he was regardless. Don't ever give up, and more importantly, don't ever give up on him! Please know that Bryce, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
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Post by pombird on Nov 2, 2009 7:02:26 GMT -7
ginger.. i am so sorry you have to go through all this worry..me being a mom of 5 and having 7 grandchildren and i will be 50 in feb.. i have been through so many serious medical problems with my kids and grand kids through the years..so i feel i can relate to your worry..i am praying you get answers and meanwhile god bless and take care..
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Post by ginger on Nov 2, 2009 16:11:13 GMT -7
Thanks, everyone. It helps feeling as though I have a support group. Sqwrrl, I really appreciate what you went through. And I have run across some people like that too, including hubby. "All he needs is a good swatting" , but that isn't the answer. Not when you see a child try so hard to be good that he actually trembles physically. Bryce gets so upset with his sister, for instance, that he wants to hit her. Knowing he isn't supposed to, gets him so frustrated that he will bite himself instead. And he is such a sweetheart!! And the more loving of the two. I can see that he does have trouble focusing sometimes, but when we are calm and patient, we can get through. His dad just wants him medicated, I think, to make watching him easier. And it is hard for my son, because he loves Bryce so much and wants to see the best doctors. But he has little say with the father and grandparents. Popping a pill into Bryce seems to be the way they want to handle it. I applaud Alicia for standing her ground. There isn't anything wrong with medication and if Bryce needs it, we all agree he should have it. I just pray that the doctors will come to an agreement as to what is wrong and what course of treatment is needed. Anyway, thank you all for listening. I can't really talk to anyone else and of course, I am the one who has to be calm, supportive and logical for Michael and Alicia.
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Post by petpeeve on Nov 2, 2009 17:44:04 GMT -7
I am so glad you can find some comfort in just coming here to talk. Feel free to do so any time. We'll be here for you.
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