Guest guest Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Hi and Welcome, I don't consider the meds we take band-aids. It's a medical condition. Would your friend deny a diabetic insulin? An asthamatic an inhaler? We have a medical condition that has to do with how our brain functions, and unfortunately, and I speak for myself, my brain needs help and the meds make possible for me to function. I had 6 months of anxiety and insomnia and had to show up at work everyday. During this time my psychiatrist and I tried these meds and those meds until we got it right! I would be a walking/talking mess if not for the meds that I require. Thanks for listening, Liz “We have loved the stars too fondly to fear the night.†New Member I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just sent the Cymbalta vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to talk about this subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee pigs. He tells me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at work believes the pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix anything so she won't take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life you have no control over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems worth it to try. Thank you for listening, ________________________________________________________________________ Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Welcome aboard. Since different people react differently with lex, dr's can't determine what your reaction will be until it happens. Sometimes it needs to be adjusted but it just takes time to find out what works and what doesn't. I agree that sometimes we need the meds to help us get through a hard time. ak --- cathysim1017 <catherin_skinner@...> wrote: > I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just > sent the Cymbalta > vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to > talk about this > subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee > pigs. He tells > me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at > work believes the > pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix > anything so she won't > take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life > you have no control > over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems > worth it to try. > Thank you for listening, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Hear! hear! == njg ----------------------- --- lizzstergiou@... wrote: > Hi and Welcome, > I don't consider the meds we take band-aids. It's a > medical condition. Would your friend deny a diabetic > insulin? An asthamatic an inhaler? We have a > medical condition that has to do with how our brain > functions, and unfortunately, and I speak for > myself, my brain needs help and the meds make > possible for me to function. I had 6 months of > anxiety and insomnia and had to show up at work > everyday. During this time my psychiatrist and I > tried these meds and those meds until we got it > right! I would be a walking/talking mess if not for > the meds that I require. > > Thanks for listening, > Liz > > “We have loved the stars too fondly to fear the > night.†> > > New Member > > > I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just > sent the Cymbalta > vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to > talk about this > subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee > pigs. He tells > me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at > work believes the > pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix > anything so she won't > take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life > you have no control > over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems > worth it to try. > Thank you for listening, > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of > free safety and security tools, free access to > millions of high-quality videos from across the web, > free AOL Mail and more. > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 > I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just sent the Cymbalta > vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to talk about this > subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee pigs. He tells > me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at work believes the > pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix anything so she won't > take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life you have no control > over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems worth it to try. > Thank you for listening, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Hi Colleen, Thanks for your email & your welcome to the group. It is really nice to be able to share with other who are having similar things to cope with. As I mentioned, my doc had me on Cymbalta. But he told me Cymb pretty much works on Depression instead of the Anxiety. I have felt like I have suffered from General Anxiety Disorder for a very long time but drs keep diagnosing me w/ Depression. The Cymbalta has helped a little, but the Lexapro seems to be better for the anx, especially during the stressful day. I can identify with the crying. It seems over nothing at times. Sometimes I would feel like I just want to scream out loud and let it all out- the pressures, expecations, & disappointments. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting better and trying to make some life-style changes. cathysim1017 <catherin_skinner@...> wrote: > I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just sent the Cymbalta > vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to talk about this > subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee pigs. He tells > me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at work believes the > pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix anything so she won't > take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life you have no control > over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems worth it to try. > Thank you for listening, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 I just read something the other day, although now I can't remember where, that said depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. Lexapro, as I understand it, is supposed to work for both. One thing about my taking the Lexapro is that I don't cry like that anymore. And I don't yell at my teenage son nearly as often. (Of course it would help if he would do his homework and his home chores and care about school.) Colleen CATHERINE SKINNER <catherin_skinner@...> wrote: Hi Colleen, Thanks for your email & your welcome to the group. It is really nice to be able to share with other who are having similar things to cope with. As I mentioned, my doc had me on Cymbalta. But he told me Cymb pretty much works on Depression instead of the Anxiety. I have felt like I have suffered from General Anxiety Disorder for a very long time but drs keep diagnosing me w/ Depression. The Cymbalta has helped a little, but the Lexapro seems to be better for the anx, especially during the stressful day. I can identify with the crying. It seems over nothing at times. Sometimes I would feel like I just want to scream out loud and let it all out- the pressures, expecations, & disappointments. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting better and trying to make some life-style changes. cathysim1017 wrote: > I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just sent the Cymbalta > vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to talk about this > subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee pigs. He tells > me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at work believes the > pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix anything so she won't > take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life you have no control > over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems worth it to try. > Thank you for listening, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 You're right about Depression & Anxiety going together much of the time. I have read that also and talked about it with a therapist. I know it takes a while for the meds to get into your system to really know if it's working so I'll keep at it. Today was more difficult than during the work week though. I woke up thinking about a difficult issue w/ my estranged daughter. So yes, some days are more challenging. I wish you much luck with getting any teenager to clean their room. I had 2: a girl and a boy. It was the same w/ both. Thankfully, they are on there own now. MsTigerHawk <tigerhawksoars@...> wrote: I just read something the other day, although now I can't remember where, that said depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. Lexapro, as I understand it, is supposed to work for both. One thing about my taking the Lexapro is that I don't cry like that anymore. And I don't yell at my teenage son nearly as often. (Of course it would help if he would do his homework and his home chores and care about school.) Colleen CATHERINE SKINNER <catherin_skinner@...> wrote: Hi Colleen, Thanks for your email & your welcome to the group. It is really nice to be able to share with other who are having similar things to cope with. As I mentioned, my doc had me on Cymbalta. But he told me Cymb pretty much works on Depression instead of the Anxiety. I have felt like I have suffered from General Anxiety Disorder for a very long time but drs keep diagnosing me w/ Depression. The Cymbalta has helped a little, but the Lexapro seems to be better for the anx, especially during the stressful day. I can identify with the crying. It seems over nothing at times. Sometimes I would feel like I just want to scream out loud and let it all out- the pressures, expecations, & disappointments. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting better and trying to make some life-style changes. cathysim1017 wrote: > I just signed up tonight & want to say Hello. I just sent the Cymbalta > vs Lexapro message. It is nice to find people to talk about this > subject. It seems the drs. use patients for guinee pigs. He tells > me " try this and see me in 4 weeks " . My friend at work believes the > pills are just a band-aid & don't really fix anything so she won't > take anything.My feeling is stuff happens in life you have no control > over.If meds help you get back on track, it seems worth it to try. > Thank you for listening, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 It took about a month for my meds to kick in all the way. I'm estranged from my daughter, too. She hasn't spoken to me in 17 years. She's 36 now. Colleen CATHERINE SKINNER <catherin_skinner@...> wrote: You're right about Depression & Anxiety going together much of the time. I have read that also and talked about it with a therapist. I know it takes a while for the meds to get into your system to really know if it's working so I'll keep at it. Today was more difficult than during the work week though. I woke up thinking about a difficult issue w/ my estranged daughter. So yes, some days are more challenging. I wish you much luck with getting any teenager to clean their room. I had 2: a girl and a boy. It was the same w/ both. Thankfully, they are on there own now. ********************************************************** Don't miss this website if you like to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 Wow, 17 years is a long time. My daughter just turned 32 Dec. 26th and my Granddaughter turned 11 Jan 3rd. I have to take one day at a time at this point. CAthy MsTigerHawk <tigerhawksoars@...> wrote: It took about a month for my meds to kick in all the way. I'm estranged from my daughter, too. She hasn't spoken to me in 17 years. She's 36 now. Colleen CATHERINE SKINNER <catherin_skinner@...> wrote: You're right about Depression & Anxiety going together much of the time. I have read that also and talked about it with a therapist. I know it takes a while for the meds to get into your system to really know if it's working so I'll keep at it. Today was more difficult than during the work week though. I woke up thinking about a difficult issue w/ my estranged daughter. So yes, some days are more challenging. I wish you much luck with getting any teenager to clean their room. I had 2: a girl and a boy. It was the same w/ both. Thankfully, they are on there own now. ********************************************************** Don't miss this website if you like to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Like you , I was depressed for years and never dealt with it. I have been on virtually every antidepressant out there and just never responded very well. Then along came Lexapro. It has been a miracle drug for me. I am depression free for the first time in my life and have had no side effects except for a little weight gain. I am willing to live with a size 18 just to have the quality of life I now enjoy. I have a life now and have friends, the ability to keep my apartment clean because I have energy that I didn't have before the Lex. I hope you can get past the side effects, they are usually temporary until your body gets used to the medication. . Try to hang in there with the side effects, they are temproary and last a couple of weeks.. since you've responded well to Lex so far, I'm pretty certain that you will continue to feel better as the increased dose kicks in.Sue CFrom: bshsfo [mailto: bshsfo@...]Lexapro@...: Fri, 09 Feb 2007 06:54:49 -0000Subject: new member Hello all. I'm so glad to have found this group, and I hope to learna lot from reading about your individual experiences with Lexapro.Like many of you, I'll bet, I was depressed for years and years beforeI did anything about it. We can get into the gory details later,perhaps, but what is relevant here is that I have been on Lexapro foronly a month and the results have been fairly amazing. I already feelbetter than I have for at least 15 years. However, although I ampretty sensitive to drugs, my shrink is upping my dosage from 10 mg to15 mg per day. I realize that's child's play compared to what somepeople take, but I don't look forward to the return of certain sideeffects, temporary though they may be. Any advice for getting throughall that?Thanks! _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://dell.myway.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Hi ! Welcome to the group. I hope that Lexapro continues to work wonders in your life as I know it has for me. I've been on it since August of last year. It was the first Anti-Anxiety/Depression drug I had ever been on (besides Wellbutrin XL for smoking cessation) and I can't imagine ever going off of this drug. You won't ever find another more supportive, more knowledgable group for Lexapro users anywhere! Good luck to you! Sincerely, bshsfo <bshsfo@...> wrote: Hello all. I'm so glad to have found this group, and I hope to learn a lot from reading about your individual experiences with Lexapro. Like many of you, I'll bet, I was depressed for years and years before I did anything about it. We can get into the gory details later, perhaps, but what is relevant here is that I have been on Lexapro for only a month and the results have been fairly amazing. I already feel better than I have for at least 15 years. However, although I am pretty sensitive to drugs, my shrink is upping my dosage from 10 mg to 15 mg per day. I realize that's child's play compared to what some people take, but I don't look forward to the return of certain side effects, temporary though they may be. Any advice for getting through all that? Thanks! --------------------------------- Never Miss an Email Stay connected with on your mobile. Get started! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Thanks for the good advice, Sue. I'll just have to deal with the side effects for a while. At least I know that odds are good it will be worth it. I'm glad you brought up the point about housekeeping. That's been a problem area for me also. When you feel that your entire existence is utterly pointless, it's pretty hard to get motivated to run the vacuum. Your story gives me some hope. --- Sue <youcanfindsue@...> wrote: > Like you , I was depressed for years and never > dealt with it. I have been on virtually every > antidepressant out there and just never responded > very well. Then along came Lexapro. It has been a > miracle drug for me. I am depression free for the > first time in my life and have had no side effects > except for a little weight gain. I am willing to > live with a size 18 just to have the quality of life > I now enjoy. I have a life now and have friends, the > ability to keep my apartment clean because I have > energy that I didn't have before the Lex. I hope you > can get past the side effects, they are usually > temporary until your body gets used to the > medication. . Try to hang in there with the side > effects, they are temproary and last a couple of > weeks.. since you've responded well to Lex so far, > I'm pretty certain that you will continue to feel > better as the increased dose kicks in.Sue C--- On > Fri 02/09, bshsfo & lt; bshsfo@... & gt; > wrote:From: bshsfo [mailto: > bshsfo@...]Lexapro@...: > Fri, 09 Feb 2007 06:54:49 -0000Subject: > new member > > > > Hello all. I'm so glad to have found this group, and > I hope to learna lot from reading about your > individual experiences with Lexapro.Like many of > you, I'll bet, I was depressed for years and years > beforeI did anything about it. We can get into the > gory details later,perhaps, but what is relevant > here is that I have been on Lexapro foronly a month > and the results have been fairly amazing. I already > feelbetter than I have for at least 15 years. > However, although I ampretty sensitive to drugs, my > shrink is upping my dosage from 10 mg to15 mg per > day. I realize that's child's play compared to what > somepeople take, but I don't look forward to the > return of certain sideeffects, temporary though they > may be. Any advice for getting throughall > that?Thanks! > > > > > _______________________________________________ > No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. > Make My Way your home on the Web - > http://dell.myway.com > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Thank you for the warm welcome, . I can certainly understand your desire to stick with Lexapro. It's difficult to put into words what it feels like, and what it means, to have the dark clouds that have oppressed your mind and your heart and your soul for so long, finally lift. I don't know whether or not this is at all unusual, but I am currently taking both Lexapro and Wellbutrin XL. I've been on the latter for almost a year now, and I'm still smoking like a chimney. Any suggestions? --- Thea <singlewyde@...> wrote: > Hi ! Welcome to the group. I hope that Lexapro > continues to work wonders in your life as I know it > has for me. I've been on it since August of last > year. It was the first Anti-Anxiety/Depression drug > I had ever been on (besides Wellbutrin XL for > smoking cessation) and I can't imagine ever going > off of this drug. > You won't ever find another more supportive, more > knowledgable group for Lexapro users anywhere! Good > luck to you! > Sincerely, > > > bshsfo <bshsfo@...> wrote: > Hello all. I'm so glad to have found this > group, and I hope to learn > a lot from reading about your individual experiences > with Lexapro. > > Like many of you, I'll bet, I was depressed for > years and years before > I did anything about it. We can get into the gory > details later, > perhaps, but what is relevant here is that I have > been on Lexapro for > only a month and the results have been fairly > amazing. I already feel > better than I have for at least 15 years. However, > although I am > pretty sensitive to drugs, my shrink is upping my > dosage from 10 mg to > 15 mg per day. I realize that's child's play > compared to what some > people take, but I don't look forward to the return > of certain side > effects, temporary though they may be. Any advice > for getting through > all that? > > Thanks! > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Never Miss an Email > Stay connected with on your mobile. Get > started! > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 I am on the Lexapro/Wellbutrin combo and it's working well for me. I quit smoking cigarettes umpteen years ago and found that I had to want to quit. I just kept limiting places where I couldn't smoke. I had a non smoking room mate so I couldn't smoke in the apartment, I had a new car and I didn't want to stink it up with cigarrette smoke. I couldn't smoke at work and I was getting sick of standing out on the back porch on a cold January day, just to get that cigarette into me. I finally just quit. Because of the limitations I ended up smoking about 3 cigarettes a day. At some point I just said the hell with it and quit. I also changed brands to a cigarette with low tar and nicotine. That was over 20 years ago. You just gotta' wanna' quit. For me it was mind over matter. Good luck Sue C & gt; Hello all. I'm so glad to have found this & gt; group, and I hope to learn & gt; a lot from reading about your individual experiences & gt; with Lexapro. & gt; & gt; Like many of you, I'll bet, I was depressed for & gt; years and years before & gt; I did anything about it. We can get into the gory & gt; details later, & gt; perhaps, but what is relevant here is that I have & gt; been on Lexapro for & gt; only a month and the results have been fairly & gt; amazing. I already feel & gt; better than I have for at least 15 years. However, & gt; although I am & gt; pretty sensitive to drugs, my shrink is upping my & gt; dosage from 10 mg to & gt; 15 mg per day. I realize that's child's play & gt; compared to what some & gt; people take, but I don't look forward to the return & gt; of certain side & gt; effects, temporary though they may be. Any advice & gt; for getting through & gt; all that? & gt; & gt; Thanks! & gt; & gt; & gt; & gt; & gt; & gt; & gt; & gt; --------------------------------- & gt; Never Miss an Email & gt; Stay connected with on your mobile. Get & gt; started! & gt; & gt; [Non-text portions of this message have been & gt; removed] & gt; & gt; _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://dell.myway.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2007 Report Share Posted March 18, 2007 Hello NEW MEMBER, welcome to the group. Do you have a name? It doesnt sound right calling you hrjbms5 :-) I dont know what percentage of hearing most people get after implantation, I would imagine it varies greatly. But 91% is pretty good :-) Ted F. > > Hello Everyone > I just joined your group I had my cochlear implant surgery in June of > 2005 and was hooked up in August of 2005 my audi tells me I have 91% > hearing which she says in good that most people get 80% so I feel > very blessed, would love to hear from any of you anytime. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Hey Jen, I'm relatively new to the group as well and I've also noticed that there alot of informative posts and the members seem to really be supportive. Anyway, in reading your message, several things came to mind that may be of help to you. Most of the information I've learned about Lexapro, as well as other SSRI's I've taken, has come from either my psychiatrist, a pharmacist, my own research, or just good 'ole experience! If you have the patience, the inserts that come with the medication, at least if it's in the original box, can be helpful as well as interesting. I have found that asking questions of your Dr. or pharmacist is sometimes one your best bets. Never hesitate to ask questions...whatever they may be...or express concerns you may have. This can be really important as you begin to see how you're going to respond to the medication, which, by the way, usually is anywhere between two and four weeks. However, this can vary widely between patients. My first doctor told me, as I started med. therapy that any drug can do anything to anyone...everyone's response is very individual. What work's beautifully for one may not work at all for another. That's why sometimes there is alot of trial and error involved. Oh yes...reassure you're boyfriend that he'll probably start to see the 'edge' start to diminish...just hold on a little longer! As for weight gain and sex drive, any side affects along those lines also can vary greatly between individuals. From personal experience, I have not noticed any significant side affects from Lexapro. I was on Celexa prior to this (same family of drug) and found my experience to be much the same. Zoloft, however, was much stronger,for me anyway, and a few side effects were more pronounced...not a problem... just more noticeable. By the way, this medication may also take the 'edge' off some of your 'obsessive' tendencies...believe me, I know...a welcome relief! Sorry for being so long-winded. I hope some of this information helps to answer some of your questions. Stuart jayfer1976 <jayfer1976@...> wrote: Hi everyone.. I found this group while trying to find more information about Lexapro. It was just prescribed today, because of what appears to be symptoms of early onset pre-menopause (I'm only 30..so it's rather way early onset). I'm glad to find a support group, of sorts, of people who are really taking it. I've been reading through the archives, trying to find some insights into my bigger questions. I know it's all here...somewhere, but would anyone mind addressing them for me? 1) Realistically, how soon will I be able to notice the difference? (Specifically, my boyfriend would appreciate it if I'd quit crying after ripping his head off. *grin*) 2) Sex drive. Mine was already down anyway, because of the menopause- like symptoms. Do I really have much to worry about here? 3) Weight gain. I'm particularly worried about this--I just lost 40 pounds and it was hard as hell. I'd rather not put any back on. I hate to ask so many questions right off the bat, but I'm one of those who obsesses over getting all the info I can (I'm a librarian). Thanks, Jen --------------------------------- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell? Check outnew cars at Autos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 Hi VB, Welcome to CI Hear! Do you have a name you'd like to be addressed by? Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself and your 2 kids. I also have Goldenhaar Syndrome. But, I didn't know it until I went through CI testing to become a candidate. When my CI ENT asked me if I knew why I was deaf, he told me I was born with Goldenhaar Syndrome. I was led to believe up to then that it was due to being born with water on the brain. Yes, it was because of the water on the brain but it Goldenhaar Syndrome that caused the water on the brain. It gave a sense of peace finally to know why I am so much different than my 5 brothers and 3 sisters. It didn't change anything but it gave me peace to know why I look like I do and my siblings don't. I got implanted 25November2002 and hooked up 2January2003. I am very much in awe with what my CI has given me since hook up day! It just keeps getting better for me. I wish your kids the very best with their hearing! Keep us posted on how it's going and feel free to ask any questions you may have. Patti Surgery Day 11/25/02 (What a Day!) Hook Up Day BWP 1/2/03 (A Happy Day!) 3G 1/31/03 (An Even Happier Day!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2007 Report Share Posted July 8, 2007 Hi Tracey, I am also in the Maximus diversion program, but for nurses. I think Gloria Allred might be a great idea! Hang in there. From: Ethylglucuronide [mailto:Ethylglucuronide ] On Behalf Of Tracey Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 8:31 PM To: Ethylglucuronide Subject: New member Hi my name is Tracey and I live and work in California. I am a participant in the Maximus Program for the Board of Pharmacy. My clean and sober date is 10/15/1997. I'm in a tither about where to go and what to do. I have been sanctioned by the Maximus program ta attend a health care facilitated group 70 miles south of where I live and I have to go to that group only. Even if I am out of the state. Any suggestions as to what or were to go, to get a hold of this crazy state mandated company??Thanks Tracey M P.S. I hope I make to 10 years this October. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Hi Regan, First off welcome to the group....I can't speak for everyone here, but from me to you, Happy Birthday..... Sounds to me like you are a good mother with a lot on your plate, but who only wants what's best for your son......Does seem like quite the shock though to be told your son needs surgery. Hopefully the staff will tell you which dr is handling your sons case and you'll be able to talk directly to him before hand....I'd insist on it, if it were me........ Regan, you must be doing something right to have brought your son this far along, and to have the strength to send him so far away so he can get the best treatment you can afford.....I'll keep you and your son in my prayers and hope for the best. I know it wasn't the birthday gift you wanted, but hopefully you feel blessed at being given another day with your son, hopefully good doctors and a good group home staff, and new friends that can help you through this........ At any rate, Happy Birthday again....may you have many more.... >> Hi all,> My son is 16 yo and has high functioning autistism. He lives in a > group home for autistic kids in Utah and I am in Arizona. I haven't > been able to afford to go see him for the last 14 months he's been up > there. > > Then I found out yesterday my son has a large c-toma in his right ear > that needs surgery. His left ear drum is so severely retracted that he > is going to get a tube placed and later ear drum reconstruction. I > don't know when that is going to be yet as the scheduling people > haven't called me yet. I am so upset about this and I am trying to get > the money together to drive to Utah for his surgery. I am not sure if > this will be in days, weeks or a month, but I can't imagine it being > any longer. I have already talked to the Mc House about > possibly being able to stay there for $10 a night.> > Other than the autism, my son was born premature, had a heart defect > and other medical problems when he was small. He failed his first > hearing test at 4 weeks old but it took 2 years for him to get his > first set of tubes. They did not seem to help his hearing loss so the > dr's told me that he was deaf. At 4 he was given another set of tubes > and they found that the bones in his ears were stuck together so they > cut them apart. Miraculously after he was able to hear and suffered > frequent ear infections with only mild loss in his right ear. Several > times he perforated both eardrums without even complaining his ears > hurt.> > About 2 years ago now he started to have this horrible peanut butter > looking drainage out of his right ear. I took him to the dr who > diagnosed an outer ear infection. We used drops on and off for months > to keep it cleared up. Then right before I moved my son up to Utah I > took him to an ENT who said he had 2 perforated ear drums and that by > using cotton swabs so much (he would obessively put them in his ear > and I eventually had to quit buying them) that he had eroded the skin > in his ear. So thinking everything was fine I flew with him up to > Utah. (The ENT said it was ok)> > The staff at the group home knew his ear problems so I assumed that > everything was fine. I didn't even know he was going to the ENT until > Wed night when my son called and said the bones in his ears were > disintegrating. So I spent half the day yesterday tracking down what > was going on and giving consent for surgery, etc.> > My son has enough problems already and I just am having a hard time > thinking he might have hearing loss on top of that. I think I will > feel better when I know when the surgery is scheduled.> > Anyways, sorry this was long. Just a complicated story. Oh, and guess > what today is my birthday. Not the news I want for my birthday.> > Regan> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Thanks ! I spoke with the ENT yesterday. He really wasn't able to tell me much that I cant find on the internet. He basically said he won't know how bad it is until he gets in there. The only other thing he said is it's large and destroying the bones. They did a CT on him on Wednesday. To complicate matters more, my son hit a wall and broke his hand about 2 weeks ago and he is also waiting to see a hand surgeon to see if he needs surgery for that as well. That of course didnt upset me as much as his ear. Thanks for your kind words. I just wish they had a group home in Arizona that would be suitable for him. Regan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Regan, I live in Ca. I used to teach life skills to develop mental disabled adults. We have such a plethora of resources here in Ca. (i.e. group homes, training, social workers to name a few…). I can try to network the names of a few good and reputable placements in AZ. for you. By the way what does his social worker have to say about his treatment? I can understand being away from your son must be heart breaking!!! My thoughts are with you. Regan <regan-etal@...> wrote: Thanks ! I spoke with the ENT yesterday. He really wasn't able to tell me much that I cant find on the internet. He basically said he won't know how bad it is until he gets in there. The only other thing he said is it's large and destroying the bones. They did a CT on him on Wednesday. To complicate matters more, my son hit a wall and broke his hand about 2 weeks ago and he is also waiting to see a hand surgeon to see if he needs surgery for that as well. That of course didnt upset me as much as his ear. Thanks for your kind words. I just wish they had a group home in Arizona that would be suitable for him. Regan Be a PS3 game guru.Get your game face on with the latest PS3 news and previews at Games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2007 Report Share Posted July 14, 2007 Nice to meet you Carmen! The biggest reason he is in Utah and not some place in AZ is because he got so violent and sexually inappropriate and this place could deal with both. Places in AZ if they dealt with the sexual inappropriateness it was usually with hardened juvenile offenders and staff who doesnt understand developmental disorders. Once hes through with treatment there if he stays relatively non-violent and learns better manners he can go to a more of a step down placement. I talked to his social worker today and she said she has faxed all the necessary insurance papers to the ENT. She thinks this is a bad turn of events for my son. She also has contacted the social worker up at the hospital in UT to see what help she can be plus get a referral to the Mc house. She does however have a place in mind here in Arizona for him in maybe 6 months if he starts getting his act together. They have several kids just like my son there right now, just a little better manageable. I was able to talk to my son today on the phone. I couldn't tell him I was coming because that will cause him too much stress. But I was able to wiggle out of him that hes scared about surgery. He doesnt usually verbalize things like that. He said that the anesthesia will put him into a coma. I hope he believes me when I tell him that thats not going to happen. He also told me he's been dizzy. I hope that doesnt mean that the c-toma is going into the inner ear. So other than that I dont know still when its going to be scheduled or whatnot. I renewed my lease on my apartment today and was told that they are giving me $300 off my rent for August. So now I have some money to go and I am a little less stressed. Now I am just worried about the outcome and his future hearing. Take care Regan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2007 Report Share Posted July 14, 2007 Hey Regan, The ENT is right on that part....my husband has his first ear surgery 5 mos into our marriage to repair his tympanic membrane....and at that time there was no sign, that we knew of, of a chlosteatoma......that fisrt surgery, in itself, was a real adventure with doctors not wanting to tell me anything and them giving him medication he was allergic too.....Being a young airman I put all I had on the line, career, stripes, etc.... to tell a full bird colonel, I wasn't going to play games with my husbands health and to tell me the truth....guess I threw him for a loop as he started talking....besides I also reminded him that my mother-in-law may be my husbands mother, but she had no authority to decide medical treatment for him, especially considering the fact she wouldn't come from LA to Denver for the surgery and wasn't there when had a negative reaction to percocet. From that time on I learned which doctors to press for info and which to ask..... In 1999, while we were stationed in Hawaii, found out he had a c-toma and would need immediate surgery....it wasn't until the docs got in there that they learned the full extent of the damage.....he ended up having three surgery's to complete the process... The first was to literally clean out the mess, the second was to prep to have the inner bones replaced and the third to actually implant the prosthetics..... hates hospitals, and surgery, but by the time everything was done, he'd figured out it's easier to just deal with it than complain.....I love him to death, but there's only so much whinning I'm going to listen to........At any rate, he did great after the fact, other than no more swimming... Until 2002 when he displaced the prosthetics on a train ride up Pikes Peak....who'd have thought he could fly across the ocean, drive through the moutains, but not take a train ride up the side of a mountain..... It's now been nearly 5 yrs later and we're prepping him for another round of surgery's, hopefully to just reset the prosthetics and clean out any infection........The docs up at the Kansas VA will soon get to know, as has every one else, that I'm not stupid, and do know what I'm talking about as I do my research..... In a nutshell, this is a life altering event and condition, and how each person responds is based on their experiences', personality, and those around them. Doctors are people too, and have their own personality, but you as the parent need to be positively assertive to ensure you're not left in the dark, they know you do your research, and you are invested in the positive outcome for your son......Don't let stories, good or bad, sway you from making the right decisions for your son, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification... At the same time don't assume they are hiding key facts from you, in some cases the medical staff assumes you already know, or they just forget to bring it up. Good luck on both medical issues and on the group home issues......You still come across to me as someone who wants the best for your son....and congrats on having an understanding landlord.......hopefully you'll catch even more breaks......I told you, you'd find more blessings............ Keep us posted..... Jule Re: Re: New member Thanks ! I spoke with the ENT yesterday. He really wasn't able to tell me much that I cant find on the internet. He basically said he won't know how bad it is until he gets in there. The only other thing he said is it's large and destroying the bones. They did a CT on him on Wednesday. To complicate matters more, my son hit a wall and broke his hand about 2 weeks ago and he is also waiting to see a hand surgeon to see if he needs surgery for that as well. That of course didnt upset me as much as his ear. Thanks for your kind words. I just wish they had a group home in Arizona that would be suitable for him. Regan Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Welcome ! Lengen <lisa_20fan@...> wrote: I have joined the group and would like to send messages to other members. --------------------------------- Building a website is a piece of cake. Small Business gives you all the tools to get online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2007 Report Share Posted August 21, 2007 Hi , Welcome, just jump in here with two feet. All you need to do is post a question or make a comment to the group and you will receive responses from anyone who can answer your questions. We are here to support each other. Take care, Neighbors Dr.P in Houston 7/14/05 311/125 gen <lisa_20fan@...> wrote: I have joined the group and would like to send messages to other members. --------------------------------- Building a website is a piece of cake. Small Business gives you all the tools to get online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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