Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/5/02 5:01:19 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

writes:

> ,

> K, now I'm the one asking for prayers. came home from college

> 3

> weeks ago and I noticed immediately that we have a problem. She is

> bulimic.

Oh brother! Just what you need! Whoever gave her the idea she was fat? A

friend? Teacher? Boyfriend? That's terrible, I feel so bad for you, Donna;

as if raising our special needs kids was hard enough, we sometimes forget our

" normal " children have problems of their own!

Sooo glad you nipped this in the bud EARLY on, and here's hoping for a

complete recovery and healthy eating habits thereafter.

Geeeez, seems we're ALL needing prayers lately....more so than normal.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/7/02 9:36:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time, DPLigon@...

writes:

> Hey, just want you to know I am still praying for , we are all

> here for you, I believe in recoverery and am believing this for

> and the family, I am sure she will do what it takes to get better!! I

> can tell you this because I got better!! Just want to give you some

> encouragement in case you have a chance to read from us, God Bless

> you and your sweet family, Dawn

>

Thanks Dawn. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have this support,

prayers and especially folks' honesty. The number of people that have told

me that they too, or their daughter, battled an eating disorder, is

staggering to me. This experience so far, has been the most awful thing

I've ever had to live through. But having Maddie has taught me to fight the

fight and never give up. We had a good day yesterday and she went off to

program this morning in MUCH better spirits. I know that there are still

plenty of bad days ahead of us, but BOY did I need yesterday!!!!

I am reading when I can and listening to your stories. Pam, Happy Bday to

your angels. Charlyne? You hanging in there? Lyn, I don't know what to

say!!! My sister went through a very nasty divorce, so while it never

happened to me, I was close to it and felt the pain it brings. I'm sorry!!!

Hang in there; many people need you. Irma, keep on getting better!!!!

The kindnesses you are receiving from folks around you is truly a gift, but

what goes around comes around....;-)

Everyone else? I am still catching up. Hope ALL are well, and thanks again

for your prayers.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Donna

[Guest guest]

> Thanks Dawn. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have

this support, prayers and especially folks' honesty. The number of

people that have told me that they too, or their daughter, battled an

eating disorder, is staggering to me. This experience so far, has

been the most awful thing I've ever had to live through.

Gosh, Donna you're an awesome mom, so this is god news that has

accepted to listen and follow to everyone that LOVES her. No telling

what the set back was, but glad y'all caught it on time. Prayers for

a quick recovery for . Has she mentioned how long she has been

doing this? Because I remember it was not too long ago she was doing

fine. Sorry you're have to go through this with your daughter, it

does hurt a parent when we see our child go through some pain or

changes.I'm just glad you are not alone and , too.

>> But having Maddie has taught me to fight the fight and never give

up.

Boy! Can I relate to this, (((HUGS))) x12

> We had a good day yesterday and she went off to program this

morning in MUCH better spirits. I know that there are still plenty

of bad days ahead of us, but BOY did I need yesterday!!!!

Yes, life is such full of suprises, but together we shall take it day

by day as we continue to search and search. Any day is welcome and

thankful.

> Irma, keep on getting better!!!!

> The kindnesses you are receiving from folks around you is truly a

gift, but what goes around comes around....;-)

Thank You Donna. Make sure you're taking care of yourself as you're

going through these issues. Just remember we care for you. HUGS!

Irma

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 6/7/02 9:36:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

DPLigon@m...

> writes:

>

>

> > Hey, just want you to know I am still praying for , we are

all

> > here for you, I believe in recoverery and am believing this for

> > and the family, I am sure she will do what it takes to get

better!! I

> > can tell you this because I got better!! Just want to give you

some

> > encouragement in case you have a chance to read from us, God

Bless

> > you and your sweet family, Dawn

> >

>

> Thanks Dawn. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have

this support,

> prayers and especially folks' honesty. The number of people that

have told

> me that they too, or their daughter, battled an eating disorder, is

> staggering to me. This experience so far, has been the most

awful thing

> I've ever had to live through. But having Maddie has taught me to

fight the

> fight and never give up. We had a good day yesterday and she

went off to

> program this morning in MUCH better spirits. I know that there

are still

> plenty of bad days ahead of us, but BOY did I need yesterday!!!!

> I am reading when I can and listening to your stories. Pam, Happy

Bday to

> your angels. Charlyne? You hanging in there? Lyn, I don't know

what to

> say!!! My sister went through a very nasty divorce, so while it

never

> happened to me, I was close to it and felt the pain it brings. I'm

sorry!!!

> Hang in there; many people need you. Irma, keep on getting

better!!!!

> The kindnesses you are receiving from folks around you is truly a

gift, but

> what goes around comes around....;-)

> Everyone else? I am still catching up. Hope ALL are well, and

thanks again

> for your prayers.

> {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

> Donna

>

>

Hey Donna, I know this is so hard and I am so glad is going to

her program cause this means deep inside she wants to do what it

takes, my mom and I have always been close as you and your daughter

seem to be too and sometimes I think it was harder on her than myself

and also hard on the others that love me. I always felt that love

though and know that most of all God is the one that loves us!!!

Anyway, just know if I can do anything at all let me know,you know we

will all continue our prayers for you all, take care of you too

Donna, cause your daughter is probably concerned for you and wants

you to be okay too!!! This will get better I truely feel, Dawn

(I was thinkin just the other day how strong our kids have helped us

to be in all we go through havent they, you ARE strong Donna!!)

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/15/02 2:24:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

smilinggail@... writes:

> How are things going Donna? Are you hanging in there? Does Maddie sense

> that something is going on? You're still in my prayers. Keep us posted

> when

> you can?

> (((((hugs))))) X12

> Gail :-)

Hey Gail,

Yes, I am hanging in there. This is a very hard journey and pretty

scary, but when I look at where we were two weeks ago, it's easy to see the

progress. What we see is that she is smiling and laughing again and back to

being her interactive self with the little ones. What she sees is that she

can eat the food they're making her and still lose weight (she lost two

pounds since starting there). She is not allowed to exercise while in this

program, so she is eager to get back to it. MY job is to keep her busy for

2 hours after her dinner---we go to movies, take walks, play with Maddie,

look at pictures, wash the dog....lots of things. Maddie doesn't really

have a sense of what is going on, but the other kids are all helping in any

way they can. All in all, good things to report. Today, we go to my BIL's

for dinner, IF still wants to. This will be her first social

gathering with family members, and so she is nervous. We can't force her,

but do think she needs to make that first jump and see that she can do it

(not just the social piece will be hard...eating away from home will be).

So far, she left this morning saying ok. We'll take two cars just in case

and see who lasts the longest, or Maddie....;-)

Thanks for asking Gail, and Happy Father's Day to all the Dads and dh's!!!

This should be a miraculous one for you and yours Gail!! {{{{hugs}}}}

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/16/2002 8:20:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

duffey48@... writes:

>

> Yes, I am hanging in there. This is a very hard journey and pretty

> scary, but when I look at where we were two weeks ago, it's easy to see the

> progress.

Hi Donna,

Glad to hear that things have improved in the last two weeks. It may be a

long road but sounds as though she has made great stride in just a few

short weeks. Wishing her many more.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

Donna,

Wow Donna, is making great progress!!!!! Did dinner at your BIL's go

okay? Who did last longer, Maddie or ? Sounds like your job is a good

one. Must be the hardest after dinner, but it sure is nice you two get to

spend time together doing fun things. Yes, was wonderful having dh home

today. Fixed him his favorite dinner and let him nap all day long.

Gail :-)

<< Hey Gail,

Yes, I am hanging in there. This is a very hard journey and pretty

scary, but when I look at where we were two weeks ago, it's easy to see the

progress. What we see is that she is smiling and laughing again and back

to

being her interactive self with the little ones. What she sees is that she

can eat the food they're making her and still lose weight (she lost two

pounds since starting there). She is not allowed to exercise while in this

program, so she is eager to get back to it. MY job is to keep her busy for

2 hours after her dinner---we go to movies, take walks, play with Maddie,

look at pictures, wash the dog....lots of things. Maddie doesn't really

have a sense of what is going on, but the other kids are all helping in any

way they can. All in all, good things to report. Today, we go to my

BIL's

for dinner, IF still wants to. This will be her first social

gathering with family members, and so she is nervous. We can't force her,

but do think she needs to make that first jump and see that she can do it

(not just the social piece will be hard...eating away from home will be).

So far, she left this morning saying ok. We'll take two cars just in case

and see who lasts the longest, or Maddie....;-)

Thanks for asking Gail, and Happy Father's Day to all the Dads and dh's!!!

This should be a miraculous one for you and yours Gail!! {{{{hugs}}}}

Donna

>>

[Guest guest]

Hi Donna,

I'm so glad to hear that things are progressing well for in her

journey of recovery. With such a caring & loving family around her, she

will come through this. You've been so supportive of all of us in our

struggles along the way. Just wanted to return some support your way. You

and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.

Love & Hugs,

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/24/2002 12:33:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

duffey48@... writes:

> They'll be making a recommendation in a couple

> days to see if she can go outpatient now (outpatient is 3 nights a week

> instead of every day like she is doing now) They did give her Sunday

> off;

> she needed the break.

Hi Donna,

I was glad to hear the update about . Sounds like she is doing well. I

hope she will be able to do the outpatient program. Zeb recks my furniture

too but I am not buying new until the legs collapes LOL.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/25/02 1:11:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

charlyne1121@... writes:

> I was glad to hear the update about . Sounds like she is doing well. I

> hope she will be able to do the outpatient program

Thanks Charlyne. She finishes up on Thursday and will then receive

treatment on an outpatient basis. She is anxious to get a summer job (Gap

had called her for an interview, so she is hoping they are still hiring).

has made very good progress in the last week and a half, but we're not

naive. We recognize that she still has a real lot of work to do, and so do

we, in terms of helping to support her through this.

Thanks for the prayers all.

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/25/02 1:48:33 PM Pacific Daylight Time, duffey48@...

writes:

<< We recognize that she still has a real lot of work to do, and so do

we, in terms of helping to support her through this.

Thanks for the prayers all.

Donna >>

Donna! What great news. I'm so happy for you. Even though you still have

to be on your guard and keep the support going for her, you must be so

relieved that the immediate danger is over.

(((((hugs)))))

Gail :-)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/25/2002 4:48:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

duffey48@... writes:

> She is anxious to get a summer job (Gap

> had called her for an interview, so she is hoping they are still hiring).

>

Hi Donna,

I hope gets the GAP job and she continues making good progress. I think

is very fortunate to have perceptive parents that were able to

recognize her symptoms before it was too late. I'm not sure I would have been

able to do the same. I was always the mom that harped on the weight issue

with my big girl. Thinking of you and yoour family.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/26/02 12:21:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

charlyne1121@... writes:

> I was always the mom that harped on the weight issue

> with my big girl. Thinking of you and yoour family.

> Charlyne

>

Thanks Charlyne. We never harped on about her weight (course, now

she's thin), but did try to be supportive and offer our help when she'd

complain about *being fat*. But we see so many parents at Renfrew who did

*harp* about the weight issue. Who knows what's the right thing, ya

know?!?!? The whole illness is really not about weight or food anyway, and

that's what we've learned. Bulimia is about how you cope with your

emotions. Our 100% fits the MO of a person with bulimia; the good

girl who always does what SHE thinks everyone expects of her. This has been

yet another journey in my life; an experience for learning to better our

family.

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/26/2002 3:16:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

duffey48@... writes:

> The whole illness is really not about weight or food anyway, and

> that's what we've learned. Bulimia is about how you cope with your

> emotions.

Hi Donna,

I really don't think a parent can forsee what child may have a tendancy to

use food as a controller. We tend to be too close to the situation to see the

warning signs. I could see my daughter doing this too under my nose and not

having a clue. I am very happy that you were able to see the signs and

is doing so well. You must be so relieved.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/26/02 12:16:40 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

duffey48@... writes:

<< Thanks Charlyne. We never harped on about her weight (course, now

she's thin), but did try to be supportive and offer our help when she'd

complain about *being fat*. But we see so many parents at Renfrew who

did

*harp* about the weight issue. Who knows what's the right thing, ya

know?!?!? The whole illness is really not about weight or food anyway, and

that's what we've learned. Bulimia is about how you cope with your

emotions. Our 100% fits the MO of a person with bulimia; the good

girl who always does what SHE thinks everyone expects of her. This has

been

yet another journey in my life; an experience for learning to better our

family.

Donna >>

Donna,

Ya know, sometimes these very scary journeys we take in life turn out to be

blessings in a weird way. They pull the family together, make us stronger

and more compassionate. Not that I would go looking for trouble, but when it

comes, to face it head on, deal with it and learn from it can also be a good

journey. I'm glad things are going so well for your family. I'm glad you

have all pulled through this. And I'm glad you have kept such a positive

attitude.

Gail :-)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/27/02 12:19:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

smilinggail@... writes:

> I'm glad you

> have all pulled through this. And I'm glad you have kept such a positive

> attitude.

> Gail :-)

>

>

I second that Donna. Reminds me of that Tyler Theme song. " Your

going to make it after all "

Diane

[Guest guest]

yeah it does

do y'all know where you can get the lyrics to that

song

--- dben937342@... wrote:

> In a message dated 6/27/02 12:19:56 AM Eastern

> Daylight Time,

> smilinggail@... writes:

>

>

> > I'm glad you

> > have all pulled through this. And I'm glad you

> have kept such a positive

> > attitude.

> > Gail :-)

> >

> >

>

> I second that Donna. Reminds me of that Tyler

> Theme song. " Your

> going to make it after all "

> Diane

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

=====

Since I don't have a silly one. My AOL IM chat symbol is a popsicle symbol.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/18/02 7:43:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

smilinggail@... writes:

> Donna? Do you think Maddie is anywhere near ready to start training? I

> don't think Seth has a clue about it yet, but I may try using a cloth

> diaper

> trick of Lynn's and see what happens.

> Gail :-)

>

Nah, but we still sit her on it Gail, and when I see her squatting, I run

like crazy with her in my arms to the nearest toilet!!!!! We can be quite

the sight!!! LOL I've caught her a few times and same at school. She

giggles like crazy when I dance for a pee or poop, but doesn't get that she

instigated all that fuss!!! And sitting in poop diapers is a big plus for

Maddie. YOU know, with pica, it's a feast....YUK!!!!!

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/24/02 2:12:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, DPLigon@...

writes:

>

>

>

>

>

> Hey Donna, just checking to see how is, I read one of the

> messages that she was having some blood work done for a cyst? I may

> have missed a message but hope all is well, I think you said it was

> most likely from the medicine? Just thinking of you!! Hope everything

> is okay, God Bless, Dawn (I was on zoloft before, hopefully this

>

Hey Dawn,

The cyst is on her right breast and they did an ultrasound. The

radiologist is calling it " unremarkable " , but we go to see the specialist at

CHOP next week anyway ( is just a cysty kid). The blood work (and

bleeding time test) was completed yesterday and that was for unusual

bruising. I do believe the bruising was a rare side effect of the prozac,

but it seems a lot of professionals are loathe to buy into that (at least the

ones we're dealing with). We'll know soon enough. Other than that she

seems to be doing ok DAwn.....it's still hard work and scary, but we feel we

are doing all the right things. She finished up her day program at the

eating disorder treatment center and is now doing BIG TIME therapy (sees a

therapist twice weekly, a nutrionist once a week, we all see a family

therapist once a week--well, 6 of us; we leave Maddie home--and she goes to a

psych once a month). It was recommended to us to delve intensively into

this at the get go....so we'll see!!!! It better have some good effect;

it's breaking the bank here!!!

Thanks for asking Dawn.

Donna

[Guest guest]

-Born in Northern NJ, moved to Tampa at 15,  went to nursing school in N.O.,

LA, married, moved to Northern NJ, then town, then Horsham, then

Norfolk VA for 8 years, to Israel 8 years, back to Norfolk for 8 years

(tired yet???), to Hershey 4 years , and to Caln 2 plus years ago when we

" retired " from Milton Hershey School.

Interested in moving farther out west???  Life is much less hectic out here.

And even less so " wester " . Of course the distance to the special schools

we need must be considered also. We are 45 minutes to Elwyn's son

School. I think Melmark may be another 5 minutes.

Sara  - Choose to make lemonade, not complain about the lemons.

Sara - Choose to make lemonade, not complain about the lemons.

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/15/02 11:39:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

pastmidvale@... writes:

> Born in Northern NJ, moved to Tampa at 15, went to nursing school in N.O.,

> LA, married, moved to Northern NJ, then town, then Horsham, then

> Norfolk VA for 8 years, to Israel 8 years, back to Norfolk for 8 years

> (tired yet???), to Hershey 4 years , and to Caln 2 plus years ago when we

> " retired " from Milton Hershey School.

ekk, Sara!!!! I have never lived outside of Philly, except for that mere

year in Boston when Duff went to Harvard. And it felt like I'd moved to

another country....LOLOLOL

<<Interested in moving farther out west??? Life is much less hectic out

here.

And even less so " wester " . >>

Seriously, I'd go crazy. I'm truly a city girl. We go in town all the

time; it's in our blood. HOwever, it's funny, I go to NYC and LOVE

it.....but after a few days have had enough. Philly is so nice because it's

big city with small town appeal in a way. Although I REALLY loved Boston

and loved living in the city there too. Heck, I'm so boring Sara, I am

living TWO blocks from where I grew up and go to the same church every Sunday

that I went to with my mom all my life!! ;-)

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/22/2002 1:12:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

duffey48@... writes:

> Yes, we get Goodnights delivered monthly, paid for by medical assistance.

> My doc writes a prescrip every few months.

>

Hi Donna,

I just had delivered a 3 mos. supply of those horrible diapers. I will talk

to the ped. but I think I have to wait until the 3 mos. are up. I am going to

have to buy the goodnights and donate these diapers.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/22/2002 3:27:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

duffey48@... writes:

> BTW, what do you sell dear? No doubt you've told us

> before, but I forget.

Hi Donna,

The worst menu in the heat ever!!!! bread bowls with chili, chowder and cream

of broccoli soup, sweet potato fries and baked potatoes at this weekend fair.

The weather will be cool this weekend, yeah!!!! My stock truck is runneth

over. I plan to return home with an empty truck. I am leaving friday am and

the fair opens at 6:00 pm. I am training my new Japanese student. I think I

am in for a rough weekend. She is so quiet I can barely hear her.

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/5/02 12:23:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

smilinggail@... writes:

> So glad things are going okay for Maddie, so far. Is doing okay?

> Haven't seen a post from you in a while, hope all is well. Yep Donna, this

> is

> NOT a good school district for special ed! LOL

> Gail

THanks for asking GAil. I haven't given much updates...just busy busy busy

here. started school Tuesday and likes it so far (despite being

overwhelmed by the amount of reading she has to do----she's got TWO history

courses). She still does her therapy twice a week and is doing MUCH better

on the zoloft. We go back in October to see if there are any changes in

the lump on her breast and the bruising completely stopped (see, I'm

CONVINCED it was the prozac). So, so far, so good!!!

So sorry about Seth's school situation. When you're dealing with your

other kiddo and new school you surely needed his stuff to go at least ok!!!!

{{{hugs}}}}

Donna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/5/02 10:13:47 AM Pacific Daylight Time, duffey48@...

writes:

<< THanks for asking GAil. I haven't given much updates...just busy busy

busy

here. started school Tuesday and likes it so far (despite being

overwhelmed by the amount of reading she has to do----she's got TWO history

courses). She still does her therapy twice a week and is doing MUCH

better

on the zoloft. We go back in October to see if there are any changes in

the lump on her breast and the bruising completely stopped (see, I'm

CONVINCED it was the prozac). So, so far, so good!!!

So sorry about Seth's school situation. When you're dealing with your

other kiddo and new school you surely needed his stuff to go at least ok!!!!

{{{hugs}}}}

Donna >>

Glad to hear things are okay at your place Donna, and that is doing

better. Hope she keeps up with school. Sounds tough!

Gail :-)