Guest guest Posted October 11, 2004 Report Share Posted October 11, 2004 OHH and by the way if your crazy we all must be crazy on here as we all seem to be going through similar symptoms regards again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 11, 2004 Report Share Posted October 11, 2004 OHH and by the way if your crazy we all must be crazy on here as we all seem to be going through similar symptoms regards again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 Hi, ! Thanks for your reply. RDI stands for Relationship Development Intervention. This is a new kind of therapy (as I understand it you actually do a lot of it at home) that focuses on helping the child develop the motivation and skills for having social relationships rather than on developing academic type skills. I am considering it for Emma, but am trying to find out more about. Since it is relatively new, there is not as much research done on it as there has been on ABA for instance and so I am looking for people who have tried it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 What is RDI? My son is autistic, and 2 yrs old. We don't do special diets, but have noticed that a lot of autistic kids have gastro reflux... I've heard a lot about the gfcf diet, but with my son loving stuff that is a no no on it, it's not an option... Good luck in your search... Ang > > From: " lauren_koertzen " <lauren_koertzen@...> > Date: 2004/11/10 Wed PM 11:19:30 CST > Autism and Aspergers Treatment > Subject: Introduction > > Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible. - Corrie Ten Boom Faith's role is to grasp that which appears impossible or strange to human eyes. - Murray I believe in Christianity as I believe in the sun- not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.- C. S. Some never get started on their destiny course because they cannot humble themselves to learn, grow, and change. - Cast Treat Hi! I have a 38 month old daughter who is being evaluated by professionals and is likely going to receive an autism or pdd dx. I also have a 22 month old son who is not yet saying words but otherwise appears to be developing normally. I am investigating the type of therapies available for autism and specifically would like to know if anyone has tried: 1. Special Diets? 2. RDI? Also, I am moving to Olympia, WA shortly and would like to know if there is anyone on the list in that area who might be willing to share what they know about schools, doctors, therapists, etc.., in the olympia area. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2004 Report Share Posted November 16, 2004 Really...wow...thats why my son has heartburn. I didn't know that! Could you please send me more info on heartburn/reflux for autism if you have it. Greatly appreciated. The Hitchcocks Introduction> > Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible. - Corrie Ten Boom Faith's role is to grasp that which appears impossible or strange to human eyes. - MurrayI believe in Christianity as I believe in the sun- not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.- C. S. Some never get started on their destiny course because they cannot humble themselves to learn, grow, and change. - Cast Treat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 , I don't have a long time to write right now but I just wanted to let you know that our daughter who is now 5 years old started out with fever only. No mouth sores, etc... just fever. She gradually added the other symptoms about a year or more later. We've had all the genetic testing done and the Dr. is pretty comfortable with diagnosisng her with now. We are planning on trying prednisone for the first time if she had another fever. Tracey mom to Maddie, age 5 Brent, age 9 League City, TX On Thursday, December 2, 2004, at 08:26 AM, wrote: > > My name is and our daughter, Eva, (born May 2003) has been > having high fevers (every 2-3 weeks) for the past 6 months. After the > 8th " episode " I was FINALLY able to convince the pediatrician to > order some blood tests. Eva has a high sed rate (49) and we were > referred to a pediatric rheumatologist. Although her symptoms don't > match periodic fever symdrome exactly, he suggested that we go ahead > with some genetic testing. (Eva is 18 months, and only beginning to > talk, so we have no way of knowing if she is suffering other > symtptoms that she's not able to communicate to us.) We're waiting > for approval from the insurance company for the genetic testing, and > will plan to re-test the sed rate, as well. > > Our daughter also has delayed gross motor skills (very slow to learn > how to crawl, stand, etc.) and she has physical therapy. Although > the rheumatologist said that it's not related to her fevers, I'm > wondering if there is some connection. When Eva has her fevers > (which last about 3 days) we need to cancel the pt. Needless to say, > it is very disruptive. > > I'm also wondering if any other children were diagnosed with > who only had the fevers, with no other symptoms (mouth sores, etc.). > > While we still don't havea diagnosis, I am relieved to find this > board in hopes of educating myself a bit. > > > > <image.tiff> > > <image.tiff> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2004 Report Share Posted December 18, 2004 Hi there, My son, 5 y/o, also gets pain in his eyes during his episodes - he says they " burn. " We always have to turn lights off so he feels better. This part of the episode is only about a half a day long, and is always at the height of each episode. See if making things a little darker in the room helps her out. Hope this helps. ________________________________________________________________ Juno Gift Certificates Give the gift of Internet access this holiday season. http://www.juno.com/give Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2005 Report Share Posted May 14, 2005 In a message dated 5/14/2005 12:53:23 AM Central Daylight Time, sassyt4u@... writes: think that it is very important to treat as a " normal " man. Yes, he may look different on the ouside, but he is as human as everyone else is. Look beyond his physical limitations. Look at it this way. Would you, rather have your daughter date an able body man, who makes her unhappy? I think it's important to keep an open mind. Good Luck... Thanks Terry! I'll admit that I am worried/concerned about finally meeting in July, BUT, I think I would feel this way even if he WASN'T limited physically. And your right, I am thrilled that my daughter is HAPPY, and I couldn't stand it if she were with an AB man who treated her bad and made her sad...... My mind is " wide open " about this, and I certainly appreciate your reply to my post. I am filled with HOPE for my daughter's future with . I just want to " be there " for them and NOT to " S(mother) " them......................... ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2005 Report Share Posted May 27, 2005 Hello , Welcome to the group. there are several families here who deal with tics, teen issues, OCD, and a variety of other mental health disorders. Several do home school as well. I have an 11 year old daughter with generalized anxiety, OCD and depression, she is on prozac and seroquel. I have a mom that for what ever her reason is no comfort or help and she is in denial with her own issues (she is a hoarder). This group of people have been very supportive to me and my family for several months. Many of the emotions and frustrations you have expressed are very common conversations here, and you are not alone. I am a bit short on time, just wanted to send you a quick welcome and introduce myself. I am sure there are many others that will jump in and you will be well on your way of developing a great supportive network. BTW, have a good holiday weekend! Amy _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 8:41 PM Subject: Introduction Hello, I am new here. I have 3 children, a boy (14), and 2 girls (ages 12 & 2), and we are a Homeschooling family and have been for a long time. I joined this list because I discovered my son is suffering from symptoms of OCD. He has had a mood disorder since he was very young, and had his first severe depression at age 8 in which I took him to a psychiatrist (and did not get any help). I think he has Bipolar disorder (runs in my family) with tourette's and now OCD, and maybe ADHD too. His symptoms have really worsened and changed since hitting puberty, particularly in the last year. I worry myself sick sometimes because my only sibling (younger brother), and a maternal uncle are both severely disabled with severe psychiatric disabilities (schizoaffective disorder & manic depression) which began in adolescence. Most of the time I feel so utterly alone and frightened inside with this problem and I have no one to talk to who truly understands my concern. Especially coming from a family riddled with mental illnesses like mine - being a sibling. Watching my own mother be devasted by my younger brothers illness and my family nearly destroyed in its wake. And, later finding out the same thing had happened to her mother. It's a generational pattern. I read and read looking for answers, searching for clues to what his symptoms are (I refuse to live in denial, as my Mother does, but I realize this is a survival mechanism for her also). I cannot get support or understanding from her, only condemnation, (how could I put her 'perfect' grandson on 'drugs', there is nothing wrong with him.......(only me)........my Mother only sees what she wants to see and I sadly I can't talk to her. How I wish my Grandmother were still alive. She was the wisest and kindest woman I ever knew. OK, so anyway, enough about me, right. My son has been on gabitril (a mood stabilizer, not a first line tx for bipolar disorder, but he is not being adequatetly treated because I can't find anyone to treat him but am working very hard to find someone........and finding it to be nearly impossible......because I am working through the public mental health system..we are a medicaid family..and limited options, and it's a long story, but I am supposed to " make the system work for me " , right, well I've been trying, meanwhile my son is getting worse and worse it would seem and no one seems to care. It's been 2 years now since I took him there for help. I still can't believe this is the kind of treatment, so called " medical care " a child with a neurological condition recieves in the wealthiest country in the world, on the planet ever, in the 21st century..............if that isn't saying something, I don't know what is..................and everywhere I turn someone is criticizing me it would seem, either for placing my son on medication, taking him to a psychiatrist, or 'labeling' him, whether it is family members, well-meaning " friends " , or the medical establishnment.........they are all highly critical..........what none of them seem to understand is that none of that matters, what does matter, is that my son is suffering, he is getting worse, time is ticking away, his childhood is slipping by, our family is suffering daily, yearly, due to treatment failure, and then they blame us - the family, the mother, the parents, stress in the home, you know, it always comes down to that, somehow they turn the table on you........you try to do the right thing, and get your children the medical attention and care that you know that they need and deserve, and then you are actually labeled a bad mother, you are stigmatized for doing so when they can't or won't help, or when the treatment they give is unhelpful and makes things worse.................it's " stress in the home " , that is the stamp we received. It's been horrible. Worst of all, my son has developed a (healthy) phobia of all doctors as a result of the inadequate and grossly neglectful and discriminatory treatment our family has recieved. But, thankfully he is still willing to go and try again. from September to January he suffered from constant complex motor tics. This was a new thing. He was highly distracted and disoriented also. He gets confused when we go out sometimes. He has severe social anxiety. and panic attacks. He no has deteriorated to wearing huge baggy sweatpants (not in style at all), refuses to cut his hair at all, wears a black cap (winter type) down almost to his eyes evertime he goes out (even in 95 degree weather and camping like today). He doesn't care if people stare or tease him. He won't wear normal clothes, he won't let me buy him clothes, and he refuses to go out otherwise. I do not understand this. I ask him why. He says everything else " feels " weird. He will say nothing more. Usually he talks to me more. This whole thing is just upsetting me so much, I can hardly stand it. I feel like crying all the time. I am so worried about him and no one understands how much I am worried. I need help. He needs help. Our family needs help. I've tried to tell his pediatrician (for years) that he has serious problems, I've taken him to 2 different specialists, one made him worse with the medication he gave him and refused to take him off of it (very scary), and the other one did not help and then refused to see him. We've been waiting for an appt. for months now (next week). I am overwhelmed. I feel like nothing will help now. Our list archives, bookmarks, files, and chat feature may be accessed at: / . Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D., Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.( http://www.worrywisekids.org ), Dan Geller, M.D.,Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., ( http://www.lighthouse-press.com ). Our list moderators are Birkhan, Castle, Fowler, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Gail Pesses, and Kathy . Subscription issues or suggestions may be addressed to Louis Harkins, list owner, at louisharkins@... , louisharkins@... , louisharkins@... .. _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 2005 Report Share Posted May 27, 2005 marianne_nancy wrote: > Hi, My name is nne and I'm new to the group. I have two > children. My daughter is 9 years old, and my son is 5. My daughter > has always been an anxious child, right from the time she was born > it seems. She was diagnosed in April with Generalized Anxiety > Disorder, and within a few weeks it developed into a severe case of > Obsessive Compulsive disorder. It appeared to happen almost > overnight. > > She is plagued with disturbing intrusive thoughts almost all the > time....Terrible thoughts that are even too frightening to > mention...She has been seeing a psychologist for the last month. > She has been prescribed Prozac and ativan for her anxiety. They > tell us it will take at least a month for the medication to work, > but she is so terrified by these thoughts, that we wonder if we > should be doing something more to help her. We have been trying to > use relaxation tapes and yoga, but she is usually too upset to do > them. > > We were never a fan of medication. We thought we could handle it > ourselves, but she is just so sick, we felt we had no choice. We're > praying that the medication provides her some relief. She feels the > need to tell us every thought that comes into her head (sometimes > even 10 a minute)and needs our reassurance constantly. She is > trying to fight back against " the Worry Guy " , but she ends up > mumbling to herself in a frantic state. Sometimes we can't > understand what she is saying because she is talking so fast. She > is also showing some agression, and our super shy little girl, has > become much less inhibited. > > We are so worried about her, and wonder if we should be doing > something more, or if it just takes time. We are living in a > constant state of chaos and fear. If anyone has been here, I would > appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you. > > Hi nne, and welcome! All of that sounds VERY familiar! I am also new to this group and can't believe how much better informed I am just from reading and learning from everyone else. I have a just turned 10 yr. old daughter. She developed sudden symptoms at age 7 1/2. Her anxiety went sky high, she wouldn't separate from me, would bolt from the classroom, crying, just terrible anxiety. It was horrible. We had an initial diagnosis of a simple phobia and generalized anxiety, (she was afraid of throwing up), but after awhile it became apparent that it was OCD. She did fairly well on Celexa for 1 1/2 yrs. and had a " waxing " period this spring where it got suddenly terrible again. We switched her to Prozac with a small dose of Zyprexa as well. (She wasn't eating--that's why the Zyprexa). She had a really difficult time getting ON the Prozac. About week 9, we saw a huge change in her. Her anxiety was nearly gone, the constant thoughts (she had them all day, constantly as well) were gone--it was amazing. But during the ramping up period of the Prozac she would nearly jump out of her skin with anxiety. She has also become much less inhibited, which is new, and has angry outbursts. Both of these side effects have been lessening with time, although they are still there. We are working with the psychiatrist to figure out the right dose. She may also switch her from Zyprexa to Abilify, since she's put all her weight back on. Apparently Abilify doesn't cause as much weight gain. How long has she been in the Prozac? I can relate to not wanting to give the medication. Our daughter was also extremely sick when we finally started. I cried the first time I gave her the Celexa and I cried harder when I had to put her on the Zyprexa. I was terrified I was pouring cement in her brain. After watching her gain her life back this spring, it was absolutely the right thing to do. She is so happy to be free of her obsessive thoughts. I worry about my daughter constantly as well. I mourn the fact that this had to happen to her, to our family. But, when she's doing better like she is now, it isn't so overwhelming. I hope you can figure out your daughter's medication soon so that she, and you, can get some relief and enjoy life again. Dina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2005 Report Share Posted May 28, 2005 Hi, nne. My name is Ramona. I have a 16 yo daughter who has always been an anxious child. She was fianlly diagnosed with OCD when she was 9. She also has generalized anxiety & separation anxiety disorder. She has bad thoughts, worries a lot mostly about death, has a lot of compulsions such as tapping & touching & doing things until they are just right. She is currently on Lexapro although she has been on many different meds in the past. I too was afraid of giving medication to a child, but once we found the right one, we were so glad we did. The teriifying thoughts these children have are not something they should have to suffer through. It is wonderful if they can deal with it without medication, but I now believe that sometimes it is neccessary to medicate. I also have a 7 yo son. He has not been diagnosed, but just recently developed some OCD tendencies. He is not on medication since they do not interfere with his life. He worries some usually at bedtime, but not to the point where he is not sleeping. He will not sleep in his own room only my bed or the living room. Right now we have a mattress on the living room floor for him. Which is a big step from sleeping with mom & dad. He also chews on his shirts & socks (I know, yuck!). He has 2 friends that are " contaminated " . He will play with them, but they are not allowed to touch his mattress, get in his swimming pool or eat any food at our house. It is funny because he has other friends that are not " contaminated " , just these two. I will be homeschooling both my children in the fall. My daughter has been homeschooled since last November. The OCD was more than her school wanted to deal with. This group has been a Godsend to me. I have learned so much here. Whenever you need support to just get through the day or someone to brag to when your child has a major accomplishment. this is the place to go. I know it is tough to go through this, but it does get better. So hang in there! My motto is " one minute at a time " . I don't even shoot for a day at a time anymore. And don't forget to rejoice in the good times( there will be good times again). They are so special! Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2005 Report Share Posted May 28, 2005 Hi , welcome! I'm a single mom, 3 sons. My 16 yr old began having OCD before he turned 12, at the beginning of 6th grade. I felt he might have been going thru a puberty stage at that time (growth) but don't really know what might have triggered the OCD. He'd had what I called " OCD behaviors " before that, but nothing like the 24/7 that appeared suddenly. I've read here & elsewhere about bipolar some. At least to know that it can be tricky finding the right medication combo for it when other things (disorders) are there too, like OCD. There are others in this group who do have bipolar in their families also, hope they see your post! We live in a rural type area also, so nothing too close to here for OCD treatment either. And I work at our local mental health center too! No one there is really familiar with the therapy part of OCD. However the psychiatrists are more familiar with it, at least the medication part. However, we see a psych for medication elsewhere (just don't want to go to where I work since this is " personal " ) and someone there said the do therapy for OCD so we have my son's first appt next week; will see how that goes. If you don't mind telling us about where you live (state and what part or what near) someone here might know of someone or some facility. You're right not to buy into the " family is the cause " stuff, except that it seems to run in families. I can see where OCD comes into play in ours. Although my son seems to have got the brunt of it, no one else affected as badly. He also has diagnoses of dysgraphia (think that was due to his illegible writing) and Aspergers (on the autism spectrum, very mild and he's really smart). My other 2 sons aren't perfect, but no diagnoses! I have to go take one to a friend's right now, wish I had more time. Have you checked on the internet or called your state's mental health site to see if they can direct you to anyone? > Hello, I am new here. I have 3 children, a boy (14), and 2 girls (ages 12 & > 2), and we are a Homeschooling family and have been for a long time. I > joined this list because I discovered my son is suffering from symptoms of > OCD. He has had a mood disorder since he was very young, and had his first > severe depression at age 8 in which I took him to a psychiatrist (and did > not get any help). I think he has Bipolar disorder (runs in my family) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 2005 Report Share Posted May 28, 2005 Hi again , I replied earlier but wanted to comment on some more of your post. You wrote: ...and everywhere I turn someone is criticizing me it would seem, either for placing my son on medication, taking him to a psychiatrist, or 'labeling' him.... **As hard as it is, try to ignore them as YOU know you are doing the right thing. They just don't see it. Might have missed this in your post, but how does dad feel about it? You wrote: ...and then they blame us - the family, the mother, the parents, stress in the home...., and then you are actually labeled a bad mother....it's " stress in the home " , that is the stamp we received. **Oh, you're not the first here to hear that!! But, again, pay it no attention. I think the thing is - and don't know if I'll word my thoughts very well right now - that stress does agitate lots of things/disorders - OCD, anxiety, tics.... And lessening stress can help relieve some things, OCD ease up maybe or whatever (note I said " maybe " on that OCD thing!). But it's not *the* cause with all OCD and doctors/therapists should not dwell on " it's bad parenting, parents not getting along or sibling problems, etc. " Oh, I don't mind if they go over ways to de-stress/relax, better ways to handle/avoid outbursts or meltdowns, ways to NOT stress things in the home. But with OCD they need to work on HOW to control/boss back OCD and use methods to help gain control, lessen OCD anxiety, get rid of some obsession, " whatever " and not dwell on home life as a " cause. " My OCD son has a twin (not identical) and the 2 don't get along well, aren't friends but aren't enemies and the other twin really, really does " get to " my OCD son. (Not so much now that they are older - 16 - but more when younger.) And I just know the psychologist (who was also a friend, since he was at our local mental health center where I work) thought that the stress/agitation my OCD son () felt with (twin) was a problem. Like it was the " home life " and so on. And, as stated above, I wouldn't mind if he went over with how to not let get to him, how to handle situations, whatever. But I really, really don't think the psych *understood* OCD actually. He would tell to work on compulsions not lasting so long, trying to shorten them. But just from some things said, I think the psych thought it was more " home life " than OCD that was the problem. I might be wrong, just guessing a bit there. But it was OCD driving insane, me insane, his brothers fed up with it, etc. OK, rambled a bit there. But you're right in not buying into the " stress in the home " as THE problem. You wrote: from September to January he suffered from constant complex motor tics. This was a new thing. He was highly distracted and disoriented also. He gets confused when we go out sometimes. He has severe social anxiety. and panic attacks. **Was there any medication change at the time (new med or dosage change)? With the clothes thing and all - there can be so many variables there as to that. Regular teen thing ( just FINALLY got a hair cut, I can see his eyes again!) or depression or some sensory issues that have come up. had a few sensory issues when younger, wouldn't wear certain clothes, hated the feel of the material. My OCD son (who also has Aspergers Syndrome) likes only plain t-shirts, doesn't want any words/pictures on the. My other 2 sons HAVE to have something on t-shirts, won't wear plain ones. used to wear jeans all summer, didn't like shorts. Also he went thru a summer or two with long sleeves, as it felt right to him. I thought at least others can see ONE twin dressing seasonably (), it's not MOM who is making him wear that stuff in 90+ degrees! But depression can leave people not caring about appearance. OCD can cause some clothes things too. I hope your upcoming appt goes well! New psychiatrist or new therapist?? I mentioned earlier your state Mental Health department. Call them if you feel your son is not getting better (you've tried for 2 years now!!) and perhaps they will have your local center refer you to someone with actual experience. That way, Medicaid should still pay MAYBE, if billed through the mental health center. Just a thought. > Hello, I am new here. I have 3 children, a boy (14), and 2 girls (ages 12 & > 2), and we are a Homeschooling family and have been for a long time. I > joined this list because I discovered my son is suffering from symptoms of > OCD. He has had a mood disorder since he was very young, and had his first > severe depression at age 8 in which I took him to a psychiatrist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2005 Report Share Posted May 31, 2005 Hi , and welcome to the list. You certainly have a lot going on right now. I can understand the concerns you have for your son with his disorder(s) and the family history :-( I wanted to mention that sometimes, once OCD is adequately treated, other suspected disorders clear up as well--or at least the picture becomes less fuzzy and confusing. The exception to this is depression, which experts say should be treated first before tackling OCD in a serious way. But as I read your post, your son has a history of severe depression but at this time he is not taking an antidepressant? Gabitril is for seizures, primarily, I think, and is a GABA reuptake inhibitor. Even if you are unhappy with the doctor who has prescribed this, I would ask him why isn't he isn't trying first-line meds for depression or bipolar depression... Or, is he now taking nothing? The clothing thing is something many of us here can relate to. These can be either OCD compulsions (to reduce anxiety, keep him " safe " in some OCD way), or sensory issues (called sensory integration disorder or more recently, disorders of sensory integration--search either and you will get a lot of " hits " to learn about this), or both. Lots of OCD kids have this problem, but usually it seems it's the younger ones. Your son may not be being purposefully vague about this. My daughter also has a very hard time describing this problem. Some clothes feel " right " and some feel " wrong " and she too will wear odd or out-of-season things rather than put up with the very distressing " wrong " feelings. While you continue to try to get the system to work for you (ugh :-( , you may want to contact any teaching hospitals associated with universities you may have in your area. They are usually staffed with top-flight psychiatrists and therapists, and offer sliding fees based on income. Look for an anxiety clinic and/or a depression or bipolar clinic attached to a university hospital. I think before anything else, you son needs an accurate diagnosis, *then* the right balance of meds and effective therapy can be found. Where are you , what largish city are you near? With that info I'll see if I can find any university clinics for you to consider. Hang in there, write again and let us know how things are going. Kathy R. in Indiana ----- Original Message ----- From: " " <kthielen@...> > Hello, I am new here. I have 3 children, a boy (14), and 2 girls (ages 12 > & > 2), and we are a Homeschooling family and have been for a long time. I > joined this list because I discovered my son is suffering from symptoms of > OCD. He has had a mood disorder since he was very young, and had his > first > severe depression at age 8 in which I took him to a psychiatrist (and did > not get any help). I think he has Bipolar disorder (runs in my family) > with tourette's and now OCD, and maybe ADHD too. His symptoms have really > worsened and changed since hitting puberty, particularly in the last year. > I worry myself sick sometimes because my only sibling (younger brother), > and > a maternal uncle are both severely disabled with severe psychiatric > disabilities (schizoaffective disorder & manic depression) which began in > adolescence. Most of the time I feel so utterly alone and frightened > inside with this problem and I have no one to talk to who truly > understands > my concern. Especially coming from a family riddled with mental illnesses > like mine - being a sibling. Watching my own mother be devasted by my > younger brothers illness and my family nearly destroyed in its wake. And, > later finding out the same thing had happened to her mother. It's a > generational pattern. > > I read and read looking for answers, searching for clues to what his > symptoms are (I refuse to live in denial, as my Mother does, but I realize > this is a survival mechanism for her also). I cannot get support or > understanding from her, only condemnation, (how could I put her 'perfect' > grandson on 'drugs', there is nothing wrong with him.......(only > me)........my Mother only sees what she wants to see and I sadly I can't > talk to her. How I wish my Grandmother were still alive. She was the > wisest and kindest woman I ever knew. > > OK, so anyway, enough about me, right. My son has been on gabitril (a > mood > stabilizer, not a first line tx for bipolar disorder, but he is not being > adequatetly treated because I can't find anyone to treat him but am > working > very hard to find someone........and finding it to be nearly > impossible......because I am working through the public mental health > system..we are a medicaid family..and limited options, and it's a long > story, but I am supposed to " make the system work for me " , right, well > I've > been trying, meanwhile my son is getting worse and worse it would seem and > no one seems to care. It's been 2 years now since I took him there for > help. I still can't believe this is the kind of treatment, so called > " medical care " a child with a neurological condition recieves in the > wealthiest country in the world, on the planet ever, in the 21st > century..............if that isn't saying something, I don't know what > is..................and everywhere I turn someone is criticizing me it > would > seem, either for placing my son on medication, taking him to a > psychiatrist, > or 'labeling' him, whether it is family members, well-meaning " friends " , > or > the medical establishnment.........they are all highly > critical..........what none of them seem to understand is that none of > that > matters, what does matter, is that my son is suffering, he is getting > worse, > time is ticking away, his childhood is slipping by, our family is > suffering > daily, yearly, due to treatment failure, and then they blame us - the > family, the mother, the parents, stress in the home, you know, it always > comes down to that, somehow they turn the table on you........you try to > do > the right thing, and get your children the medical attention and care that > you know that they need and deserve, and then you are actually labeled a > bad > mother, you are stigmatized for doing so when they can't or won't help, or > when the treatment they give is unhelpful and makes things > worse.................it's " stress in the home " , that is the stamp we > received. It's been horrible. Worst of all, my son has developed a > (healthy) phobia of all doctors as a result of the inadequate and grossly > neglectful and discriminatory treatment our family has recieved. But, > thankfully he is still willing to go and try again. > > from September to January he suffered from constant complex motor tics. > This was a new thing. He was highly distracted and disoriented also. He > gets confused when we go out sometimes. He has severe social anxiety. > and > panic attacks. He no has deteriorated to wearing huge baggy sweatpants > (not > in style at all), refuses to cut his hair at all, wears a black cap > (winter > type) down almost to his eyes evertime he goes out (even in 95 degree > weather and camping like today). He doesn't care if people stare or tease > him. He won't wear normal clothes, he won't let me buy him clothes, and > he > refuses to go out otherwise. I do not understand this. I ask him why. > He > says everything else " feels " weird. He will say nothing more. Usually he > talks to me more. > This whole thing is just upsetting me so much, I can hardly stand it. I > feel like crying all the time. I am so worried about him and no one > understands how much I am worried. I need help. He needs help. Our > family > needs help. I've tried to tell his pediatrician (for years) that he has > serious problems, I've taken him to 2 different specialists, one made him > worse with the medication he gave him and refused to take him off of it > (very scary), and the other one did not help and then refused to see him. > We've been waiting for an appt. for months now (next week). > I am overwhelmed. > I feel like nothing will help now. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 5, 2005 Report Share Posted June 5, 2005 Hi . Welcome to the group. To answer some of your questions - It seems like people's experiences vary greatly regarding how long it takes to realize that the fevers are not just a coincidence. We were lucky in that once my daughter had her second fever, her doctor started questioning what was going on and monitoring her. We've had lots of ups and downs and still don't have a diagnosis. Her fevers and symptoms have changed over time (she is now 22 months old, fevers started at 9 months) and she still doesn't fit a diagnosis. But it was a relief to know that her doctor was monitoring her and we didn't have to hear " its just a virus " month after month. By the time she had her 3rd fever, her pediatrician referred us to a specialist. But I think our experience is unique in that regard. As far as specialists go - we are also in the San Francisco Bay Area. I would recommend seeing an Infectious Disease specialist at either UCSF, Stanford or Oakland Children's Hospital. We have had our daughter's file reviewed by all hospitals but see the Infectious Disease and Rheumatologist specialists at Stanford regularily. I would recommend bringing the matter up with your pediatrian and requesting a referral to any of these hospitals. If you have any other questions or need any other information, please let me know. Take care & good luck! am (mom to Layla, 22 months) > Hello, > > My name is , and I am mom to Al-Hieser. I am excited to find > this group and am hoping that I can gain some knowledge to help me > better go forward. > > My son is 20 months old and is now experiencing his forth fever. > All fevers have been spaced out by exactly six weeks. All come on > suddenly and range somewhere between 104 - 104.5. They have each > lasted 6 days, and suddenly resolved. I have taken him to the > doctor each time, but as of yet no blood work has been done. The > doctor I take him to seems to think that since his throat looks > inflammed that the fever is probably from a virus, but since his > second fever I have been suspicious. With Motrin and Tylenol I can > bring his fever under control. Usually to about 101.5 - 102.0. He > has had no other symptoms. > > My question to the group is when did you know, and discuss with your > doctor the possiblity that the fevers your children are suffering > from was not just mere coincidence. I am trying to gather > information so that the next time my son has an episode I know how > to approach the doctor. > > Other than the fevers my son has been remarkedly healthy. He had > one other long, unexplained fever last July when he was 10 months > old. He is also fine, happy, and healthy between fevers. > > Any information on how you handled things in the beginning would be > appreciated. Also, if any one knows of any clinics or doctors in > San Francisco familar with recurring fevers that would be great. > > Thank you, > > Burger > Mom of Al-Hieser - 20 months > San Francisco, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 ! First, Congratulations! Second, you look absolutely amazing and are an inspiration to us all. I just started my 2nd BFL challenge yesterday. The last one I did was in March of 2003, and have had success since keeping it up. So, I know first hand what accomplishing a challege will do. Good luck in your last 2 weeks. > Hello everyone! > > I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but > have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the > fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from > lurkdom. > > I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a > lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see > the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges > in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. > > For the people just starting the challenge, please don't > underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out > some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever > hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " > http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because > I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good > shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional > reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. > > I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that > Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating > this way and working out is really going to change my life and my > brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open > yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really > dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the > changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was > before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other > areas. > > This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who > offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer > some help in the future! Thanks for listening > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 All I can say is " You look amazing " and only in 10 weeks! I am in awe! You should be very proud of your self. Have you been doing everything completely by the book? Could you give me some info on what you are eating on a daily basis. It would be most helpful! You have inspired me! My hat is off to you! Lorraine --- nheyrman <nheyrman@...> wrote: > Hello everyone! > > I have read this board on and off for about a year > and a half, but > have never posted. All of the people who recently > joined and the > fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to > escape from > lurkdom. > > I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some > reason I have a > lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures > as well (see > the folder). I have started at least a > handful of challenges > in the past, but this will be the first one I > finish. > > For the people just starting the challenge, please > don't > underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, > pointed out > some articles on her site that cover this better > than I could ever > hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " > > http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges > failed because > I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or > " to be in good > shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the > compelling, emotional > reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've > been in. > > I was always the biggest cynic of the mental > transformation that > Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, > right. Eating > this way and working out is really going to change > my life and my > brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But > when you open > yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to > BFL and really > dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not > believe the > changes inside and out. I am a 100% different > person than I was > before, and am inspired to make major changes in my > life in other > areas. > > This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you > to everyone who > offers their support, advice, and insight. > Hopefully I can offer > some help in the future! Thanks for listening > > > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 OH MY GOODNESS NICOLE! You have made incredible progress! You should be very proud of yourself girl. I would be interested in seeing your stats.........it looks like you have lost a boatload of weight and inches. Keep up the awesome progress! > Hello everyone! > > I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but > have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the > fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from > lurkdom. > > I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a > lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see > the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges > in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. > > For the people just starting the challenge, please don't > underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out > some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever > hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " > http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because > I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good > shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional > reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. > > I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that > Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating > this way and working out is really going to change my life and my > brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open > yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really > dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the > changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was > before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other > areas. > > This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who > offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer > some help in the future! Thanks for listening > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 That's wonderful! You look great! > > > Hello everyone! > > > > I have read this board on and off for about a year > > and a half, but > > have never posted. All of the people who recently > > joined and the > > fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to > > escape from > > lurkdom. > > > > I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some > > reason I have a > > lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures > > as well (see > > the folder). I have started at least a > > handful of challenges > > in the past, but this will be the first one I > > finish. > > > > For the people just starting the challenge, please > > don't > > underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, > > pointed out > > some articles on her site that cover this better > > than I could ever > > hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " > > > > http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges > > failed because > > I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or > > " to be in good > > shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the > > compelling, emotional > > reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've > > been in. > > > > I was always the biggest cynic of the mental > > transformation that > > Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, > > right. Eating > > this way and working out is really going to change > > my life and my > > brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But > > when you open > > yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to > > BFL and really > > dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not > > believe the > > changes inside and out. I am a 100% different > > person than I was > > before, and am inspired to make major changes in my > > life in other > > areas. > > > > This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you > > to everyone who > > offers their support, advice, and insight. > > Hopefully I can offer > > some help in the future! Thanks for listening > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2005 Report Share Posted June 14, 2005 Oh my Gawd gurl!!! YOU ROCK!!! you look absolutely, incredibly amazing!!! you are an inspiration, truly nheyrman <nheyrman@...> wrote: Hello everyone! I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from lurkdom. I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. For the people just starting the challenge, please don't underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating this way and working out is really going to change my life and my brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other areas. This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer some help in the future! Thanks for listening --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 Wow, you look great!!!! What great progress! Your story hit home because I, too, have started many challenges and am on the one I am going to finish (on week 4 currently!) Also, your before picture looks exactly like mine! from the back view, I thought that was me! I hope to make as much progress as you have when I am at week 10. Tell me, how much actual weight have you lost? I'm not noticing much change in the scale....and not much in the size either. How long did it take for you to notice a change? Thanks and congrats!!!!!! Magda > Hello everyone! > > I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but > have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the > fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from > lurkdom. > > I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a > lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see > the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges > in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. > > For the people just starting the challenge, please don't > underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out > some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever > hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " > http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because > I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good > shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional > reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. > > I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that > Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating > this way and working out is really going to change my life and my > brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open > yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really > dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the > changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was > before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other > areas. > > This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who > offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer > some help in the future! Thanks for listening > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 O - my -lordy...10 weeks? you must be bustin butt! Do you even recognize yourself in the mirror? you look awesome.... nheyrman wrote: > Hello everyone! > > I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but > have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the > fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from > lurkdom. > > I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a > lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see > the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges > in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. > > For the people just starting the challenge, please don't > underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out > some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever > hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " > http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because > I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good > shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional > reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. > > I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that > Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating > this way and working out is really going to change my life and my > brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open > yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really > dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the > changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was > before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other > areas. > > This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who > offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer > some help in the future! Thanks for listening > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 you look absolutely amazing! Great job and thanks so much for the inspiration! Michele T. On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 19:53:13 -0000 " nheyrman " <nheyrman@...> writes: Hello everyone! I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from lurkdom. I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. For the people just starting the challenge, please don't underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating this way and working out is really going to change my life and my brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other areas. This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer some help in the future! Thanks for listening Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 you look absolutely amazing! Great job and thanks so much for the inspiration! Michele T. On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 19:53:13 -0000 " nheyrman " <nheyrman@...> writes: Hello everyone! I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from lurkdom. I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. For the people just starting the challenge, please don't underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating this way and working out is really going to change my life and my brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other areas. This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer some help in the future! Thanks for listening Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2005 Report Share Posted June 15, 2005 Whoa! ! Now that's an introduction! :-) I can't believe the muscles in your quads and all the inches gone in your waist. Most people see the biggest changes in the last couple of weeks, so the best might be yet to come. Very inspiring. Finish strong! On 6/14/05, nheyrman <nheyrman@...> wrote: > > Hello everyone! > > I have read this board on and off for about a year and a half, but > have never posted. All of the people who recently joined and the > fellow lurkers who made posts have inspired me to escape from > lurkdom. > > I'm currently in week 10 of my challenge. For some reason I have a > lot of bravery today, and I actually posted pictures as well (see > the folder). I have started at least a handful of challenges > in the past, but this will be the first one I finish. > > For the people just starting the challenge, please don't > underestimate the mental aspect. In another post, pointed out > some articles on her site that cover this better than I could ever > hope to (e.g., " This is Your Brain on Body For Life " > http://www.skwigg.com/id60.html) My past challenges failed because > I didn't have good reasons. Simply " to be thin " or " to be in good > shape " wasn't enough. I had to figure out the compelling, emotional > reasons I can't live anymore in the shape that I've been in. > > I was always the biggest cynic of the mental transformation that > Bill discusses in the BFL book. I thought, " Yeah, right. Eating > this way and working out is really going to change my life and my > brain. Don't give me that touchy-feely crud. " But when you open > yourself up it really does happen! If you commit to BFL and really > dedicate yourself to making changes, you will not believe the > changes inside and out. I am a 100% different person than I was > before, and am inspired to make major changes in my life in other > areas. > > This is an awesome group to be a part of. Thank you to everyone who > offers their support, advice, and insight. Hopefully I can offer > some help in the future! Thanks for listening > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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