Valtrex

[Guest guest]

My son is now twelve and recovered. He has been seeing Dr. G since he was

almost five. Although he is functioning normally, he still needs to take

antifungals, antivirals and SSRI's to remain normal. Initially he was on

Famvir, but that didn't seem to control the outbreak of cold sores he sometimes

got on his mouth. Next we switched to Valtrex. That worked for us. He now

weighs 110lbs and takes 750mg three times a day.

About two years ago when we moved, things were very hectic and I did not

refill his Valtrex. I really didn't think it did much so I wasn't too

concerned. Within three days, I started to see bizarre behavior I haven't seen

in years. I quickly started him back on the Valtrex and within a week, he was

back to normal.

I know it is hard to put your kid on medication. But our kind of kids don't

have a chance in hell without it. In the beginning I was afraid to use the

antifungals because of possible liver damage. Then I realized that if this kid

who was so sick was going to get better, I had to try some things I wasn't too

comfortable with. When Dr. G suggested SSRI's we had a big argument

in his office. I said I don't drug my kid to control behavior. That's when he

said that if your child had diabetes would you give him insulin? It was hard to

argue with that and Dr. G had already helped my son so much. After the terrible

experiences we have had with doctors, it was difficult to trust again. But this

is a doctor who you can trust. He will never do anything that is not safe and

always follows up anything new with blood tests to make sure no damage is being

done. Trust Dr. Goldberg, but don't be afraid to say this isn't working for us

what else can we do. I can't believe Dr. G is still with us, after all the

arguments we have had over the years. I guess he is willing to put up with this

crazy mother to make sure my kid is okay.

Anyway, one thing it took me a while to figure out is that I am ultimately

responsible for my child. If you try something and it isn't working, you can

always stop the medication or adjust the dose. Just because you try Valtrex,

doesn't mean you can't stop if it isn't working.

But as parents you have some responsibilities too. Dr. G is trying to help

so many kids that he doesn't have time to call and make sure you are doing

everything right. Or call to make sure there are no problems. If something

isn't working or you have an adverse effect, it is up to you to Fax the office

to get help.

My kid is now in the sixth grade, gets straight " A's " and more importantly

has friends. I never thought this kid who I had to teach to cry, instead of

scream, would do any of the things he now does. This was a child who had to be

taught every social skill that other kids just learn.

It was so frustrating to have to teach everything. Some days I had terrible

thoughts and didn't think I could continue. But now he is learning like other

kids. Although he sometimes needs some coaching in the girl department. He is

just discovering that he likes them. The other day, he was asked by a group of

girls to eat lunch with them. They are not too crazy about his best friend, but

put up with him so my son will be with them. I never thought my son would be

okay, let alone a " babe magnet. " Hang in there. This is the hardest thing

you'll ever do.

Don't give up!!!

Marcia