Re: Some good news for a change

[Guest guest]

" Still can't believe my OCD kid just placed both hands on the floor(he

saw a bit of Oprah), like it was nothing, and claimed " See, I don't

have OCD " !!! It's a beginning. "

Wow! I cannot imagine my son doing that! That is good news Barb! Do you

think Oprah had anything to do with it. I went to the oprah show. Those

people had to work hard. I taped the show yesterday. I want to sit down with

my

son and watch it together. I am curious to see how he will view the show.

He has the germ issues. He always wears his sleeves over his hands so he

doesn't come into contact with anything. His hands were bleeding again after

school. He is eleven.

I wonder how he will react to the guy who touched the toilet and lick his

hand.

Lynn

**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with

Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & ?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)

[Guest guest]

Barb, I wonder is the strong will thing is typical with OCD. My son

does'nt do anything until he decides to do it. He has been that way as long as

I

remember. When he was learning to read he decided he could'nt. He fell way

behind. Then one day something clicked and now he is reading grade levels

above average. You would never guess he was years behind. I am hoping like

your son that something will click and he will decide to work on the OCD. I am

thrilled for your son.

Lynn

**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with

Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & ?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)

[Guest guest]

Barb, I wonder is the strong will thing is typical with OCD. My son

does'nt do anything until he decides to do it. He has been that way as long as

I

remember. When he was learning to read he decided he could'nt. He fell way

behind. Then one day something clicked and now he is reading grade levels

above average. You would never guess he was years behind. I am hoping like

your son that something will click and he will decide to work on the OCD. I am

thrilled for your son.

Lynn

**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with

Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & ?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)

[Guest guest]

Wow Barb, that is so cool! It certainly isn't over, but it

definitely sounds like your son is headed in the right direction.

I'm really happy for you guys. Keep us posted.

Take care

Connie

>

> Ok, I have some good, and kind of crazy news, for a change. Our

son,

> with severe OCD for two years, after only one visit to a new,

private

> psychologist, has announced he no longer has OCD. To prove it he

> wiped his hand through dust, a BIG issue, and put his hand in his

> mouth and scraped crud off his teeth, and later brushed his own

teeth

> (it's been months). He says he realizes he doesn't feel any

anxiety

> anymore, it's just a habit that he can stop.

>

> Now I'm not stupid enough to think it is all over, and when I

asked

> him if he could do other things, he said he could but didn't want

> to....so it may well be that he has had a revellation with the

> contamination stuff. Whatever this new doctor did to explain OCD,

it

> seems to have had a very big impact, and perhaps that readiness

piece

> is finally here.

>

> But STILL, he has been in treatment for 7 months with a doctor at

our

> mental health hospital(Canada) who is trained in CBT for OCD, and

> there has been no progress, and it has been mostly blame the

patient,

> the parents, hiding behind legal confidentiality issues.... Which

is

> why we have gone out to a private doctor.

>

> It would seem accountability, as in, if you don't get results you

> don't keep and get new clients, is a factor in all this. Within

the

> system the clients come sometimes because they have nowhere else

to

> go ($), and it's hard to get care, and if you are going to a

> specialized mental health facility the assumption is they know a

> thing or two about mental illness. Sigh.... It's early days yet,

> we've just started, but it sure is good to feel hopeful!

>

> Now I have to work at letting go of the fact that our child lost

two

> years of his life to a system that failed him, and all we had to

do,

> seemingly, was pull him out and go privately. We did start out

> privately, then needed medication, got in the system and our

> nightmare began and continued.... It's easy to have this clarity

> now. At the time we held on for dear life and depended on these

> professionals to help us figure out what was going on. Which to

be

> fair is still in process, but at least the OCD piece seems clearer.

>

> Still can't believe my OCD kid just placed both hands on the floor

(he

> saw a bit of Oprah), like it was nothing, and claimed " See, I

don't

> have OCD " !!! It's a beginning.

>

> Barb, happy to be feeling hopeful!!!

>

[Guest guest]

HI Barb,

I was just going to ask if he saw Oprah yesterday, and I saw that you wrote that

he did.

Maybe the combination of seeing and hearing what the doctors said and did on

Oprah and the new doc confirming everything, something " clicked " !!!!!

I hope so Barb!!!

Hugs

Judy

[Guest guest]

Oh, Barb. . . Wahoooooooooooooo! This is my prayers answered. I'm so

glad to see something change for you. Wow, I would love to have been

a fly on the wall in that room. lolol I would love to know what he

said that made such a HUGE impact, so quickly. You must have been so

shocked. Such good, good news. This is definitely a great start for

your son and you!

Big Hugs,

BJ (grinning because I'm sharing your joy)

>

> Ok, I have some good, and kind of crazy news, for a change. Our son,

> with severe OCD for two years, after only one visit to a new, private

> psychologist, has announced he no longer has OCD. To prove it he

> wiped his hand through dust, a BIG issue, and put his hand in his

> mouth and scraped crud off his teeth, and later brushed his own teeth

> (it's been months). He says he realizes he doesn't feel any anxiety

> anymore, it's just a habit that he can stop.

>

> Now I'm not stupid enough to think it is all over, and when I asked

> him if he could do other things, he said he could but didn't want

> to....so it may well be that he has had a revellation with the

> contamination stuff. Whatever this new doctor did to explain OCD, it

> seems to have had a very big impact, and perhaps that readiness piece

> is finally here.

>

> But STILL, he has been in treatment for 7 months with a doctor at our

> mental health hospital(Canada) who is trained in CBT for OCD, and

> there has been no progress, and it has been mostly blame the patient,

> the parents, hiding behind legal confidentiality issues.... Which is

> why we have gone out to a private doctor.

>

> It would seem accountability, as in, if you don't get results you

> don't keep and get new clients, is a factor in all this. Within the

> system the clients come sometimes because they have nowhere else to

> go ($), and it's hard to get care, and if you are going to a

> specialized mental health facility the assumption is they know a

> thing or two about mental illness. Sigh.... It's early days yet,

> we've just started, but it sure is good to feel hopeful!

>

> Now I have to work at letting go of the fact that our child lost two

> years of his life to a system that failed him, and all we had to do,

> seemingly, was pull him out and go privately. We did start out

> privately, then needed medication, got in the system and our

> nightmare began and continued.... It's easy to have this clarity

> now. At the time we held on for dear life and depended on these

> professionals to help us figure out what was going on. Which to be

> fair is still in process, but at least the OCD piece seems clearer.

>

> Still can't believe my OCD kid just placed both hands on the floor(he

> saw a bit of Oprah), like it was nothing, and claimed " See, I don't

> have OCD " !!! It's a beginning.

>

> Barb, happy to be feeling hopeful!!!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Yes, I am wondering the same thing. Although he would only watch a

bit, and it was enough for him to say he is not like THEM, which if

that gives him motivation we'll take it!

Barb

>

> HI Barb,

> I was just going to ask if he saw Oprah yesterday, and I saw that

you wrote that he did.

> Maybe the combination of seeing and hearing what the doctors said

and did on Oprah and the new doc confirming everything,

something " clicked " !!!!!

> I hope so Barb!!!

> Hugs

> Judy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Yes, I am wondering the same thing. Although he would only watch a

bit, and it was enough for him to say he is not like THEM, which if

that gives him motivation we'll take it!

Barb

>

> HI Barb,

> I was just going to ask if he saw Oprah yesterday, and I saw that

you wrote that he did.

> Maybe the combination of seeing and hearing what the doctors said

and did on Oprah and the new doc confirming everything,

something " clicked " !!!!!

> I hope so Barb!!!

> Hugs

> Judy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Connie. We are hopeful at least, it's been a long time since

feeling that way.

Barb

>

> Wow Barb, that is so cool! It certainly isn't over, but it

> definitely sounds like your son is headed in the right direction.

> I'm really happy for you guys. Keep us posted.

>

> Take care

> Connie

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Connie. We are hopeful at least, it's been a long time since

feeling that way.

Barb

>

> Wow Barb, that is so cool! It certainly isn't over, but it

> definitely sounds like your son is headed in the right direction.

> I'm really happy for you guys. Keep us posted.

>

> Take care

> Connie

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks BJ.

I have since talked with this doctor and he says he didn't do or say

anything in particular. He did wipe his hand on the bottom of his

shoe and wipe his hand on his face, and lick his hand, to which my

son laughed, same idea as Dr. Grayson on Oprah. He indicated that he

didn't feel our son had a good understanding about the OCD in

general, which surprised him given the so called specialized

treatment he has already received(go figure).

They spent a good 20mins discussing OCD and contamination stuff in

particular. I suspect he has the skill and experience to make things

clear and truly knows how to treat OCD, and that something clicked,

whether my son realizes it or not. This doctor collaborates closely

with the family, and seems so very clear how this disorder needs to

be tackled. Yeah, such a relief!!!

My husband figures our luck is finally turning around. I also got

our son put on a waiting list (8 months), with top priority, to a new

psychiatrist, after repeated calling and finally getting through and

telling our tale. So, hopefully we will make headway on the

medication piece, and any other diagnosis, sooner than later. We

were due for some good luck I think, that and I've been calling and

bugging every resource I could find for long enough....squeaky wheel

and all that.

Thanks for rejoicing with me BJ, and yes it is somewhat shocking,

can't help but wonder what the last two years were all about. He has

dropped all his concerns about so many things, says even his

thoughts, he can just ignore or allow. He even asked if we could

rent a cottage this summer, something he would have rejected if we

suggested, which shows he's feeling he can get back to living

some " normal " . If our son is invested in NOT having OCD that's all we

need, don't care his incentive really. I'm not even allowing myself

to think about the other shoe dropping....(I know you know what I

mean)!

Hugs!

Barb

[Guest guest]

Thanks BJ.

I have since talked with this doctor and he says he didn't do or say

anything in particular. He did wipe his hand on the bottom of his

shoe and wipe his hand on his face, and lick his hand, to which my

son laughed, same idea as Dr. Grayson on Oprah. He indicated that he

didn't feel our son had a good understanding about the OCD in

general, which surprised him given the so called specialized

treatment he has already received(go figure).

They spent a good 20mins discussing OCD and contamination stuff in

particular. I suspect he has the skill and experience to make things

clear and truly knows how to treat OCD, and that something clicked,

whether my son realizes it or not. This doctor collaborates closely

with the family, and seems so very clear how this disorder needs to

be tackled. Yeah, such a relief!!!

My husband figures our luck is finally turning around. I also got

our son put on a waiting list (8 months), with top priority, to a new

psychiatrist, after repeated calling and finally getting through and

telling our tale. So, hopefully we will make headway on the

medication piece, and any other diagnosis, sooner than later. We

were due for some good luck I think, that and I've been calling and

bugging every resource I could find for long enough....squeaky wheel

and all that.

Thanks for rejoicing with me BJ, and yes it is somewhat shocking,

can't help but wonder what the last two years were all about. He has

dropped all his concerns about so many things, says even his

thoughts, he can just ignore or allow. He even asked if we could

rent a cottage this summer, something he would have rejected if we

suggested, which shows he's feeling he can get back to living

some " normal " . If our son is invested in NOT having OCD that's all we

need, don't care his incentive really. I'm not even allowing myself

to think about the other shoe dropping....(I know you know what I

mean)!

Hugs!

Barb

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,

Yes, I was shocked, and still can't quite believe it. Our son always

used shirt sleave to open doors, and recently had stopped opening

doors at all, so it is something to see. It is in the end a decision

to take that leap, no matter how anxiety provoking it feels. However

our son has said he no longer feels anxiety, it was just a habit, not

really sure about this. He is a pretty strong willed kid, and when

he decides, that's it, so we were kind of feeling that it would come

down to this one day, just didn't expect it after only one session

with a new doctor. Think something just clicked, and the timing was

right. We'll see...

Our son didn't want to watch the Oprah show, we made him, and he only

stayed for about 10 minutes. He does not want to be like " those

people " , still has some major awareness issues, but he is still just

a kid, typical teen, and a male(has to be said), hates " talking "

about anything. So, I'm sure it will still take some time, but at

least we see an opening. Hope your son will watch it with you, it

makes it so very clear what you have to do, it's the doing of it that

requires some expert handling I think.

Good luck with your son.

Barb

[Guest guest]

Barb, HOORAY, YIPEE, WOW!!!

I am sooooo happy for you and so glad for your son. It is mind-

boggling how " easily " they can suddenly seem to turn around with some

OC behaviors after having them 24/7 for a while!

I don't want to pressure my son much either when something positive

happens so try not to say much, but really want to pick their brain

apart to find out *what* turned them around, what was said

that " clicked " or whatever, how did they wake up and things were

different....

Wow - getting back to regular/average life! Keeping fingers crossed!

>

> Thanks BJ.

>

> I have since talked with this doctor and he says he didn't do or

[Guest guest]

Barb, HOORAY, YIPEE, WOW!!!

I am sooooo happy for you and so glad for your son. It is mind-

boggling how " easily " they can suddenly seem to turn around with some

OC behaviors after having them 24/7 for a while!

I don't want to pressure my son much either when something positive

happens so try not to say much, but really want to pick their brain

apart to find out *what* turned them around, what was said

that " clicked " or whatever, how did they wake up and things were

different....

Wow - getting back to regular/average life! Keeping fingers crossed!

>

> Thanks BJ.

>

> I have since talked with this doctor and he says he didn't do or

[Guest guest]

Yep, I think OCD teaches us to always keep that other shoe in the back

of our minds. . Knowing it's there. .Knowing what can be. . .

I love that this new guy collaborates closely with the family. You've

really needed that for a long time.

That is such a long time to wait for an appointment with the

psychiatrist. I hope they are helpful since your son has issues with

meds that most don't have to contend with. Even better yet, I hope

this new psychologist makes some real headway, so you won't really

need the psychiatrist by time the 8 months gets here.

It's so great about the cottage. Normal is nice. I hope you get to

make that a reality, Barb. This has been a long time coming and you

deserve it.

It's terrible that it takes a " squeaky wheel " to get the help

required. It should be easier than that. . . But, it takes what it

takes and, good for you, Barb, for not giving up and continuing

pushing on, until you got results.

I know it's hard to hope and believe, but I try HARD not to think that

far ahead and just enjoy the moment. Know what I mean. (((you)))

Enjoy your moment! )

BJ

>

> Thanks BJ.

>

> I have since talked with this doctor and he says he didn't do or say

> anything in particular. He did wipe his hand on the bottom of his

> shoe and wipe his hand on his face, and lick his hand, to which my

> son laughed, same idea as Dr. Grayson on Oprah. He indicated that he

> didn't feel our son had a good understanding about the OCD in

> general, which surprised him given the so called specialized

> treatment he has already received(go figure).

>

> They spent a good 20mins discussing OCD and contamination stuff in

> particular. I suspect he has the skill and experience to make things

> clear and truly knows how to treat OCD, and that something clicked,

> whether my son realizes it or not. This doctor collaborates closely

> with the family, and seems so very clear how this disorder needs to

> be tackled. Yeah, such a relief!!!

>

> My husband figures our luck is finally turning around. I also got

> our son put on a waiting list (8 months), with top priority, to a new

> psychiatrist, after repeated calling and finally getting through and

> telling our tale. So, hopefully we will make headway on the

> medication piece, and any other diagnosis, sooner than later. We

> were due for some good luck I think, that and I've been calling and

> bugging every resource I could find for long enough....squeaky wheel

> and all that.

>

> Thanks for rejoicing with me BJ, and yes it is somewhat shocking,

> can't help but wonder what the last two years were all about. He has

> dropped all his concerns about so many things, says even his

> thoughts, he can just ignore or allow. He even asked if we could

> rent a cottage this summer, something he would have rejected if we

> suggested, which shows he's feeling he can get back to living

> some " normal " . If our son is invested in NOT having OCD that's all we

> need, don't care his incentive really. I'm not even allowing myself

> to think about the other shoe dropping....(I know you know what I

> mean)!

>

> Hugs!

> Barb

>

[Guest guest]

yes! very happy for you!

barb wrote:

Ok, I have some good, and kind of crazy news, for a change. Our son,

with severe OCD for two years, after only one visit to a new, private

psychologist, has announced he no longer has OCD. To prove it he

wiped his hand through dust, a BIG issue, and put his hand in his

mouth and scraped crud off his teeth, and later brushed his own teeth

(it's been months). He says he realizes he doesn't feel any anxiety

anymore, it's just a habit that he can stop.

Now I'm not stupid enough to think it is all over, and when I asked

him if he could do other things, he said he could but didn't want

to....so it may well be that he has had a revellation with the

contamination stuff. Whatever this new doctor did to explain OCD, it

seems to have had a very big impact, and perhaps that readiness piece

is finally here.

But STILL, he has been in treatment for 7 months with a doctor at our

mental health hospital(Canada) who is trained in CBT for OCD, and

there has been no progress, and it has been mostly blame the patient,

the parents, hiding behind legal confidentiality issues.... Which is

why we have gone out to a private doctor.

It would seem accountability, as in, if you don't get results you

don't keep and get new clients, is a factor in all this. Within the

system the clients come sometimes because they have nowhere else to

go ($), and it's hard to get care, and if you are going to a

specialized mental health facility the assumption is they know a

thing or two about mental illness. Sigh.... It's early days yet,

we've just started, but it sure is good to feel hopeful!

Now I have to work at letting go of the fact that our child lost two

years of his life to a system that failed him, and all we had to do,

seemingly, was pull him out and go privately. We did start out

privately, then needed medication, got in the system and our

nightmare began and continued.... It's easy to have this clarity

now. At the time we held on for dear life and depended on these

professionals to help us figure out what was going on. Which to be

fair is still in process, but at least the OCD piece seems clearer.

Still can't believe my OCD kid just placed both hands on the floor(he

saw a bit of Oprah), like it was nothing, and claimed " See, I don't

have OCD " !!! It's a beginning.

Barb, happy to be feeling hopeful!!!

[Guest guest]

yes! very happy for you!

barb wrote:

Ok, I have some good, and kind of crazy news, for a change. Our son,

with severe OCD for two years, after only one visit to a new, private

psychologist, has announced he no longer has OCD. To prove it he

wiped his hand through dust, a BIG issue, and put his hand in his

mouth and scraped crud off his teeth, and later brushed his own teeth

(it's been months). He says he realizes he doesn't feel any anxiety

anymore, it's just a habit that he can stop.

Now I'm not stupid enough to think it is all over, and when I asked

him if he could do other things, he said he could but didn't want

to....so it may well be that he has had a revellation with the

contamination stuff. Whatever this new doctor did to explain OCD, it

seems to have had a very big impact, and perhaps that readiness piece

is finally here.

But STILL, he has been in treatment for 7 months with a doctor at our

mental health hospital(Canada) who is trained in CBT for OCD, and

there has been no progress, and it has been mostly blame the patient,

the parents, hiding behind legal confidentiality issues.... Which is

why we have gone out to a private doctor.

It would seem accountability, as in, if you don't get results you

don't keep and get new clients, is a factor in all this. Within the

system the clients come sometimes because they have nowhere else to

go ($), and it's hard to get care, and if you are going to a

specialized mental health facility the assumption is they know a

thing or two about mental illness. Sigh.... It's early days yet,

we've just started, but it sure is good to feel hopeful!

Now I have to work at letting go of the fact that our child lost two

years of his life to a system that failed him, and all we had to do,

seemingly, was pull him out and go privately. We did start out

privately, then needed medication, got in the system and our

nightmare began and continued.... It's easy to have this clarity

now. At the time we held on for dear life and depended on these

professionals to help us figure out what was going on. Which to be

fair is still in process, but at least the OCD piece seems clearer.

Still can't believe my OCD kid just placed both hands on the floor(he

saw a bit of Oprah), like it was nothing, and claimed " See, I don't

have OCD " !!! It's a beginning.

Barb, happy to be feeling hopeful!!!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Chris. Fingers AND toes crossed! Barb

>

> Barb, HOORAY, YIPEE, WOW!!!

>

> I am sooooo happy for you and so glad for your son. It is mind-

> boggling how " easily " they can suddenly seem to turn around with

>

> Wow - getting back to regular/average life! Keeping fingers crossed!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Chris. Fingers AND toes crossed! Barb

>

> Barb, HOORAY, YIPEE, WOW!!!

>

> I am sooooo happy for you and so glad for your son. It is mind-

> boggling how " easily " they can suddenly seem to turn around with

>

> Wow - getting back to regular/average life! Keeping fingers crossed!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks again BJ.

Just watched The Dog Whisperer, I love that show. He talks about

positive thoughts and energy and how we communicate this to our dog.

I generalize what he says and use it with our son. Same applies.

The calm assertive idea too. Just thinking of the other shoe, need

to chuck it out the window and be here now, whatever that is.

I am hoping we won't need to look into further medication and

diagnosis, but better to be prepared and have things in place. The

Psychiatrist is very family focused also, and very dedicated, so it

can only be a good thing. The current psychologist has indicated he

will address the OCD and then we'll see what else is there, and given

what we have been dealing with there may well be more. My gut tells

me so, and that's not the other shoe, more a probability, but that's

ok, one thing at a time. It's such a relief to feel that someone

knows what they are doing, and is taking leadership and will guide

us.

I can't help but feel badly for all those kids and families who are

not getting this, because it costs money they don't have. It's just

wrong and has to change. Not sure what all I can do about this, but

feel strongly that I must do what I can, if only to inform others.

Thanks again for caring so much BJ. How's the garden?

Barb

>

> Yep, I think OCD teaches us to always keep that other shoe in the

back of our minds. . Knowing it's there. .Knowing what can be. . .

I know it's hard to hope and believe, but I try HARD not to think that

> far ahead and just enjoy the moment. Know what I mean. (((you)))

> Enjoy your moment! )

>

> BJ

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,

" I wonder is the strong will thing is typical with OCD. My son

does'nt do anything until he decides to do it. "

I think so. Seems to be a " rigid " brain, just like it " locks in " . If

you can stear them, or when they decide, there's no stopping them. I

find this too. We fully expect one day ours will wake up and be

a " normal " , motivated, directed human being because he's decided to

be. He is just cocooning....

How's that for hopeful, possibly deluded. Still, if it's not a gradual

progression, then it stands to reason it may still be happening, just

not seen, and then will emerge all at once. A parent can hope,

right???!

Thanks for your support, hope your son is moving forward with this soon

too.

Barb

[Guest guest]

Barb,

How great to read your GOOD NEWS!

Dina

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/22/2008 10:42:56 P.M. Central Daylight Time,

dina.n.jones@... writes:

Barb,

How great to read your GOOD NEWS!

Dina

Hi Ladies,

Single mom of five sons here 15, 14, 12, 10 & 10- identical twins. New to

site and computer illiterate.

Two special needs kids- OCD and depression/bipolar. I have it too.

Please see my site at singlemothers.org

Nice to read all of your stories.

DawnDawn Zamanis

New York Columnist

_www.baycurrents.net_ (http://www.baycurrents.net/) ,

Advisory Board NOSM, (National Organization of Single Mothers)

_www.singlemothers.org_ (http://www.singlemotherts.org/)

(813) 468-0633 cell

**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with

Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4 & ?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dina. Wishing it had an impact on getting him out of

bed...currently waiting for him to move. I hate mornings with

teenagers!

Do you know the one " What's the difference between a teenager and a

terrorist?.......You can reason with the terrorist! " ( I suppose I

should be careful with such references these days...)

Barb