Re: Kathi / College -- , AD/HD, schooling, and such -- Challis/OCD

July 2, 2007

Hi Kathi! ) I went to CAC in Arizona, a community college, where I studied Nutrition. I don't think I ever would have guessed how much I'd enjoy that experience. I hated public schooling, but loved college. It's different though, isn't it? I'm sure my college experience helped lay the foundation for how we Homeschool our children. Following those interests and passions... I took twice the credits I needed, simply because I enjoyed what I was learning so much. I'm not talking about all the math and science, etc. LOLOL From time to time I look at the classes offered by our local college, but they have the most boring classes offered online. LOLOL I haven't looked elsewhere, but I've sure followed the recent posts with interest! ) I was going full time... college, work, Mom'ing, taking care of home and trying to

tend to a hellish marriage. I graduated, scored a 4.0 I'm mighty proud of, and later divorced. Life is good! LMHO My Mom was going to college at the same time I was (started before me), as was my younger brother. They held up their graduation so the three of us could walk together. That was great. ) Challis Kathi Benedict wrote: Where did you go to college and what did you study, Challis? Kathi Aw, man, I'm so sorry it took that long for a dx to come. It only makes the "long-term" more difficult, doesn't it? The faster the answers come, the better and easier it might be. All of this can be hard enough, but to not be able to get the answers you need when you know they're there... it only makes it all the more difficult. {{{{{{{{}}}}}}}} May I ask what med he was using and what problems he had? My boys might both be getting their GEDs. We've Homeschooled for a number of years and for now there isn't a recognized HS graduation here. They've always known a GED was an option, if they chose

it. They started thinking about it a bit more when they learned it can help should they want to apply for financial aid at college. I went ahead and bought the book, after waiting and watching for a long time. I got it for $4.99 including shipping. Wow! I'm hoping it really is in the great shape it was reported to be in. LOL For $5.00 I'm okay with not-great. But "bad" wouldn't be worth it. LOL I'm curious to see it and, if nothing else, we'll simply add it to our massive collection of books. LOL We already have another GED book, different version, which my Mom picked up at Goodwill earlier this year. Oh yeah, and I got a GED. I finished my pre-college education Homeschooled. I don't know if things were different then, or if I just didn't know about this stuff (re: GED not required for college, etc., etc., etc..), but I enjoyed doing it. College

though... that was fun! I loved that! ) HUGS, Challis Desmarais <desmarais7sbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Challis, You have dealt with alot of things. You are a strong woman and it's good that you have dx before the dr's. Most dr's mis dx problems and don'r believe what you believe to to ge true. My son took many months ot dx and I had to get paperwork.He flunked all classes from grade 2nd. He never graduated but got his ged at the age of 18 yrs old. He is no apsunt minded I can't handle him most times. I have to treat him like a different person. I tell him to focus all the time. The doc took 2 years to give him meds and it took 3 doctors to turn in the paperwork along with

me so they can see if he has the same symptomsn. He was on medication until the age of 17 years old bcs he had to get off bcs of side effects he couldn't handle. It's okay if you ramble, that's what we are here for. I wish you good luck and best wishes. It's so hard to go through with one but many, omg. Take care. :)Smyelin groovy <smyelingroovy> wrote: Aw, thank you, . ) We don't have the Autism or BiP dx's in our house. The TS/OCD/ADD isn't so bad. ) It's been over a decade since we learned of these things and the adventure has kept us on our toes at least. lol Years ago, did choose meds. We

started with Clonidine for his TS and it worked very well. Thank goodness! It's so much 'better' than some of the others. At that time, 's vocal tics were quite severe. It was painful watching him try to speak, but the most painful moment was when he told me he no longer wanted to speak because it was "too hard". That was the first time I'd cried over these dx's (I think it was the only time). increased and decreased the dose over the years, as needed, then began weaning more and more. He didn't want to let go of that last little bit he was taking. He finally told me he was afraid the vocal tics would return to that same severity. But, over a two week house-sitting stint he "forgot" to take the med and never took it again. He's done so well! He began college courses this past semester and his tics did increase, though mostly motor tics. I'd done the same thing in college. lol never has taken meds for his TS, nor have I. took Zoloft for his OCD for a while and he did great with it. tried it for a short time, but wasn't crazy about it. He doesn't care for taking meds and forgets, as well. lol only needed it for a short time, to get past one bit of a hurdle. I've taken Zoloft for other reasons and it sure helped my OCD! LOL also tried ADD meds, though didn't bother with them for long. When it comes to meds, the boys have always been the ones to lead. We've had good docs and bad docs through the years. The Neuro who confirmed the dx's turned out to be a huge weenie. I'd found out about TS before seeing any docs. In fact, it was my Mother who started it all really. She read an Ann Landers' column and called to be sure I read it. It was from a Mom who learned of her son's TS through

the same column some time before. There was my ! It didn't take long in researching to know of 's TS and their shared OCD. I learned of my own along the way. The Ped was great and read all he could before our initial visit, then referred to a Ped Neuro. From there we went. ) Even now, too many Docs simply do not *know* TS, or the other dx's, and don't always recognize when it is there. The best docs I've known were those who listened and talked with me, and who made darn sure to learn more when they didn't *know* and they weren't not afraid to admit a bit of ignorance. We've never stuck long with a bad Doc, and oh there have been some "bad" docs. ROFL The Ped Neuro? When I asked about ADD for , he had run up and down the hall, then sent him to wait in the room with the big TV and fish. Doc wrote a prescription for Adderall

(new at the time) and I was confused. He'd said nothing of a dx and so I asked "so, you are diagnosing him them?" Doc said "we'll try him on this for two weeks and see how he does, then base a diagnosis on that". ROFLMHO! Yeah, probably not. LOLOL Same Doc wanted badly for to try Risperdal, a newer med on the scene, saying he'd not had a patient on it and he would love the chance to see how it works. LMHO Don't think so! Okay, rambling more. I do that. You might have noticed? LOL Ah, all my "knick-knacks" and such have precise places to be, yet my house is cluttered. Doesn't matter what the mess is, I know if that one angel has been moved a quarter inch. LOL HUGS, Challis Desmarais <desmarais7sbcglobal (DOT) net>

wrote: Challis, When my son was young they thought he had tourettes but they decided he didn't. I really think he has symptoms but you have to go with what the doctors say. His ADHD is enough. He is constantly figiting and it drives me nuts. More things that I remember is I contstantly check the stove, windows, doors. The clothes thing is another I forgot to mention. I have to have the longer clothes on the left and the long sleeve shirts after, then short sleve shirts, then longer skirts, then shorter and then of course dress pants and then jeans. All have to face the same way but we don't have enough hangers to have the same color, wish I did. Our house is 1100 sq. ft and cluddered but it's picked up everyday bcs that's another thing I can't

stand. I have a place for everything and if it's out of place of course drives me nuts and I get angry. I used to line up the can goods in alphabetical order but no more bcs the kids just don't do what they are suppose to do even knowing they should but on the other hand it shouldn't be their responsibility. I just ask that they pick up after themselves but they don't. They are lazy and think I can and will do everything in witch I end up doing bcs they don't. I can't get them to do anything. I ask that they shut doors bcs we have 3 dogs and I don't want them to go in the rooms and I see the doors open. My doors (clothes) have to be in a way that they are perfect too. It bothers me but I can't stop. I have been on medication for this but nothing has helped or one thing has and it made me gain about 40 lbs. so I went off of it. I am sorry that your children have OCD, ADD, tourettes, autism and

bipolar. It must be hard. I hope that they are on medications to control the symptoms. I know what you may be going through. I hope it gets better. Take care. D :)Smyelin groovy <smyelingroovy> wrote: Hi , ) Both my sons have OCD and TS (Tourette Syndrome), and the youngest has ADD thrown in for spice. lol I have OCD and TS. We have the tag-alongs, too... sensory issues, LDs and so on. My seven year old daughter has displayed anxiety since she was very small and in the last so-many months she's begun ticcing. Ahhh, for genetics. LOL We have a number of people throughout our families who have various dx's, including those we share. There's

also AS (Aspergers) in several, Autism, Bipolar (adults and children), and so on. It's an adventure for sure. ) My OCD has ebbed and flowed over the years and one good (more intense) period was while pg with my second and for a while after he was born. I believe that was the only time my OCD has required absolute clean. My cupboards, etc., are perfectly organized. To my thinking. Too bad I hate for a cupboard door to be open, because it's the only way anyone coming into my house might see "organized". LOL Clothes hang on hangers in one direction only. There is a hanger color for each person in my house (I've eased on this more recently, though not

fully). It took a long time before I was able to "let" anyone else do dishes, including loading a dishwasher. We don't have a dishwasher here, though. I'm really glad I finally got past this one enough to let my sons do dishes. I'm sure they're just as thrilled. LOL I've done far better when it comes to counting everything. It was pretty bad for many years and at times, mostly higher stress, I catch myself counting everything again. I also cannot stand for hair to be mussed with. Not so much on the head, but arms, eyebrows and such. And just thinking or typing it now has me wigged out. And that leaves me signing off now. lolol Challis ~Definitely know my genes. rofl Desmarais <desmarais7sbcglobal (DOT) net> wrote: Trista and Sharon, I had OCD so bad after the birth of my first son now 21 yrs. old. It effected my daily life and also work bcs even coworkers would notice and make fun sometimes. I tried to control it at work and most of the time I was successful for the most part. I was a cleaning freak and everything had to be perfect and also lined up correctly. Most of my problems have gone away after many years of kids and bcs I don't have the energy to do most anymore but what

have stuck with me is the lining up of things, everything has to look perfect, closed doors, cubbords etc., nothing 1/2 full or 1/2 empty.....either way you want to look at it. LOL Also chairs in all the time, not half out, drawers.....you get the picture. It drives me crazy at times bcs I have to go around after the kids and make sure everything is back in place but I am glad that I was able to get over most of my OCD without medication. Again, it's just that I don't have the time to vacuum, dust, sweep, clean everyday like I used to. It was really bad. My mother has OCD and my oldest son has ADHD and my youngest son now 16 is a perfectionist and also signs of OCD at times. So, what I am saying is that it is hereditary to my knowledge. I wish both of you luck with your OCD and hope that your routines will diminish over time soon. Sharon Marsden <wobbletowalk> wrote:

Well, Trista, I hate to break it to you but it really isn't normal. LOL When I was still working for the State of Arizona at CPS my OCD was soooo bad. I could open the bathroom door with my hands but then had to wash them immediately before going to the bathroom. The I used paper towels to flush the toilet. I washed my hands and used paper towels to turn off the water and open the door. I didn't want those paper towels in the trash at my desk so I put them in the trash by the copier. If a caseworker brought me any documents I had them lay them down on a metal surface. Then I would spray it with industrial germ spray, pick up the corner with a tissue , spray the

metal surface and turn the document over and spray the other side. I would panic if I saw anyone sit at my desk. It freaked me out so bad. I had to laugh though when the Director of the local mental heath center came to see us about a mutual client. He would push the door open with his back and never touch it with his hands. He was a psychiatrist. Just goes to show anyone can have these kind of problems. LOL My now 12 y/o grandson had severe ADHD and OCD when he was very young. He would freak out if water got on his hands. He went to an at-risk preschool through the school system. The teacher was wonderful and worked with on the OCD issues. By the time he went through several years with that teacher he could wash his hands and even play in the mud. Some OCD issues are debilitating and others are just minor problems. I got over my worst ones after being on

anti-depressants. And, too, we moved to a farm and I learned to milk goats and do all kinds of stuff I never thought I would do. Hugs)))) Sharon This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. ----- Original

Message ----From: Trista <tabeloecharter (DOT) net>To: MSersLife Sent: Monday, June 25, 2007 12:01:33 AMSubject: Re: Thank you all! Ya know Sharon, I never really knew I had a "problem" until a few years ago. The things I did were just normal to me. lol. I told Challis not too long ago, about how I watched those shows where people go undercover at grocery stores and restaurants. The show that freaked me out the most was the one where they showed all the nasty stuff all over motel/hotel rooms. ewwwwww! I think I'm normal and just "cautious", in not touching door knobs and such. You should see me flush the toilet. lol. That can be tricky. lol. My 10 yr

old doesn't like to touch certain things. When he was in public school, he used to climb the slide, by holding on with his wrists. He wouldn't touch the bar with his hands. For a long time, he hated the way paper felt on his hand when he had to write, So, I bought him bicycle gloves, with the fingers cut off. He had no trouble wearing the glove. He won't go outside without shoes. He can't sand the feel of dirt on his feet. (shhhhhh, I hate that feeling too.) ~Trista~************ ********* ********* **When the world says, "give up,"Hope whispers, "try it one more time." Thank you all! What a great present I woke up to this morning!! After a night of rough sleep, I got online and it was

like xmas, looking at all the responses I got! You guys have no idea how much that means to me...if you all were here, I'd bake you a cake . I was asked to introduce myself, I have a little bit, but I'll try my best to tell you all a little more about me. Actually, I prefer to go by Andi (the only person to call me was my high school English teacher and she said it like, AundreAHHH- I swear it was like nails on chalkboard) when I'm in trouble I'm more known as "Andi Jo"....hmmm. I grew up in a small town (pop. 400 when no one's on vacation) which was nice. We never had to worry about locking doors, being out at night, or crime at all. I went to college on a volleyball scholarship where I met my husband, who played basketball. It's true that opposites attract, he was shy to my outgoing and it's funny now because when I would come home from class, the RA's would say.."You're husband's in your room again". I'd

get so mad because he'd eat all my graham crackers and drink all my chocolate milk (those were my staples in college!!) But finally, after 7 years together we got married on Jan. 17th 03, so it's been a good 11 years we've been together and our most serious fight was when I threw a toilet paper roll at him and we didn't talk for a week. (He said it hurt, but come on, it was Charmin!!) As I said before, we have 2 cats, Olivia phine, a 10 year old tiny grey and white spoiled thing, Oliver , a 2 year old orange tabby (He's our little hunter) and our newest addition, Quincy Jon (Mike, my husband, calls him Flash from Dukes of Hazzard), an adorable 5 mo. old bassett hound. It's been very interesting dealing with cats all these years and having a dog that follows me around everywhere! I call him Quincy-butt because it seems he's attached to my butt 24/7. We are still in the proccess of potty training and I was at

my witts end last night so for about a half hour while he was napping I kept saying in his floppy ears, "Pee OUTSIDE Quincy, Pee OUTSIDE" hoping that through osmosis he would finally get the hang of it. (Still woke up to a pee spot in the hallway about 2 inches from the puppy pad). I hope to get some pics on here to show you all and some of my adorable neices and nephews! I read through the posts of the group this morning and I cried out of happiness, sadness, and relief. All of you are so strong and wonderful and I want to be here not to just vent on you all, but provide an ear to vent on. One thing that has helped me through out this past year and half was humor, family, and I feel like in finding this group, I've found a home for me and my MS! Thank you Akiba, (my new twin haha), Kate, Val, n, Sharon, and anyone else that I missed for the amazing welcome!! Hugs to you all!Did I hear someone

had a "thing" about clean floors??? I love you whoever you were you're a girl after my own heart.Oh and thank you Sharon for the links..they were great..Ok I'll shut up now, it looks like Quincy is making to go potty.... Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. Hugs Get the free Yahoo! toolbar and rest assured with the added security of spyware protection. Luvs & Hugs Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. Luvs & Hugs Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.9.9/870 - Release Date: 6/26/2007 10:07 AM

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.

July 2, 2007