Guest guest Posted November 28, 2000 Report Share Posted November 28, 2000 > I only have a few left and was wondering if anyone knows where medication can > be ordered in other countries Carol, I heard on the news that the manufacturers are already sending replacement stock of some of the OTC medications, only without the PPA in them, to some stores. Would this be a vital ingredient for you (the phenopropanolamine) or could you take the new ones? I'd call the pharmacist of a nearby large pharmacy and see what they can tell you about it, and talk to your doc about possible prescription alternatives also. In the meantime, it is a voluntary recall, and you may still be able to get it by prescription. Here is the FDA info on the PPA issue, see the Questions and Answers link in the links near the bottom, for info about getting your prescription filled despite the warning and voluntary recall. HTH Liz G. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/default.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2002 Report Share Posted February 10, 2002 have you tested to see if he has a yeast infection or clostidia? my son's stims increse a lot when his candida is out of control. karen w Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2002 Report Share Posted February 10, 2002 AHe was >also on a strict GFCF diet for a year which had no effect. His stims include >teeth grinding, hand flicking/waving, mouthing, visual stims, tensing, >feeling things, knocking on things, pacing, and verbal stimming just to name >a few. These behaviors are clearly impeding his learning and his ability to >become productive in an independent way. The good news is that he is an >extremely happy boy with a great sense of humor and personality. > My question is in regard to a pharmaceutical approach to these >behaviors. I am just starting to research this avenue so I would like some >guidance. We have recently seen a neurologist who recommended Luvox or >Risperdal. We would like to know if anyone has any experience with these >drugs or have any other recommendations. Does anyone know of any good web >sites that help to explain the various options and their side-effects? > Thanks once again for your help! > >Rosie Shea >'s Mom >GBAShea@... Dear Rosie, If you have any success, please let me know. We've tried some meds from A to Z. Very little has effected stimming and when it has it also effected processing and response time, etc. My son is very distractable and at times hyperactive, although every year or two this has decreased thankfully. But, he also does several of those stims you mention minus teeth grinding. Never has and I hope he never will. The tensing, hand stuff, mouthing, feeling things, pacing. knocking or in his case tapping on things and in the past limited verbal stimming is perversive. Like your son, he is also described fortunately as a happy young man, and with good humor and personality. So, it's really a hard call. I don't want the personality itself effected. Behavioral methods are only as successful as long as we can keep him totally directed on something, which is at best a difficult task. The GFCF diet did not help this area. Exercise helps. It doesn't make a massive difference, but I notice in the summer it seems to ocur a little less frequently and intensely. I've finally come to the conclusion that the amount of time outside in fresh air, running, walking, swimming and so on is a good kind of tired, though that does not help when he is not engaged with people. I haven't tried Luvox, but I would probably recommend a trial of that before Risperadal. Risperadal can work very well for some people, but it's usually used for kids with rage and behavioral problems and in general, except for some gung ho physicians, it's not the first recommendation. Or it did not used to be. I see the potential repercussions as being more seriuos with the Risperdal. Now that is not to say that your child would not respond beautifully, only that there's more problems historically with that class of meds, typical and atypical. Jennie Jennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2002 Report Share Posted October 31, 2002 My son was on Ritalin for years and a couple of years ago we switched to the Adderall and we like it much better!! For one thing he was taking 3 ritalin per day, and sometimes it was difficult to remember to made sure that he got it if we had other things going on. The adderall in time-released and he now just takes one pill in the morning and that is it. It also seemed to work a little better. I thought that you may be interested in this. Happy Halloween, Sheila >From: " fleenorap " <fleenorap@...> >Reply- > >Subject: [ ] medication >Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 13:56:48 -0000 > >Hi all, >Well we did it. We put on ritilin. We have fought for so many >years. Going from therapy to therapy, from diagnosis to diagnosis and >seems nothing has helped. Even had him on pro-efa and pro-epa. Well > has now started to play with kids in contact sports. He eats, >drinks and breaths sports but never could play in a group setting. He >sprang his ankle the other day and I was so excited. He never has >done that before. His writting has improved a lot. >I am so nervous about the meds. and have done so much research. We >have paid out boocoodles of money for therapies and suppliments. And >nothing really seems to work. >She wants to eventually put him on SSI maybe zoloft, paxil or addrell >or something like that. God I hate that he is medicated. But he just >can't go through life with ulcers. >Well jsut wanted to let ya'll know >Have a great Halloween >Pam > > _________________________________________________________________ Surf the Web without missing calls! Get MSN Broadband. http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/plans/freeactivation.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2005 Report Share Posted August 28, 2005 Hello in NC I've been take MTX since July 2000 with positive results. In fact, in a stupid moment of thinking I was fine, I quite taking it for three months. In that short period of time I actually experienced quite a bit of bone and tissue damage to my knuckles and wrists. It was enough to bring reality home that I actually do have a disease that I will have to deal with forever. Don't be fooled by periods of relief. Just enjoy them but don't stop taking the medication. It was my family physician who convinced me that I needed to find a rheumy who I trusted, etc., because RA affects all your organs not just your joints. I think that is what most people don't understand. RA can have a devastating impact on your internal organs, your connective tissues, your ligaments, tendons, and your bones. Take Care Babs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2005 Report Share Posted August 28, 2005 Hello in NC I've been take MTX since July 2000 with positive results. In fact, in a stupid moment of thinking I was fine, I quite taking it for three months. In that short period of time I actually experienced quite a bit of bone and tissue damage to my knuckles and wrists. It was enough to bring reality home that I actually do have a disease that I will have to deal with forever. Don't be fooled by periods of relief. Just enjoy them but don't stop taking the medication. It was my family physician who convinced me that I needed to find a rheumy who I trusted, etc., because RA affects all your organs not just your joints. I think that is what most people don't understand. RA can have a devastating impact on your internal organs, your connective tissues, your ligaments, tendons, and your bones. Take Care Babs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2005 Report Share Posted August 28, 2005 That's an excellent point, Babs. Feeling better is one goal, but slowing or stopping the systemic damage the disease can inflict on one's body is also essential. Not all drugs used to treat RA are equal in this regard, but, fortunately, MTX is a very effective DMARD. Good luck with it, . Not an MD I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] medication > Hello in NC > > I've been take MTX since July 2000 with positive results. In fact, in a > stupid moment of thinking I was fine, I quite taking it for three months. > In that > short period of time I actually experienced quite a bit of bone and tissue > damage to my knuckles and wrists. It was enough to bring reality home that > I > actually do have a disease that I will have to deal with forever. Don't be > fooled > by periods of relief. Just enjoy them but don't stop taking the > medication. > It was my family physician who convinced me that I needed to find a > rheumy who I trusted, etc., because RA affects all your organs not just > your > joints. I think that is what most people don't understand. RA can have a > devastating impact on your internal organs, your connective tissues, your > ligaments, > tendons, and your bones. > > Take Care > Babs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 28, 2005 Report Share Posted August 28, 2005 That's an excellent point, Babs. Feeling better is one goal, but slowing or stopping the systemic damage the disease can inflict on one's body is also essential. Not all drugs used to treat RA are equal in this regard, but, fortunately, MTX is a very effective DMARD. Good luck with it, . Not an MD I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] medication > Hello in NC > > I've been take MTX since July 2000 with positive results. In fact, in a > stupid moment of thinking I was fine, I quite taking it for three months. > In that > short period of time I actually experienced quite a bit of bone and tissue > damage to my knuckles and wrists. It was enough to bring reality home that > I > actually do have a disease that I will have to deal with forever. Don't be > fooled > by periods of relief. Just enjoy them but don't stop taking the > medication. > It was my family physician who convinced me that I needed to find a > rheumy who I trusted, etc., because RA affects all your organs not just > your > joints. I think that is what most people don't understand. RA can have a > devastating impact on your internal organs, your connective tissues, your > ligaments, > tendons, and your bones. > > Take Care > Babs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2005 Report Share Posted August 29, 2005 , I am also in NC, in son County. Where are you located? Methotrexate works very well for some people. Unfortunately, it caused my white blood cell count to get too low. It does take a few months to work, so that is the reason for the prednisone in the meantime. It's the drug we love to hate. How long have you been on this regime? Prednisone usually works well to relieve pain and inflammation, so I don't know why it's not working for you. Most of the RA drugs suppress the immune system, so you do have to be careful. School is not a place that you can be careful, though, unfortunately. I would suggest that you wash your hands often, and maybe use some of that hand sanitizer, too. It wouldn't hurt to take some vitamins, including vitamin C. You are taking folic acid while on the methotrexate, aren't you? Good luck. Sue On Sunday, August 28, 2005, at 11:49 AM, jhawkot87 wrote: > Just looking for some feedback, here. I started on Methotrexate July > 22. Currently I am also taking 2 5mg prednisone every day. (and > Plaquenil). My doctor said it could take 2 mos for Mtx to work. I was > feeling better with the prednisone but in the last week or 2, having > more pain in my hands and feet again. I started back to work last week > after being off all summer - I work in the schools which involves a lot > of walking and being on my feet - so maybe that has made things worse. > For those of you who have had success with Mtx, how long did it take to > notice a difference? Is there anyone who has had lasting positive > effects from Mtx? Also, is the low dose of prednisone I'm on enough to > lower my immune system significantly? Working in the schools, I get > exposed to a lot of things and hate to think I will easily pick up what > the kids have. Doc wants to leave me on prednisone a couple more > months until the Mtx kicks in. I don't go back to see him until mid > October so I thought I would throw these questions your way, to the > (unfortunately) experienced ones. > > - in NC > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2005 Report Share Posted August 29, 2005 , I am also in NC, in son County. Where are you located? Methotrexate works very well for some people. Unfortunately, it caused my white blood cell count to get too low. It does take a few months to work, so that is the reason for the prednisone in the meantime. It's the drug we love to hate. How long have you been on this regime? Prednisone usually works well to relieve pain and inflammation, so I don't know why it's not working for you. Most of the RA drugs suppress the immune system, so you do have to be careful. School is not a place that you can be careful, though, unfortunately. I would suggest that you wash your hands often, and maybe use some of that hand sanitizer, too. It wouldn't hurt to take some vitamins, including vitamin C. You are taking folic acid while on the methotrexate, aren't you? Good luck. Sue On Sunday, August 28, 2005, at 11:49 AM, jhawkot87 wrote: > Just looking for some feedback, here. I started on Methotrexate July > 22. Currently I am also taking 2 5mg prednisone every day. (and > Plaquenil). My doctor said it could take 2 mos for Mtx to work. I was > feeling better with the prednisone but in the last week or 2, having > more pain in my hands and feet again. I started back to work last week > after being off all summer - I work in the schools which involves a lot > of walking and being on my feet - so maybe that has made things worse. > For those of you who have had success with Mtx, how long did it take to > notice a difference? Is there anyone who has had lasting positive > effects from Mtx? Also, is the low dose of prednisone I'm on enough to > lower my immune system significantly? Working in the schools, I get > exposed to a lot of things and hate to think I will easily pick up what > the kids have. Doc wants to leave me on prednisone a couple more > months until the Mtx kicks in. I don't go back to see him until mid > October so I thought I would throw these questions your way, to the > (unfortunately) experienced ones. > > - in NC > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 , I Was so scared to take the Methotrexate because of the side effects. I have been on it for almost 3 months now and it is really helping me. My doctor upped my dose to 7 -2.5 mg pills per week. I have no side effects except some hair loss but that can also be from the plaquenil I am on. I have to say I feel alot better and haven't had a flare (shhhh) for 1 1/2 months despite having a lot of stressful things going on in my life right now. I also have 2 school age children who bring home Everything> I have yet(again- shhhh) to get sick at all. Hope this helps you sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 , I Was so scared to take the Methotrexate because of the side effects. I have been on it for almost 3 months now and it is really helping me. My doctor upped my dose to 7 -2.5 mg pills per week. I have no side effects except some hair loss but that can also be from the plaquenil I am on. I have to say I feel alot better and haven't had a flare (shhhh) for 1 1/2 months despite having a lot of stressful things going on in my life right now. I also have 2 school age children who bring home Everything> I have yet(again- shhhh) to get sick at all. Hope this helps you sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 Hi , I have 2 answers for you. I started MTX in Feb 04...on 20mg. it has since been upped to 25mg. I've had no side effects and it's been really effective. I had relief all of a sudden after the 6th dose...there was nothing nothing nothing then 2d after the 6th dose I had a huge improvement. As for the prednisone...I work in several hospitals and nursing homes with my job... I've been exposed to all kinds of things on higher doses of prednisone and haven't really caught anything...while 10mg could weaken your immune system (as can MTX to some degree)... BUt I AM way more diligent about proper hygeine and washing your hands, as well as getting lots of sleep and taking care of yourself/nutrition etc. If you do get an infection though...you've got to take care of it right away and call your doctor about what to do about the prednisone and MTX as they decrease your ability to fight it off. Good luck Lexi > Just looking for some feedback, here. I started on Methotrexate 22. Currently I am also taking 2 5mg prednisone every day. (and > Plaquenil). My doctor said it could take 2 mos for Mtx to work. I was > feeling better with the prednisone but in the last week or 2, having > more pain in my hands and feet again. I started back to work last week > after being off all summer - I work in the schools which involves a lot > of walking and being on my feet - so maybe that has made things worse. > For those of you who have had success with Mtx, how long did it take to > notice a difference? Is there anyone who has had lasting positive > effects from Mtx? Also, is the low dose of prednisone I'm on enough to > lower my immune system significantly? Working in the schools, I get > exposed to a lot of things and hate to think I will easily pick up what > the kids have. Doc wants to leave me on prednisone a couple more > months until the Mtx kicks in. I don't go back to see him until mid > October so I thought I would throw these questions your way, to the > (unfortunately) experienced ones. > > - in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 Hi , I have 2 answers for you. I started MTX in Feb 04...on 20mg. it has since been upped to 25mg. I've had no side effects and it's been really effective. I had relief all of a sudden after the 6th dose...there was nothing nothing nothing then 2d after the 6th dose I had a huge improvement. As for the prednisone...I work in several hospitals and nursing homes with my job... I've been exposed to all kinds of things on higher doses of prednisone and haven't really caught anything...while 10mg could weaken your immune system (as can MTX to some degree)... BUt I AM way more diligent about proper hygeine and washing your hands, as well as getting lots of sleep and taking care of yourself/nutrition etc. If you do get an infection though...you've got to take care of it right away and call your doctor about what to do about the prednisone and MTX as they decrease your ability to fight it off. Good luck Lexi > Just looking for some feedback, here. I started on Methotrexate 22. Currently I am also taking 2 5mg prednisone every day. (and > Plaquenil). My doctor said it could take 2 mos for Mtx to work. I was > feeling better with the prednisone but in the last week or 2, having > more pain in my hands and feet again. I started back to work last week > after being off all summer - I work in the schools which involves a lot > of walking and being on my feet - so maybe that has made things worse. > For those of you who have had success with Mtx, how long did it take to > notice a difference? Is there anyone who has had lasting positive > effects from Mtx? Also, is the low dose of prednisone I'm on enough to > lower my immune system significantly? Working in the schools, I get > exposed to a lot of things and hate to think I will easily pick up what > the kids have. Doc wants to leave me on prednisone a couple more > months until the Mtx kicks in. I don't go back to see him until mid > October so I thought I would throw these questions your way, to the > (unfortunately) experienced ones. > > - in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 In a message dated 09/01/05 7:42:54 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, pattimagnes@... writes: What are your thoughts on medication? I think medication is a personal choice. I personally would have medication be my absolute last resort.....all therapies etc. tried and exhausted first. ~ Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 Have the meds improved his quality of life? _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Patti Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 9:31 AM Subject: ( ) Medication Hi, I've seen some talk lately about medications and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about it. My son's psychiatrist has him taking 4 different medications and I don't know if I'm doing the right thing by giving it to him. Sometimes I feel really guilty about it. He takes Adderall for his ADHD, Lexapro to help with his anger outbursts, Abilify to stabalize his mood and Clonidine to help him sleep at night. We put off medication for several years and then were convinced by the psychiatrist that his quality of life would be much better on the medication. Lately I have been thinking about taking him off and letting him be just who he is. What are your thoughts on medication? Thanks, Patti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2005 Report Share Posted September 1, 2005 Both of my sons have taken medication at one time or another. Initially, it helped my older son with his obsessions and outbursts. After a while it was not as effective and we discontinued it. He isn't on any medication at the time except Accutane. My younger son needed the medication to reduce his anxiety so that he could function in a classroom and learn. We couldn't even get the minimum out of therapies before using the medication. It is all a personal choice and I think it really depends on the ability of your child to make it through the day and function in his/her everyday life. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2005 Report Share Posted September 2, 2005 Patti <pattimagnes@...> wrote: Hi, I've seen some talk lately about medications and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about it. My son's psychiatrist has him taking 4 different medications and I don't know if I'm doing the right thing by giving it to him. Sometimes I feel really guilty about it. He takes Adderall for his ADHD, Lexapro to help with his anger outbursts, Abilify to stabalize his mood and Clonidine to help him sleep at night. We put off medication for several years and then were convinced by the psychiatrist that his quality of life would be much better on the medication. Lately I have been thinking about taking him off and letting him be just who he is. What are your thoughts on medication? Thanks, Patti I think this is a common myth - that the meds change the child somehow and make the child " someone else. " If the medication is changing the child's entire personality, then there is a problem and certainly one should address that immediately! Most medications are directed at problems that the child is having and should help the child BE who he/she is. For instance, if the child has a tic that he can't control - do we say the tic is part of the child's " personality? " No, it's neurological problem that is interferring with the child's ability to BE who he/she is. Sometimes, this is a minor annoyance. And so, you probably wouldn't use medication to stop something that is not a huge problem for the child or that is not interferring with his/her learning. Other times, if a child is stuck with a tic that hurts or that he needs to stop for whatever reason, a med can be recommended and it hopefully helps curb the tic or reduce it's severity. However, it doesn't at all change who the child is. The child isn't the tic. The child isn't the " hyper " or the " anxiety " or the " OCD. " Those are all neurological impairments that can sometimes be way too much for a person to control. Now that example was for a tic. Take another common example - anxiety. A child can be so overwrought with anxiety that it impedes his ability to do anything - to leave the house, to go to school, to learn, to speak or interact with others. Or perhaps it isn't so drastic but when he sees a cloud in the sky, he suddenly cries hysterically. some people then require meds to help with these kinds of problems. the meds work, and then the child's anxiety lessens so that he/she can now learn and do things previously unable to do. Does this change who the child is? Not at all. It lets the child actually BE who he is because he isn't all suffocated by anxiety. Now, I don't know if your child's meds are appropriate for him/her. Nobody can really answer that for you. You should talk to the doctor if you have concerns and find out what each medication is supposed to be doing. Decide if that is important or not. But it's not about changing the child into someone else or " making " the child bearable to others. The child is still the same child and the meds allow that child to come out of the problem(s) that is inhibiting his growth or ability to learn or ability to make friends. It's always a personal choice and we all struggle with what to do for our kids. But try not to let yourself get wrapped up in some kind of theory that using medication is changing who your child is because it doesn't do that. Roxanna Always Remember You're Unique Just Like Everyone Else __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2005 Report Share Posted September 2, 2005 Hi Patti, I just wanted to comment on meds. My 12 yr. old ds is on concerta for ADD, abilify for anxiety/ stress and clonidine for Touretts, which he takes at night because it makes him drowsy. We switched trileptal for the abilify which seems like it was a good switch for him. Don't feel guilty about medicating your son, since we finally have what seems like a good combo for Tom, he actually seems to be having somewhat of a normal life, he actually comes out of his room now without being coaxed! Good luck with your son and his meds.................. ( ) Medication > Hi, I've seen some talk lately about medications and was wondering > what everyone's thoughts were about it. My son's psychiatrist has him > taking 4 different medications and I don't know if I'm doing the right > thing by giving it to him. Sometimes I feel really guilty about it. > He takes Adderall for his ADHD, Lexapro to help with his anger > outbursts, Abilify to stabalize his mood and Clonidine to help him > sleep at night. We put off medication for several years and then were > convinced by the psychiatrist that his quality of life would be much > better on the medication. Lately I have been thinking about taking > him off and letting him be just who he is. What are your thoughts on > medication? > Thanks, > Patti > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 When my son was that age I used to have designated tasks that he could choose from to do independantly. These included: playdoh, book & tape, puzzle, fisher price playsets, water play, rice bin, computer, etc. Then we would pick tasks to do together: read book, alphabet bingo, take a walk, etc. I would set up a schedule to fill the morning hours. He needed alot of structure to get through his day. I notice with both my children, seasonal changes are very difficult and can affect behavior greatly. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 I know exactly how you feel and my son is 13 and medicated. I was finally able to get respite services for him and it really gives me a break. Does he have any playmates that he might be able to goto for an hour a week, just to give you a breather? As for the meds issue, has been on meds since he was 4 years old. But it was so much hit and miss with the meds over the years. Try a very strict structured setting, plan things like going to the library if he picks his shoes up for two or three days in a row. I always try to find free things to do in our area. One time they had a free day for the kids to fly in an airplane! What a good assentive for him. We used this for him to sleep in his bedroom for a week. I know it is hard to keep up with charts. I hope these ideas are helpful. <oldtintype@...> wrote: Hi, I'm just curious...those of you who medicate, when did you first start--what age, and for what symptoms? I've had a really bad day today so the following is kind of rant like and probably very onesided but I just have to vent. Do any of you have suggestions for ways to encourage activities that involve sitting and working on something--or how to go about actually accomplishing that with a smart but immature almost four year old? My husband works weekends and we have no family nearby. Friends are busy so it's always just me with my son on the weekends and since those are the days he has no school or appointments the weekends are a combination of trying to get stuff done and various activities we can't or don't do during the week, or just staying home. I am just exhausted by Sunday as I feel like the entire weekend is me trying to control him or keep things at a dull roar. He doesn't want to sit and work on anything, he wants to only play with what he wants to play with (in terms of us playing together), he doesn't want to read books, he wants to go out to the park, etc. but lately it seems like all I do is argue with him when we do go somewhere and the idea of doing some of the stuff I want to do with him is just too exhausting as I know the drama it will take to accomplish it. He really needs to work on sitting for a certain period of time and doing something sedentary but it's such a struggle and always ends up with him throwing puzzle pieces or pretending he can't match the pieces (in a memory type game), he won't color, etc. and so half the time I just don't have the stamina to try, which I know doesn't help things. We were going through a REALLY great patch for a while and he was doing so great, but the last week has just been miserable!! I think this week has been so bad also because it reminds me how bad things were six months ago and I'm terrified we'll go back to that kind of behavior again, which I don't know if I can handle. He's been so great lately that I've forgotten how bad things were. Anyway, I find myself driving around to places I don't even need to go just because he loves to ride in the car and is really good, or letting him watch tv just because he's driving me insane and I need some time to relax. I had a really bad day today so I'm having a hard time focusing on what he's doing well right now. I mean, he does lots of things well and that's great but after a day like today all I can think of is what he is NOT doing, which I know isn't helpful. We also live in an apartment building downtown and so I can't just throw him in the backyard. He also thinks it's great fun to toss things off the fourth floor deck when I'm not looking (nothing big--just little things like crackers or something so it's not dangerous so much as we've been over it 10,000 times that he cannot throw things off the deck) or walk around stomping which drives the neighbors insane and he knows it. I know he needs more physical things to do sometimes but when he's in a bad mood like today it just ends up with him pitching a fit in the park and me having to physically pick him up and drag him to the car or just fighting with him the whole time and like I said--I find myself not even wanting to try when I know he's in a pissy mood like today as it will end like that so we stay home and he drives me insane (and I probably drive him insane too!) being in a bad mood at home. Anyway, I'm not wanting to medicate him, I just think with his distractability and argumentative personality we'll probably have to some day, but in the meantime any tips you can suggest would be great. I'm also struggling with him wanting to argue about every little thing down to something like, " please put your shoes away. " He'll drag it out hoping I'll forget or leave his shoes out just because I've asked him to put them away. I make him follow through but sometimes I just don't want to deal with it and find myself getting really mad at him! I actually know what would be good for him in terms of exercise, incentives, etc. I'm just having a hard time implementing all these great suggestions and ideas I've read about because I'm just worn down right now from the constant drama of our lives at the moment! I just feel like I have to watch him every second or he's off doing something inappropriate and that leaves me unable to accomplish ANYTHING until he goes to bed, but by that point I'm just too tired. Thanks for letting me vent!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 I let my son go as far as he could without meds until he was suffering in school. I feel ( and I have said it before) that you wouldn't expect someone to just SUCK it up If they needed an appendix out.. Nope you would help them.. To me this is nothing less.. Our kids tend to lack the enzyme or .. Chemical makeup or whatever that they need to get through the day. So consult your doctor and give it a shot. It certainly doesn't mean either of you failed. Plus I have found my son has definitely improved emotionally too.. He no longer feels the major frustration and anxiety he used to. He is on Ritalin -- ( ) medication Hi, I'm just curious...those of you who medicate, when did you first start--what age, and for what symptoms? I've had a really bad day today so the following is kind of rant like and probably very onesided but I just have to vent. Do any of you have suggestions for ways to encourage activities that involve sitting and working on something--or how to go about actually accomplishing that with a smart but immature almost four year old? My husband works weekends and we have no family nearby. Friends are busy so it's always just me with my son on the weekends and since those are the days he has no school or appointments the weekends are a combination of trying to get stuff done and various activities we can't or don't do during the week, or just staying home. I am just exhausted by Sunday as I feel like the entire weekend is me trying to control him or keep things at a dull roar. He doesn't want to sit and work on anything, he wants to only play with what he wants to play with (in terms of us playing together), he doesn't want to read books, he wants to go out to the park, etc. but lately it seems like all I do is argue with him when we do go somewhere and the idea of doing some of the stuff I want to do with him is just too exhausting as I know the drama it will take to accomplish it. He really needs to work on sitting for a certain period of time and doing something sedentary but it's such a struggle and always ends up with him throwing puzzle pieces or pretending he can't match the pieces (in a memory type game), he won't color, etc. and so half the time I just don't have the stamina to try, which I know doesn't help things. We were going through a REALLY great patch for a while and he was doing so great, but the last week has just been miserable!! I think this week has been so bad also because it reminds me how bad things were six months ago and I'm terrified we'll go back to that kind of behavior again, which I don't know if I can handle. He's been so great lately that I've forgotten how bad things were. Anyway, I find myself driving around to places I don't even need to go just because he loves to ride in the car and is really good, or letting him watch tv just because he's driving me insane and I need some time to relax. I had a really bad day today so I'm having a hard time focusing on what he's doing well right now. I mean, he does lots of things well and that's great but after a day like today all I can think of is what he is NOT doing, which I know isn't helpful. We also live in an apartment building downtown and so I can't just throw him in the backyard. He also thinks it's great fun to toss things off the fourth floor deck when I'm not looking (nothing big--just little things like crackers or something so it's not dangerous so much as we've been over it 10,000 times that he cannot throw things off the deck) or walk around stomping which drives the neighbors insane and he knows it. I know he needs more physical things to do sometimes but when he's in a bad mood like today it just ends up with him pitching a fit in the park and me having to physically pick him up and drag him to the car or just fighting with him the whole time and like I said--I find myself not even wanting to try when I know he's in a pissy mood like today as it will end like that so we stay home and he drives me insane (and I probably drive him insane too!) being in a bad mood at home. Anyway, I'm not wanting to medicate him, I just think with his distractability and argumentative personality we'll probably have to some day, but in the meantime any tips you can suggest would be great. I'm also struggling with him wanting to argue about every little thing down to something like, " please put your shoes away. " He'll drag it out hoping I'll forget or leave his shoes out just because I've asked him to put them away. I make him follow through but sometimes I just don't want to deal with it and find myself getting really mad at him! I actually know what would be good for him in terms of exercise, incentives, etc. I'm just having a hard time implementing all these great suggestions and ideas I've read about because I'm just worn down right now from the constant drama of our lives at the moment! I just feel like I have to watch him every second or he's off doing something inappropriate and that leaves me unable to accomplish ANYTHING until he goes to bed, but by that point I'm just too tired. Thanks for letting me vent!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 , Do you have an indoor mini-trampoline for your son? I think there are some that aren't so noisy. That might help him blow off some steam. Also, you might have him list 5 indoor activities he'd like to do with you, and have him pick one. If that one doesn't work, have him help you clean it up and move to another one on the list. Just my " off the top of the head " thoughts. Liz On Apr 23, 2006, at 7:45 PM, wrote: > Hi, > I'm just curious...those of you who medicate, when did you first > start--what > age, and for what symptoms? > > I've had a really bad day today so the following is kind of rant like > and > probably very onesided but I just have to vent. > > Do any of you have suggestions for ways to encourage activities that > involve sitting and working on something--or how to go about actually > accomplishing that with a smart but immature almost four year old? My > husband works weekends and we have no family nearby. Friends are busy > so > it's always just me with my son on the weekends and since those are > the days > he has no school or appointments the weekends are a combination of > trying to > get stuff done and various activities we can't or don't do during the > week, > or just staying home. I am just exhausted by Sunday as I feel like the > entire weekend is me trying to control him or keep things at a dull > roar. > He doesn't want to sit and work on anything, he wants to only play > with what > he wants to play with (in terms of us playing together), he doesn't > want to > read books, he wants to go out to the park, etc. but lately it seems > like > all I do is argue with him when we do go somewhere and the idea of > doing > some of the stuff I want to do with him is just too exhausting as I > know the > drama it will take to accomplish it. He really needs to work on > sitting for > a certain period of time and doing something sedentary but it's such a > struggle and always ends up with him throwing puzzle pieces or > pretending he > can't match the pieces (in a memory type game), he won't color, etc. > and so > half the time I just don't have the stamina to try, which I know > doesn't > help things.<snip> > I know he needs more physical things to do sometimes but when he's in > a bad > mood like today it just ends up with him pitching a fit in the park > and me > having to physically pick him up and drag him to the car or just > fighting > with him the whole time and like I said--I find myself not even > wanting to > try when I know he's in a pissy mood like today as it will end like > that so > we stay home and he drives me insane (and I probably drive him insane > too!) > being in a bad mood at home.<snip> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Has your child seen an occupational therapist? Ours has worked wonders with fine-tuning what type of 'input' or activity my son needs, then giving us lists of ways to provide it. For our son -- major tantrums, sensory issues, spinning, etc. -- the indoor trampoline can work. But, since it takes up space and isn't always available, we do other things. Heavy-lifting is a huge thing for us, have him help me carry things, put things away, etc. We keep pop-up tents on both floors of the house so he can climb in and cuddle with blankets/pillows. Playdough is good, it gives him a physical input while somewhat sitting down. (I say somewhat as ds will have one part of one cheek on the chair part of the time.) We have a wedge in his seat, so he can squirm and get pressure if we can get him to sit on it. (Some days are better than others.) Washing the car with big brother, carrying the bucket, sponging on soap. He likes to spin, and while to me it screams autism if he does it outside, especially if he's in an echolalic mood or has his hands flapping) but it can be an easy way to get the input..my son has no dizzy factor so he can do it for wayyyy too long. His OTs were even amazed. Anyway, I'd see about an OT assessment, they are great about doing assessments to help you narrow the focus. We recently did the SIPT and it was a huge help. Donna On Apr 23, 2006, at 7:45 PM, wrote: > >> Hi, >> I'm just curious...those of you who medicate, when did you first >> start--what >> age, and for what symptoms? >> >> I've had a really bad day today so the following is kind of rant like >> and >> probably very onesided but I just have to vent. >> >> Do any of you have suggestions for ways to encourage activities that >> involve sitting and working on something--or how to go about actually >> accomplishing that with a smart but immature almost four year old? My >> husband works weekends and we have no family nearby. Friends are busy >> so >> it's always just me with my son on the weekends and since those are >> the days >> he has no school or appointments the weekends are a combination of >> trying to >> get stuff done and various activities we can't or don't do during the >> week, >> or just staying home. I am just exhausted by Sunday as I feel like the >> entire weekend is me trying to control him or keep things at a dull >> roar. >> He doesn't want to sit and work on anything, he wants to only play >> with what >> he wants to play with (in terms of us playing together), he doesn't >> want to >> read books, he wants to go out to the park, etc. but lately it seems >> like >> all I do is argue with him when we do go somewhere and the idea of >> doing >> some of the stuff I want to do with him is just too exhausting as I >> know the >> drama it will take to accomplish it. He really needs to work on >> sitting for >> a certain period of time and doing something sedentary but it's such a >> struggle and always ends up with him throwing puzzle pieces or >> pretending he >> can't match the pieces (in a memory type game), he won't color, etc. >> and so >> half the time I just don't have the stamina to try, which I know >> doesn't >> help things.<snip> >> > > >> I know he needs more physical things to do sometimes but when he's in >> a bad >> mood like today it just ends up with him pitching a fit in the park >> and me >> having to physically pick him up and drag him to the car or just >> fighting >> with him the whole time and like I said--I find myself not even >> wanting to >> try when I know he's in a pissy mood like today as it will end like >> that so >> we stay home and he drives me insane (and I probably drive him insane >> too!) >> being in a bad mood at home.<snip> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2006 Report Share Posted May 4, 2006 Subject: ( ) medication Hi, I'm just curious...those of you who medicate, when did you first start--what age, and for what symptoms? I've had a really bad day today so the following is kind of rant like and probably very onesided but I just have to vent. Do any of you have suggestions for ways to encourage activities that involve sitting and working on something--or how to go about actually accomplishing that with a smart but immature almost four year old? My husband works weekends and we have no family nearby. Friends are busy so it's always just me with my son on the weekends and since those are the days he has no school or appointments the weekends are a combination of trying to get stuff done and various activities we can't or don't do during the week, or just staying home. I am just exhausted by Sunday as I feel like the entire weekend is me trying to control him or keep things at a dull roar. He doesn't want to sit and work on anything, he wants to only play with what he wants to play with (in terms of us playing together), he doesn't want to read books, he wants to go out to the park, etc. but lately it seems like all I do is argue with him when we do go somewhere and the idea of doing some of the stuff I want to do with him is just too exhausting as I know the drama it will take to accomplish it. He really needs to work on sitting for a certain period of time and doing something sedentary but it's such a struggle and always ends up with him throwing puzzle pieces or pretending he can't match the pieces (in a memory type game), he won't color, etc. and so half the time I just don't have the stamina to try, which I know doesn't help things. We were going through a REALLY great patch for a while and he was doing so great, but the last week has just been miserable!! I think this week has been so bad also because it reminds me how bad things were six months ago and I'm terrified we'll go back to that kind of behavior again, which I don't know if I can handle. He's been so great lately that I've forgotten how bad things were. Anyway, I find myself driving around to places I don't even need to go just because he loves to ride in the car and is really good, or letting him watch tv just because he's driving me insane and I need some time to relax. I had a really bad day today so I'm having a hard time focusing on what he's doing well right now. I mean, he does lots of things well and that's great but after a day like today all I can think of is what he is NOT doing, which I know isn't helpful. We also live in an apartment building downtown and so I can't just throw him in the backyard. He also thinks it's great fun to toss things off the fourth floor deck when I'm not looking (nothing big--just little things like crackers or something so it's not dangerous so much as we've been over it 10,000 times that he cannot throw things off the deck) or walk around stomping which drives the neighbors insane and he knows it. I know he needs more physical things to do sometimes but when he's in a bad mood like today it just ends up with him pitching a fit in the park and me having to physically pick him up and drag him to the car or just fighting with him the whole time and like I said--I find myself not even wanting to try when I know he's in a pissy mood like today as it will end like that so we stay home and he drives me insane (and I probably drive him insane too!) being in a bad mood at home. Anyway, I'm not wanting to medicate him, I just think with his distractability and argumentative personality we'll probably have to some day, but in the meantime any tips you can suggest would be great. I'm also struggling with him wanting to argue about every little thing down to something like, " please put your shoes away. " He'll drag it out hoping I'll forget or leave his shoes out just because I've asked him to put them away. I make him follow through but sometimes I just don't want to deal with it and find myself getting really mad at him! I actually know what would be good for him in terms of exercise, incentives, etc. I'm just having a hard time implementing all these great suggestions and ideas I've read about because I'm just worn down right now from the constant drama of our lives at the moment! I just feel like I have to watch him every second or he's off doing something inappropriate and that leaves me unable to accomplish ANYTHING until he goes to bed, but by that point I'm just too tired. Thanks for letting me vent!! ***, We started medication for one at age 4 because he didn't sleep! Then at age 6, we did medication for anxiety because he couldn't go anywhere without melting down. Our other ds just started meds recently this year because he is always screaming and can't seem to get control of himself yet. We were very reluctant to start medication but I am glad we finally did. I was going insane trying to handle everything. And frankly, if you are miserable, it doesn't help your kid any! Nor does having him repeat bad behaviors or learn how to drive you crazy. Lol. Do not argue with him. I would say, " Put your shoes up.... " and if he does not, physically walk him through doing it. I know it takes more energy but eventually, he's going to do it on his own. You could also put him in a time out for two minutes every time you have to help him do his stuff. But you can also make it fun - write his chores down on a list he can see and ask him, " Did you finish your jobs? " Each day he can earn stickers or nickels or whatever would encourage him. You can have him save up for the weekend and if he has so many, he gets a trip to the video store or the park or an extra half hour doing something he likes. Someone already mentioned buying an indoor trampoline and that's a great idea. Also a big exercise ball is great as he can bounce on it. My 9 yo ds bounces like you wouldn't believe! He pushes the ball forward in mid bounce and in this manner, moves all around the room. It exhausts me just watching! Lol. We also have a treadmill in the living room. The boys will just run themselves ragged sometimes. Those are big and not the best looking things in the living room. But we have to do whatever we can to remain sane. And it doesn't hurt for me to get on that thing as well! My suggestion for sit in your seat activities is to do things like puzzles or mazes. It really depends upon what he likes to do. My ds will sit and write math problems. Another great idea is to get some educational software for him and let him sit at the computer and play away. My kids love doing this. Also video games - while they get a bad reputation - they are great sometimes. Kids will sit still for a time to play and also, some systems do come with good educational games. I know leap frog also has a game system that is all educational. Other ideas would be play dough (great for fine motor) and you can buy a set where it does things like cutting playdough hair or making playdough food. Painting is good as well if he likes that sort of things. Just hang in there! Roxanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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