Help

[Guest guest]

Tara -

My suggestions, are, for the most part - not related to food and

exercise. It seems to me that you are so focused on those issues and your

body and yourself, that your life is unbalanced. And, if you can find

alternative activities, perhaps food and exercise and your body will not be

the priority that they are now. I know you wrote that there isn't much

time, but I have often found that we have more time available than we

think. Any of the items below could be as little as 1-2 hours per week,

and would open so many doors and opportunities to you - and once you're in

positive situations, other positive things will happen for you.

As you've done this weekend, prepare meals for the week on the weekend, so

you don't have that on your nightly agenda. And I think it's a great idea

to commit to trying something new each week, as you've done. Especially if

it adds some calories to your day.

As for your parents' comments that you are 'gross' and are sick of hearing

about health and want to see you like you used to be - it could very well

be that they are simply reacting to the vibes that you are putting

out. You aren't happy with yourself, therefore you aren't projecting

yourself as a happy, healthy, Tara. When you balance out your life, and

have other things going on to talk about, they will see and may very well

react accordingly. If you are unhappy and unhealthy, your parents have

every reason to be unhappy as well.

- take an evening or weekend class (preferably not in exercise) such as

arts and crafts, photography, different language, gardening, cooking,

knitting, etc; you'll have less time to do this type of thing when you have

children

- find the local scrapbook store, and join their weekly crops to make a

scrapbook or memory album, documenting , or your wedding plans thru the

date of the wedding, or perhaps set-up a book in advance for your

honeymoon, your journey with food/exercise, or create a memory book of your

family - perhaps focus on a single person, perhaps just create a who's who

of your family that your fiance can use as a reference prior to the

wedding, perhaps a who's who of your fiance's family (as a guide for your

family), create a memory book about the pets you've had, or the places

you've lived prior to being married, or a book of 'firsts', or an album of

places you'd like to visit, or 'all about me' documenting your single life,

or your love of music, or 10 things you like about yourself, or 100 things

you'd like to do before you die or create an album focusing on your

non-body-related goals, and what you are doing each day/week to move closer

to them, or create an album for yourself of favorite family recipes from

each side of the family and give a copy to each set of in-laws, or set-up

an album for favorite recipes that you and your fiance like, or favorite

books or movies (You could do this at home too, but I'd love to get you

out-of-the house, with other women for socialization)

- volunteer somewhere; perhaps the local children's hospital has a music

program for kids, perhaps the local literacy organization; if you teach

music to the kids in the suburbs then volunteer at an inner city program;

if you teach in the inner city, then find something to do in the burbs

- participate at your local religious organization

- have friends over for dinner (you've said that you like to cook and bake;

make a meal that is balanced and you can eat, but is also friendly to

others; let us know if you need ideas; it's unnecessary to discuss the

nutrient ratios of what you're serving

- take your young nieces/nephews or friend's kids to the zoo/aquarium/park

etc (preferably with your fiance)

- most local bookstores have bookgroups that meet periodically to discuss a

common book

- read books about sex (I'm not talking porn; I'm talking about intimacy

between partners) and be sure to read some of them with your fiance; if

he's " pretty lazy and just likes to kind of lay there " he needs to be

educated, and if you don't do the educating who will?

- learn more about one of your fiances's hobbies or interests; I never

liked sports but I grew to enjoy watching baseball when I first got

married; last summer I grew

- take a class with your fiance (dancing, kayaking, bowling,

stamp-collecting, gardening, home-ownership, money-management skills, body

massage, etc)

- I know you and your fiance bought a home, but go house-hunting with your

fiance ; it's a fun weekend activity, and you can learn about how your

tastes in homes and lifestyles meld or clash; alternatively, plan out what

changes you'd like to make to the home you're in once your roommate leaves

- select a room in your current home and plan out the re-decorating you'll

do when you have the appropriate funds (ie, actually go to HOme Depot and

pick out colors etc and furniture, and keep a 3-ring binder of your ideas)

- go for a bike ride with your fiance

- learn about activities such as GeoCache and Orienteering; they are great

for being outside and thinking/doing with your fiance and others

- re-read your posts and pretend that someone else posted them; what would

you suggest she do? Write or type out the replies; in fact, make a book of

it - print out your calls for help to the group, and write your replies on

the bottom and keep them in a binder

- why are you reading the posts at the BFL guestbook? Do you honestly feel

that they are helpful or constructive to you and your situation? Or that

the majority of the people there are in the same situation as you are in?

Tara - what are your non-body related goals? What are you doing each

day/week to move closer to them?

Have you seen a physician yet about your nails and general medical

condition? Is anything medically wrong other than the low bodyfat?

I'm not suggesting that you bury your fears in an activity. Clearly you

are aware that you have unresolved issues about your body and your upcoming

marriage and that you need professional help, and you need to keep looking

for help until you find the right person/group. I'm simply suggesting

options to take you out of yourself, and put things in perspective. To

help transition towards eating for fuel, rather than eating for emotional

reasons.

ok - I've rambled long enuf

Where and when did you and your fiance meet? Where were you in your weight

loss journey when you met? When you decided to get married?

Enjoy the spring weather -

n

At 08:27 PM 4/29/2006, you wrote:

>Ok....here goes

>

> Can you tell us a bit about your non-food related life? I'm a music

> teacher, teaching grades 2-7. I'm very close to my family. I love to read

> and watch movies. I have a big dog and I love to shop.

>

>Do you work 9-5? Is it routine or stressful? A bit of stress, esp. now

>w/ all the concerts and programs

>

>What do you do for yourself that is not related to food? Not much time

>for anything besides coming home, walking the dog, cleaning up, making

>dinner, packing my meals for the next day, eating, and by then it's time

>for bed.

>

> Do you have hobbies or activities that you enjoy? I like to read and

> watch movies and television when I have time. I love to cook and bake and

> I like to shop.

>

> What are your days like, M-F? And Sat/Sun? M-F- up at 5, to the gym,

> then off to work On sat. and sun, usually at the gym for awhile, then

> relax or do wedding stuff, walk the dog, go grocery shopping, go to a

> movie with my best friend, take a nap, clean the house, etc.

>

> Which family members, in particular, tell you that you are " gross " ? My

> mom and dad think I am too skinny and they want to see me like I used to

> be. My fiancee would also like me to gain around 20 pounds, but he has

> stopped making any comments. Everyone around me is sick of hearing about

> health.

>

> Do you live with family, or are you on your own? I live with my fiancee

> and one of his friends, who will hopefully be moving once we're married!

>

> I know your fiance would like you to eat 'normally' (as you would like

>too); is he loving and kind about your issues? My fiancee is not a

>sensitive person and he just gets frustrated b/c he feels like there's

>nothing he can do, so he basically ignores it now. If I mention anything

>about food or weight, he changes the subject. He hates me working out and

>tells me that I choose the gym over him.

>

>In other words, I don't want to hear about your calories and exercise. I

>think you have that well under control (if anything - too

>controlled!). I'd like to know what your non-body related actvities and

>goals are. I have been so focused for so long on food and exercise, I

>don't even know what I want anymore! I'm not really happy with my job and

>I don't feel good about what I look like. I don't know why I keep striving

>for the " perfect " body. I don't feel like I'm good at anything I do. I am

>kind of lonely. I have a hard time making close friends b/c I'm shy.

[Guest guest]

wow n, great post. For all of us. I've been reading a book called

" Feel the Fear and do it Anyway " and it has pointed out to myself what you

are pointing out to Tara. It is good to have a balanced life. Focusing

too much on one area is unbalanced and unhealthy. It has led me to do some

serious thinking about my time, on the internet, with my family and at my

job.

Very good suggestions.

Diane

At 04:37 PM 4/30/2006, you wrote:

>Tara -

>

>My suggestions, are, for the most part - not related to food and

>exercise. It seems to me that you are so focused on those issues and your

>body and yourself, that your life is unbalanced. And, if you can find

>alternative activities, perhaps food and exercise and your body will not be

>the priority that they are now. I know you wrote that there isn't much

>time, but I have often found that we have more time available than we

>think. Any of the items below could be as little as 1-2 hours per week,

>and would open so many doors and opportunities to you - and once you're in

>positive situations, other positive things will happen for you.

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.

Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/327 - Release Date: 4/28/2006

[Guest guest]

wow n, great post. For all of us. I've been reading a book called

" Feel the Fear and do it Anyway " and it has pointed out to myself what you

are pointing out to Tara. It is good to have a balanced life. Focusing

too much on one area is unbalanced and unhealthy. It has led me to do some

serious thinking about my time, on the internet, with my family and at my

job.

Very good suggestions.

Diane

At 04:37 PM 4/30/2006, you wrote:

>Tara -

>

>My suggestions, are, for the most part - not related to food and

>exercise. It seems to me that you are so focused on those issues and your

>body and yourself, that your life is unbalanced. And, if you can find

>alternative activities, perhaps food and exercise and your body will not be

>the priority that they are now. I know you wrote that there isn't much

>time, but I have often found that we have more time available than we

>think. Any of the items below could be as little as 1-2 hours per week,

>and would open so many doors and opportunities to you - and once you're in

>positive situations, other positive things will happen for you.

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.

Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/327 - Release Date: 4/28/2006

[Guest guest]

Wow n. You have no idea how much it means to me that you spent so much

time thinking about my situation. thank you for your insights and ideas. They

have really made me think! I keep wanting to take a class, such as a cooking

class, and Drew and I have discussed taking a dancing class, but for some

reason, I just never do it. I've also thought about volunteering and joining a

book group. I've started a list of things that I want to do, and I'm going to

actually start doing them! Tonight, Drew and I actually ate dinner together and

went for a nice walk with the dog. I am going to see a Dr. on Tuesday about the

nails, and I've been tested extensively for problems like anemia, thyroid, etc.

I am fine other than the low body fat, which is most likely causing some of the

other problems.

When Drew and I met, I wore about a size 14 and did NO exercise. I drove 100

yds down the street to class! He never had a problem with my weight and has

always thought I was beautiful. When we got engaged, I was around 130 or 135,

which is very healthy for me. Again, thank you so much! Especially with summer

coming, I'm really going to be on a mission to get a life! I don't want it on my

headstone that I exercised a lot and ate healthy foods. I want to get out and do

things and have exciting experiences!

n wrote:

Tara -

My suggestions, are, for the most part - not related to food and

exercise. It seems to me that you are so focused on those issues and your

body and yourself, that your life is unbalanced. And, if you can find

alternative activities, perhaps food and exercise and your body will not be

the priority that they are now. I know you wrote that there isn't much

time, but I have often found that we have more time available than we

think. Any of the items below could be as little as 1-2 hours per week,

and would open so many doors and opportunities to you - and once you're in

positive situations, other positive things will happen for you.

As you've done this weekend, prepare meals for the week on the weekend, so

you don't have that on your nightly agenda. And I think it's a great idea

to commit to trying something new each week, as you've done. Especially if

it adds some calories to your day.

As for your parents' comments that you are 'gross' and are sick of hearing

about health and want to see you like you used to be - it could very well

be that they are simply reacting to the vibes that you are putting

out. You aren't happy with yourself, therefore you aren't projecting

yourself as a happy, healthy, Tara. When you balance out your life, and

have other things going on to talk about, they will see and may very well

react accordingly. If you are unhappy and unhealthy, your parents have

every reason to be unhappy as well.

- take an evening or weekend class (preferably not in exercise) such as

arts and crafts, photography, different language, gardening, cooking,

knitting, etc; you'll have less time to do this type of thing when you have

children

- find the local scrapbook store, and join their weekly crops to make a

scrapbook or memory album, documenting , or your wedding plans thru the

date of the wedding, or perhaps set-up a book in advance for your

honeymoon, your journey with food/exercise, or create a memory book of your

family - perhaps focus on a single person, perhaps just create a who's who

of your family that your fiance can use as a reference prior to the

wedding, perhaps a who's who of your fiance's family (as a guide for your

family), create a memory book about the pets you've had, or the places

you've lived prior to being married, or a book of 'firsts', or an album of

places you'd like to visit, or 'all about me' documenting your single life,

or your love of music, or 10 things you like about yourself, or 100 things

you'd like to do before you die or create an album focusing on your

non-body-related goals, and what you are doing each day/week to move closer

to them, or create an album for yourself of favorite family recipes from

each side of the family and give a copy to each set of in-laws, or set-up

an album for favorite recipes that you and your fiance like, or favorite

books or movies (You could do this at home too, but I'd love to get you

out-of-the house, with other women for socialization)

- volunteer somewhere; perhaps the local children's hospital has a music

program for kids, perhaps the local literacy organization; if you teach

music to the kids in the suburbs then volunteer at an inner city program;

if you teach in the inner city, then find something to do in the burbs

- participate at your local religious organization

- have friends over for dinner (you've said that you like to cook and bake;

make a meal that is balanced and you can eat, but is also friendly to

others; let us know if you need ideas; it's unnecessary to discuss the

nutrient ratios of what you're serving

- take your young nieces/nephews or friend's kids to the zoo/aquarium/park

etc (preferably with your fiance)

- most local bookstores have bookgroups that meet periodically to discuss a

common book

- read books about sex (I'm not talking porn; I'm talking about intimacy

between partners) and be sure to read some of them with your fiance; if

he's " pretty lazy and just likes to kind of lay there " he needs to be

educated, and if you don't do the educating who will?

- learn more about one of your fiances's hobbies or interests; I never

liked sports but I grew to enjoy watching baseball when I first got

married; last summer I grew

- take a class with your fiance (dancing, kayaking, bowling,

stamp-collecting, gardening, home-ownership, money-management skills, body

massage, etc)

- I know you and your fiance bought a home, but go house-hunting with your

fiance ; it's a fun weekend activity, and you can learn about how your

tastes in homes and lifestyles meld or clash; alternatively, plan out what

changes you'd like to make to the home you're in once your roommate leaves

- select a room in your current home and plan out the re-decorating you'll

do when you have the appropriate funds (ie, actually go to HOme Depot and

pick out colors etc and furniture, and keep a 3-ring binder of your ideas)

- go for a bike ride with your fiance

- learn about activities such as GeoCache and Orienteering; they are great

for being outside and thinking/doing with your fiance and others

- re-read your posts and pretend that someone else posted them; what would

you suggest she do? Write or type out the replies; in fact, make a book of

it - print out your calls for help to the group, and write your replies on

the bottom and keep them in a binder

- why are you reading the posts at the BFL guestbook? Do you honestly feel

that they are helpful or constructive to you and your situation? Or that

the majority of the people there are in the same situation as you are in?

Tara - what are your non-body related goals? What are you doing each

day/week to move closer to them?

Have you seen a physician yet about your nails and general medical

condition? Is anything medically wrong other than the low bodyfat?

I'm not suggesting that you bury your fears in an activity. Clearly you

are aware that you have unresolved issues about your body and your upcoming

marriage and that you need professional help, and you need to keep looking

for help until you find the right person/group. I'm simply suggesting

options to take you out of yourself, and put things in perspective. To

help transition towards eating for fuel, rather than eating for emotional

reasons.

ok - I've rambled long enuf

Where and when did you and your fiance meet? Where were you in your weight

loss journey when you met? When you decided to get married?

Enjoy the spring weather -

n

At 08:27 PM 4/29/2006, you wrote:

>Ok....here goes

>

> Can you tell us a bit about your non-food related life? I'm a music

> teacher, teaching grades 2-7. I'm very close to my family. I love to read

> and watch movies. I have a big dog and I love to shop.

>

>Do you work 9-5? Is it routine or stressful? A bit of stress, esp. now

>w/ all the concerts and programs

>

>What do you do for yourself that is not related to food? Not much time

>for anything besides coming home, walking the dog, cleaning up, making

>dinner, packing my meals for the next day, eating, and by then it's time

>for bed.

>

> Do you have hobbies or activities that you enjoy? I like to read and

> watch movies and television when I have time. I love to cook and bake and

> I like to shop.

>

> What are your days like, M-F? And Sat/Sun? M-F- up at 5, to the gym,

> then off to work On sat. and sun, usually at the gym for awhile, then

> relax or do wedding stuff, walk the dog, go grocery shopping, go to a

> movie with my best friend, take a nap, clean the house, etc.

>

> Which family members, in particular, tell you that you are " gross " ? My

> mom and dad think I am too skinny and they want to see me like I used to

> be. My fiancee would also like me to gain around 20 pounds, but he has

> stopped making any comments. Everyone around me is sick of hearing about

> health.

>

> Do you live with family, or are you on your own? I live with my fiancee

> and one of his friends, who will hopefully be moving once we're married!

>

> I know your fiance would like you to eat 'normally' (as you would like

>too); is he loving and kind about your issues? My fiancee is not a

>sensitive person and he just gets frustrated b/c he feels like there's

>nothing he can do, so he basically ignores it now. If I mention anything

>about food or weight, he changes the subject. He hates me working out and

>tells me that I choose the gym over him.

>

>In other words, I don't want to hear about your calories and exercise. I

>think you have that well under control (if anything - too

>controlled!). I'd like to know what your non-body related actvities and

>goals are. I have been so focused for so long on food and exercise, I

>don't even know what I want anymore! I'm not really happy with my job and

>I don't feel good about what I look like. I don't know why I keep striving

>for the " perfect " body. I don't feel like I'm good at anything I do. I am

>kind of lonely. I have a hard time making close friends b/c I'm shy.

[Guest guest]

Tara, It makes my heart happy to hear you talk about eating with your fiancé

and considering the other things you¹re interested in. Emails are funny

since we hear little snippets of each other¹s lives. n¹s suggestion are

wonderful advice for any relationship. This is such a special time for you

and it will make your wedding, and more importantly, your marriage that much

better. Enjoy life that¹s what it¹s all about.

My boyfriend and I had a discussion this weekend, because after seeing a

photo of myself from the back that showed all my cellulite in the worst

light, I was in tears. Somehow I got it in my head that he wouldn¹t want

anything to do with me. After he talked me down off the roof, so to speak

, he said that he was upset with me for not giving him more credit and for

being so hard on myself and there was so much more to me than my thighs and

he went on to tell me about all the things he loved about me...that boy

earned some serious brownie points in my heart. But he was right and I got

it, at least for the time being. It¹s so easy in our culture to get

hyper-focused on our looks and ignore the other 90% of ourselves and feel

like we don¹t measure up. In the end it¹s our relationships with the people

we love that matter. Getting fit has enriched my life, but without the

wonderful people in my life it wouldn¹t mean much. This is a lesson I know

I¹ve needed, so thank you for being willing to share.

Thank you n for your post. It¹s fabulous! (I hope your husband knows

what a wonderful partner he has!)

Laurie

[Guest guest]

Sounds like you've got yourself a great guy there Laurie. It was nice to eat

with him and walk the dog and talk about our wedding and our future. I've been

so focused on myself and my weight for so long, that I've forgotten about

things that I truly love to do, like read a good book. Just going to try to set

small goals for myself. This week, I'm not going to step on the scale. I'm

going to get at least 1800 calories a day and take my UDOs every day. I'm also

going to start my wedding scrapbook that I have been wanting to do for sometime

now. Thank you again n for helping me to open my eyes.

Laurie Marrelli wrote: Tara, It makes my heart happy to

hear you talk about eating with your fiancé

and considering the other things you¹re interested in. Emails are funny

since we hear little snippets of each other¹s lives. n¹s suggestion are

wonderful advice for any relationship. This is such a special time for you

and it will make your wedding, and more importantly, your marriage that much

better. Enjoy life that¹s what it¹s all about.

My boyfriend and I had a discussion this weekend, because after seeing a

photo of myself from the back that showed all my cellulite in the worst

light, I was in tears. Somehow I got it in my head that he wouldn¹t want

anything to do with me. After he talked me down off the roof, so to speak

, he said that he was upset with me for not giving him more credit and for

being so hard on myself and there was so much more to me than my thighs and

he went on to tell me about all the things he loved about me...that boy

earned some serious brownie points in my heart. But he was right and I got

it, at least for the time being. It¹s so easy in our culture to get

hyper-focused on our looks and ignore the other 90% of ourselves and feel

like we don¹t measure up. In the end it¹s our relationships with the people

we love that matter. Getting fit has enriched my life, but without the

wonderful people in my life it wouldn¹t mean much. This is a lesson I know

I¹ve needed, so thank you for being willing to share.

Thank you n for your post. It¹s fabulous! (I hope your husband knows

what a wonderful partner he has!)

Laurie

[Guest guest]

hello gang my hcv/rna is 1,440[it says international units per ml.useing real time polymerase chain reaction rt-pcr tech it quantitates hcv rna from 10 to 100,000,000iu/ml so what is my true viral load?

New Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big.

[Guest guest]

That is your viral load = 1,440 IU , all the little initials just make it more confusing for most people . Your log is 3 point something ...

Here is a link to the viral load chart that I use .

http://forums.delphiforums.com/hephelp/messages

Re: help

hello gang

my hcv/rna is 1,440[it says international units per ml.useing real time polymerase chain reaction rt-pcr tech it quantitates hcv rna from 10 to 100,000,000iu/ml so what is my true viral load?

New Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big.

[Guest guest]

according to chart im below detectable limits is that true?

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Actual they can test down to 0 nowdays . Its just a different test . It is great news that your vl is considered low . Have you had a biopsy yet ?

Re: help

according to chart im below detectable limits is that true?

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

no and i cant get them to give me 1.they say i dont need it.ive had 2 doctors both say the same thing they said from what they see in results i dont need it.

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

I listened to doctors tell me that crap until 3 yrs ago . When I finally was able to get a doc to do the biopsy I ended up with stage and grade 3 . My viral load had never gone above 1000 at that time and I had normal liver enzymes . Sometimes you just have to push , cause the best way to find out what or if there is damage is to have a biopsy .Biopsy is the most definitive way of determining damage.

Re: help

no and i cant get them to give me 1.they say i dont need it.ive had 2 doctors both say the same thing they said from what they see in results i dont need it.

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

I agree Liz,, you can have perfectly normal enzymes and have cirrhosis,, or have very very high viral load and have NO damage,,, tim needs a biopsy!!!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: I listened to doctors tell me that crap until 3 yrs ago . When I finally was able to get a doc to do the biopsy I ended up with stage and grade 3 . My viral load had never gone above 1000 at that time and I had normal liver enzymes . Sometimes you just have to push , cause the best way to find out what or if there is damage is to have a biopsy .Biopsy is the most definitive way of determining damage. Re: help no and i cant get them to give me 1.they say i dont need it.ive had 2 doctors both say the same thing they said from what they see in results i dont need it. Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Messenger with

Voice. Jackie

[Guest guest]

Clinical StudiesAlthough SAM-e is not a prescription product in the United States, it has been extensively studied in over 100 trials around the world. The table below outlines a selection of studies on SAM-e. Click on the title of the study to view an abstract; click on the area of study link to read more about SAM-e in that area. Area of Study Year Study Author Journal Length Mood 1994 S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment Bell K Acta Neurol Scand 4 wks Mood 1994 S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM-e) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies Bressa GM Acta Neurol Scand Suppl Meta-analysis Mood 1992 Oral s-adenosylmethionine in depression De Vanna M Curr Ther Res 6 wks Mood 1990 Oral s-adenosylmethionine in depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Kagan B Am J Psychiatry 21 d Mood 1990 The antidepressant potential of oral S-adenosyl-l-methionine Rosenbaum J Acta Psychiatr Scand 6 wks Liver Function 1999 S-adenosylmethionine in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial Mato J J Hepatol 2 yrs Liver Function 1989 Effects of oral S-adenosyl-L-methionine on hepatic glutathione in patients with liver disease Vendemiale G Scand J Gastroenterol 6 mo Liver Function 1990 Oral S-adenosylmethionine in the symptomatic treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study Frezza M Gastroenterol 2 wks Liver Function 1990 Biochemistry and pharmacology of S-adenosyl-L-methionine and rationale for its use in liver disease Chawla RK Drugs Review Joint Health 1987 Italian double-blind multicenter study comparing S-adenosylmethionine, naproxen, and placebo in the treatment of degenerative joint disease Caruso I Am J Med 30 d Joint Health 1987 Double-blind controlled clinical trial of oral S-adenosylmethionine versus piroxicam in knee osteoarthritis Maccagno A Am J Med 84 d Joint Health 1987 A new medical approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis. Report of an open phase IV study with ademetionine (Gumbaral) Berger R Am J Med 8 wks Joint Health 1987 A long-term (two years) clinical trial with S-adenosylmethionine for the treatment of osteoarthritis Konig B Am J Med 24 mo Joint Health 1987 Double-blind clinical trial of S-adenosylmethionine versus ibuprofen in the treatment of osteoarthritis Muller-Fassbender H Am J Med 4 wks SAM-e has been studied by many major universities, respected physicians, and media outlets. They have found it to be one of the best solutions for many conditions.* Texas Tech University, School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry West Los Angeles Va Medical Center Mexican Institute Of Psychiatry University La Sapienza School Of Medicine University Of California, Irvine Medical Center In Europe, In Germany, It Is An Approved Treatment The University Hospital

In Switzerland. The University Of Toronto, Ontario, Ca. The British Journal Of Dermatology The Neurophsychiatric Institute, University tOf California The Psychiatric Of The University Of Ill The Instituto De Docencia E Investigaciones Biologicas, In Buenos Aires, Argentina Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia University Cattolica Sacro Cuore School of Medicine, Rome, Italy Clinical Research Department, BioResearch S.p.A., Liscate-Milan, Italy Metabolic Disease Center, Baylor Research Institute, Dallas, Texas University degli Studi di Palermo Ann Ital Med Int University Department of Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, & School of Medicine, London, UK. University of Illinois, Chicago, IL

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[Guest guest]

Leah, everything will be alright. Is your son healthy and happy other than his autism? If so you have nothing to fix. Start getting the help and services that you have available in your area and go from there. I live in a small town in Louisiana and services here are limited and hard to come by but I keep fighting for Avery.

Hope StudentPineville, Louisianamsyogi@...

HELP

My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed withautism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something wasdifferent with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my hearthas been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be ableto fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem tofunction in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work. Someone please help me

[Guest guest]

Hi Leah,

My son was diagnosed with autism when he was 24 months so I know how you feel. We weren't surprised with the diagnosis but it still hit us very hard. It's been a long road. My son is now 9 1/2 years old and will be going into the 4th grade. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me or the other members of the group. You can also write to me directly if you want. I know this is a very difficult time.

HELP

My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed withautism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something wasdifferent with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my hearthas been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be ableto fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem tofunction in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work. Someone please help me

[Guest guest]

leah it is of a healing process foryou as this news is of too much for

parents at times but over time you will learn much about autism and

see you son in a new way and not one of no hope.

The best advice is get connected to many families as can such as here

that can be of a support and guide and be to help of you because they

too live of this world.

Also what ever state you are in find out waht resoeuces are there and

get connected and to find out if they too ahve of a web page such as

this specific to you state or areas. those groups can be the most

helpful in networking and finding resouces and conenctions over all.

Sondra adult with dx of autism but I to say HFA and be to have of 4

childrens all with aspergers syndrome.

[Guest guest]

>

> My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed with

> autism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something was

> different with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my heart

> has been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be

able

> to fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem to

> function in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work.

> Someone please help me

>First of all God bless you and your family. You have just been dealt

a large blow to your hopes and dreams for your precious child, this is

a death in many ways. You will experience the same process of grief,

you will breakdown for a while, then get angry, then get busy. Don't

let anyone tell you how you should feel or when you should feel it,

you take the time to grieve and then you will be ready to get on with

the business of living and becoming the number one advocate for your

little guy. My 11 almost 12 yo son was dx with asperger's 18 days

before his 9th b'day, like you we always knew something was

different. I don't know where you son falls on the spectrum at this

point but while you should take the time to fully comprehend the dx,

the next thing you should do is see if your local area has an early

intervention program and get your son involved in it as soon as

possible. You are lucky in one sense you have a dx. this young. I

was put off by doctors for years as a over-anxious parent and one who

compared my son to his older brother too much. There are many

wonderful books in your local library and check your area for any

support groups that exist and if there are none you may want to do

what I did, start one, this is all down the road a little of course

but the one thing your child needs the most you already have,

unconditional love, he needs your patience also as this disorder is

really misunderstood by society and there will be days when it is all

too much to take. Take care of yourself also build a reliable network

to have some time away to recharge your batteries and you and your

husband will have to work all the much harder to maintain your

relationship, I don't mean to paint a grim picture but the facts are

this will take you to places you never thought you could go but you

can with God's grace and your endless love for your child you will

make it I wouldn't change my son for anything in the world as he is

the funniest, smartest and most insightful guy you would ever want to

meet. My thoughts and prayers are with you, you now join the ranks of

the chosen those chosen to be parent's of special needs children.

Take care and God bless,

Tina

[Guest guest]

Leah wrote:

>

>

> My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed with

> autism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something was

> different with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my heart

> has been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be able

> to fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem to

> function in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work.

> Someone please help me

Hi! Our Louie, who is 26 now (and in assisted living, and working) was

diagnosed at about the same age as your guy. And when you get a

diagnosis like this, you go through the same stages that people in

mourning do. Because you're mourning the son you thought you had. This

too shall pass, and it's a totally normal thing to be going through.

The thing to remember is this: there are worse things in the world than

autism that can happen to a child. Autism will not kill your child, nor

put him in a wheelchair, nor make him totally dependent on machines. It

feels like the end of the world, but you will make it through this

period and you will go on.

Meanwhile, you are setting out on a great adventure. Like any

adventure, there are pitfalls along the way, and hard times, and some

crying. The world will not, for the most part, understand your son nor

understand his actions. And they will criticize you for this out of

their own ignorance. And you'll put up with a lot of ignorance,

well-meaning and otherwise. And that's the hard part. However the hard

part is not the only part, and generally not the main part of the

experience you're setting out on.

There's a reward, as well, since most adventures require a reward (watch

Pirates of the Carribbean ) And the reward is just as rich as anything

Jack Sparrow ever found. You get to know a person, your son, who's

outlook will always be different, and unique, from that of the typical

world. You will learn about a different way of being, and a truly

strange sense of humor. You will learn more about people than you ever

thought you would. And you will learn to appreciate small victories,

knowing that they accumulate into a very great victory. That great

victory happens when your son is doing the very best he can do with

whatever degree of adult autonomy is appropriate for him. And when he

does well at his Special Ed. classes. And when he earns his first

medals in Special Olympics games. And when he figures out a social cue

that's been an enigma to him. The victory happens when you make

connections with your son, so that he understands you and you understand

him. It happens when your son speaks for the first time, develops his

first area of expertise (other neurotypical people call these splinter

skills and obsessions, but what do they know?). The rewards are much

greater than any of the drawbacks, and you will discover this too.

So don't feel too down. The thing to do now is to meet with your

diagnosing dr. and get some early intervention therapies set up.

Studies have shown that our kids do better if intervention starts early.

If he's not able to point you in the right direction, ask him for a

referral to a psychologist or (better yet) a neuropsychologist. Those

folks usually know all the therapy people (or a good many of them), and

can get you started.

And for you? Take a few days off, if you can, and do the thing that you

do when you're upset or very depressed (all women have something that

does the trick). If it's chocolate, meditation, exercise, massage, long

bubble baths, reading, dancing, whatever. You need to take time for

yourself now, and develop the habit of doing this at least several times

a week. You can't help your son if you're physically and mentally

stressed out. And you will find that this little thing, all by itself,

will cause the breakdowns to ebb and finally leave. And the stresses

will be easier to handle because you have your " decompression " time and

you'll have the energy and patience from that time to deal with whatever

the day tosses your way.

And just so you know? When our guy was diagnosed (dx'ed), they told us

he'd never advance, work, speak, live outside our house, and should be

placed in a state facility (this was in 1982). Now, 24 years later:

1. He has been in assisted living for 5 years, with 3 autie roomies and

staff. They all get along like gangbusters!

2. He has 2 paying jobs (as assistant church sexton and as apt. complex

yard man), 1 volunteer gig (filling bird feeders at a local wildlife

nature park up the canyon), and a training experience (learning to groom

and care for a horse named Rocky, with the idea that he might be a

stable hand one day).

3. He is a full member of our church, having made the decision to be

baptized himself after much thought about it.

4. He medals every year in Spec. Olympic track, which he trains for

starting in January (the Regionals are in March, the State Games in May).

5. Once a month he and his roomies go dancing at a thing our church

started called DD Dance Club. There are girls there!

IOW, he's pretty much getting along like any other young man in his

20's, except that we don't have to worry about him drinking or getting

someone preggers. And he's a very happy young man! And isn't that

what every parent wants for their child?

I hope at least some of this helps you feel better.

Annie, who loves ya annie@...

--

" If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the

thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power

to revoke at any moment. " -- Marcus Aurelius

[Guest guest]

Annie, thanks for letting us know about your son!! What a positive email!! My son is only 8 and was diagnosed last year with AS. I do worry about his future and reading about your son puts my mind at ease that he will be okay!! Right now he is an amazingly funny (in his own way), smart (about his certain interests) and wonderful boy. Our eyes are opened more every day to his world, different, yes, but really fascinating. It's not all roses, but there are some extremely amazing things that we know come from his AS.

Leah, the day you get the diagnosis is scary but you will come to realize that Nate is still your sweet, beautiful boy!! Maybe not the same as everyone else, but he will grow to do wonderful things!!

Good luck!! With help from doctors, neurologists etc and with you by his side, he be just fine!! It won't always be easy, but you will find the strength to do what you know is right for him!

Estevan, Saskatchewan

Canada

-- Re: HELP

Leah wrote:> > > My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed with> autism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something was> different with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my heart> has been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be able> to fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem to> function in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work.> Someone please help meHi! Our Louie, who is 26 now (and in assisted living, and working) was diagnosed at about the same age as your guy. And when you get a diagnosis like this, you go through the same stages that people in mourning do. Because you're mourning the son you thought you had. This too shall pass, and it's a totally normal thing to be going through.The thing to remember is this: there are worse things in the world than autism that can happen to a child. Autism will not kill your child, nor put him in a wheelchair, nor make him totally dependent on machines. It feels like the end of the world, but you will make it through this period and you will go on.Meanwhile, you are setting out on a great adventure. Like any adventure, there are pitfalls along the way, and hard times, and some crying. The world will not, for the most part, understand your son nor understand his actions. And they will criticize you for this out of their own ignorance. And you'll put up with a lot of ignorance, well-meaning and otherwise. And that's the hard part. However the hard part is not the only part, and generally not the main part of the experience you're setting out on.There's a reward, as well, since most adventures require a reward (watch Pirates of the Carribbean ) And the reward is just as rich as anything Jack Sparrow ever found. You get to know a person, your son, who's outlook will always be different, and unique, from that of the typical world. You will learn about a different way of being, and a truly strange sense of humor. You will learn more about people than you ever thought you would. And you will learn to appreciate small victories, knowing that they accumulate into a very great victory. That great victory happens when your son is doing the very best he can do with whatever degree of adult autonomy is appropriate for him. And when he does well at his Special Ed. classes. And when he earns his first medals in Special Olympics games. And when he figures out a social cue that's been an enigma to him. The victory happens when you make connections with your son, so that he understands you and you understand him. It happens when your son speaks for the first time, develops his first area of expertise (other neurotypical people call these splinter skills and obsessions, but what do they know?). The rewards are much greater than any of the drawbacks, and you will discover this too.So don't feel too down. The thing to do now is to meet with your diagnosing dr. and get some early intervention therapies set up. Studies have shown that our kids do better if intervention starts early. If he's not able to point you in the right direction, ask him for a referral to a psychologist or (better yet) a neuropsychologist. Those folks usually know all the therapy people (or a good many of them), and can get you started.And for you? Take a few days off, if you can, and do the thing that you do when you're upset or very depressed (all women have something that does the trick). If it's chocolate, meditation, exercise, massage, long bubble baths, reading, dancing, whatever. You need to take time for yourself now, and develop the habit of doing this at least several times a week. You can't help your son if you're physically and mentally stressed out. And you will find that this little thing, all by itself, will cause the breakdowns to ebb and finally leave. And the stresses will be easier to handle because you have your "decompression" time and you'll have the energy and patience from that time to deal with whatever the day tosses your way. :)And just so you know? When our guy was diagnosed (dx'ed), they told us he'd never advance, work, speak, live outside our house, and should be placed in a state facility (this was in 1982). Now, 24 years later:1. He has been in assisted living for 5 years, with 3 autie roomies and staff. They all get along like gangbusters!2. He has 2 paying jobs (as assistant church sexton and as apt. complex yard man), 1 volunteer gig (filling bird feeders at a local wildlife nature park up the canyon), and a training experience (learning to groom and care for a horse named Rocky, with the idea that he might be a stable hand one day).3. He is a full member of our church, having made the decision to be baptized himself after much thought about it.4. He medals every year in Spec. Olympic track, which he trains for starting in January (the Regionals are in March, the State Games in May).5. Once a month he and his roomies go dancing at a thing our church started called DD Dance Club. There are girls there!IOW, he's pretty much getting along like any other young man in his 20's, except that we don't have to worry about him drinking or getting someone preggers. And he's a very happy young man! And isn't that what every parent wants for their child?I hope at least some of this helps you feel better. :)Annie, who loves ya annie@...-- "If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment." -- Marcus Aurelius

[Guest guest]

Welcome Leah, yes most of us mothers have been where you are now. With my son, Marty, who is 41 years old now, he started having seizures one day, out of the blue, at about the same age your child is now. And as they were trying to control them, they started him on drugs. And they really made a mess of his little brain I am afraid, everything he could do up to that point kind of fizzled away. So then his autism, and retardation, behavior problems, etc. began to show themselves in earnest.

It was certainly a roller coaster ride for us, and I mean that literally. Up down, up, down. Back then things were not as good as they are today for kids with disabilities. Like for example, they wanted me to send him off to the state institution to live out his life when he was not even 3! I still don't understand that, as they knew very little about what was wrong with him, and he was overly drugged at the time anyway, which would make a zombie out of any of us.

I would just say to take it one day at a time, because nobody really knows how it will be for you and your child, and too try to take advantage of all the programs now available for early intervention. We didn't have those back in the 60s, and so I spent probably 20 years trying to get him suitable programs, which I never did. FL 94-142 was new then, and difficult to implement.

But I think they do have many good educational programs today. So I would say to give your child all the love you have, and just take it one day at a time, oh yes faith in God has helped me an awful lot too!

Just don't panic, we are all here for you, and we understand!

Much love, a mom, and grandma,

Carolyn in Oregon

HELP

My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed withautism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something wasdifferent with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my hearthas been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be ableto fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem tofunction in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work. Someone please help me

[Guest guest]

I haven't said much on the list, but with this I felt I had to say something.

Leah,

I wish so much that my son who is now 18 had been diagnosed as young as your son has been. We didn't find out until he was 18! You have some advantages that these older children unfortunately will not or do not have. There are many programs out there for toddlers and very young children where they can stay at home and still get the benefits of these programs.

The therapist we work with runs a daycare/school for toddlers and young kids who have autism. So I know they are out there. My son now, who is an adult has the fewest programs available to help him. He was 12 when diagnosed and the local mental health facilities did not know what AS was let alone how to work with him.I knew something was different with as a baby and no one would help me that I went to for help...not till he was 12. It has been stressful to say the least.

Don't feel guilty about what you could have done or could do...just accept that this is what is and don't beat yourself up for it. No one knows why these special children come to us. But their blessings in our lives are countless and for a purpose. If you need a break, don't feel guilty about taking it. It is a survival method that is essential for parents and caretakers. Lots of love and structure, schedules and love! These kids do well with lots of structure and schedules..they're like a security blanket.

Something you may want to read up on is what are called Indigo Children....almost all AS children fit into this category! It is amazing information. Also check into getting Biofeedback therapy with a practitioner who uses a EPFX, QXCI or SCIO equipment. They have the ability to work with AS and DNA issues. This can help greatly in relaxation and other issues. As a practitioner myself, I have used this on my son with wonderful results.

Best Wishes

Kernan

My Size Barbie Fashions by Rainysnana can be found at my store at The Doll Pagehttp://www.rainysnana.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Leah, My son is now 11. He was diagnosed at the age of 3. Give yourself time to grieve. It is a grieving process that you go through. Allow yourself to feel all the feelings. It is hard to lose the child you believed you were going to have. In time it does get easier. And with early intervention your child has a wonderful chance at a wonderful life. My advice to you is read all you can. Get educated on special education law. You will need it in the future. Be prepared. When my son was first diagnosed it was as if someone ripped my heart out. My hope was dashed. But that was because I did not really realise what autism was. I didnt know. As I learned things started to make sense and my hope was once again restored. My son Warren has the biggest heart on the face of the planet. He is the kindest, gentlest, greatest kid ever. Not to say that it has been an easy road. We have struggled to get where we are today. And I am sure we will continue to struggle.

But even typical kids have their struggles. Ours are just of a different nature. Dont lose hope. I know you are feeling devastated right now but as the smoke clears you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Warren is so smart and kindhearted. He has his bad days........ he mad more bad days when he was younger but since he started learning how to cope with the world around him he has become a much happier boy. Keep fighting the good fight!!!!! You will see..... Good Luck!!!! in Lancaster, Caleahg12383 <legalemo@...> wrote: My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed withautism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something wasdifferent with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my hearthas been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be ableto fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem tofunction in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work. Someone please help me __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

It is very hard to get kids with AS into these programs, because Regional Center generally covers them, and if you are not a regional center client you can just forget it. I have been trying to get services for Molly for years, and she doesn't qualify - they say she is not "impaired" enough. My youngest daughter has Autism, and as of right now, I am on a leave of absence which I cannot afford to be on. I lost my child care, and because she must have a 1:1 aide, and can be violent towards herself and others, no one will take her. I have called Regional Center as I sent her paperwork in a long time ago - well three weeks to a month ago, and they still haven't even assigned her a worker yet. So, in the meantime, I am teetering on losing my job. As far as early diagnosis - I would have absolutely killed to have my daughter Molly dx'd very early. She has an extremely difficult time dealing

with every day stuff. Her AS is very severe, she was both sexually and physically assaulted this year - the physical was a hate crime, and now the girls involved are in jail. They assaulted her because she is Jewish. Now, do I think it would have happened to a NT child? Unfortunately, not - she tends to call attention to herself without even trying, due to her clumsiness, awkwardness and differentness. If she was "autistic" she would be in a non public school - unfortunately, there are VERY few organizations willing to provide services for people with Aspergers. Even through the Navy there is a program called the ECHO program - I sent in paperwork on both my girls that are on the spectrum, and they will "probably" accept Hope (her IQ is very high which seems to be problematic with obtaining services), but they will not accept Molly. Many providers consider Aspergers to be a "borderline" issue. Not bad enough to qualify for

autism, but still semi impaired. I want to grab hold of people and say - hey DUMBAS# the distinguishing characteristic for autistic kids with high iqs or aspergers kids is speech delay - speech delay is what "makes" Hope autistic and Molly not. Sorry to rant like this - I have hit total frustration. My husband just deployed (he is in the Navy), and my almost 18 year old son is driving me nuts - he doesn't seem to understand that when he has a shitty attitude, and refuses to do what he is asked to do and is mouthy, that the younger kids pick up on it and that he sets the stage so to speak. ARRRGGGHGH - I have loads of work today, but Hope is walking that fine line between having meltdowns and being manipulative - she keeps on scratching herself and actually drew blood because she didn't get her way. J Kernan <jkernan@...> wrote: I haven't said much on the list, but with this I felt I had to say something. Leah, I wish so much that my son who is now 18 had been diagnosed as young as your son has been. We didn't find out until he was 18! You have some advantages that these older children unfortunately will not or do not have. There are many programs out there for toddlers and very young children where they can stay at home and still get the benefits of these

programs. The therapist we work with runs a daycare/school for toddlers and young kids who have autism. So I know they are out there. My son now, who is an adult has the fewest programs available to help him. He was 12 when diagnosed and the local mental health facilities did not know what AS was let alone how to work with him.I knew something was different with as a baby and no one would help me that I went to for help...not till he was 12. It has been stressful to say the least. Don't feel guilty about what you could have done or could do...just accept that this is what is and don't beat yourself up for it. No one knows why these special children come to us. But their blessings in our lives are countless and for a purpose. If you need a break, don't feel guilty

about taking it. It is a survival method that is essential for parents and caretakers. Lots of love and structure, schedules and love! These kids do well with lots of structure and schedules..they're like a security blanket. Something you may want to read up on is what are called Indigo Children....almost all AS children fit into this category! It is amazing information. Also check into getting Biofeedback therapy with a practitioner who uses a EPFX, QXCI or SCIO equipment. They have the ability to work with AS and DNA issues. This can help greatly in relaxation and other issues. As a practitioner myself, I have used this on my son with wonderful results. Best Wishes Kernan My Size Barbie Fashions by Rainysnana can be found at my store at The Doll Pagehttp://www.rainysnana.com If

there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they wentWill There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.Ben A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loveshimself.Josh Billings

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[Guest guest]

>

> My Name is Leah and just Tuesday my 27mos son was diagnosed with

> autism. I guess my husband and I knew for a while that something was

> different with Nate but hearing the words makes me feel like my heart

> has been ripped out. I feel like since I'm the mommy I should be able

> to fix things and I cant do anything about this. I cant seem to

> function in my normal activities and Im having breakdowns at work.

> Someone please help me

>

Hi Leah. As many have said, allow yourself the time to grieve. Take

time for yourself. My son, , age 21, was diagnosed with Aspergers

at the age of 18. (I always knew that there was something different

about him, but I was told he just had ADHD, was lazy, I babied him,

etc.....) While we've been through a roller coaster over the past few

years, I'd have to agree with others who said that you do learn to take

pride in the things others take for granted...the " ah-ha " moments our

kids have. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't sad and quite

frightened at times, but I'd also be lying if I didn't say just how

proud I am of him for the growth he's made over the past 6 months. He

successfully completed 4 college courses, has made much improvement in

working through his depression, and has a girlfriend who appears to be

quite good for him. This year he even bought a mother's day

card...which for him was a major accomplishment because for years he

would say that " Mother's Day is just a Hallmark Holiday so it's stupid

to celebrate " and he had no idea why I was upset! That card meant so

very much! While it's never easy to hear the words " Autism "

or " Aspergers " , I do wish someone had confirmed my suspicious re:

when he was young; early intervention is much easier than dealing with

an 18 year old who is rigid to begin with! Good luck...and enjoy your

little guy.