Re: I fired my son's psychiatrist yesterday...

[Guest guest]

hi,i sorry that you are having trouble with the drs i know that mine wont listen to me about my son ocd,and i have try to tell them to try something else to help or combine some med to see if they work. cause is ocd is bad and is behavior gets real bad sometimes where he turn red all over.i wish dr would listen to us cause we know our kids better then they do.mlwpdb wrote: Hi all, I haven't written for a few months here. My son and I lived in a homeless shelter for awhile and now we have our own apartment. My son is

diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and now Bipolar. The reason I fired the doctor is because she is about out of ideas and treatments and she won't listen to me. She still won't listen to me about the Geodon. She won't wean him off of it. She added Depakote and increased it from 500mg up to 1250mg and also increased his Wellbutrin to 300 mg. Since the last time I wrote, which I think was October, we were still dealing with the juvenile court for his domestic violence case. It has been since dismissed due to being found incompetent to stand trial. He has had numerous visits by the police for his aggressive behaviors. He usually punches on me a few times a day. He just isn't getting any better. I am switching to a new doctor to see what he has to say. I am also taking him to a biomedical doctor in March. I can't remember what the general opinion is here about biomedical, so I

won't say anymore right now. I am just at my wits end and afraid of my son.MW OhioMother to 10 year old Ricky, with Aspergers, ADHD, Bipolar, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

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[Guest guest]

Hi and everyone in this group.

I just joined last week and have been reading everyone's posts but this is the first time I'm posting.

My name is Judie, from West Palm Beach Florida. My son is 11 diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, ODD and yes, bipolar as well. last year my son's violent outbursts escalated and we have been through a horrible storm. He was in 4th grade, in his 4th elementary school and he became violent at home with me (single mom) and at school. He was suspended from school last spring 4 times in a short time and they needed to call the police if they had to escort him from the classroom to the principal's office because he would assault anyone he could reach, including his teacher, principal, cops, etc. It was take 3 officers to carry him in the air just to transport him. If I knew then what I know now, I would have handled everything different. Like a fool, I'd pick him up at school, when they'd kick him out, and he would stay home putting myself at risk with no backup. I became afraid of him. It escalated, he held a knife to my throat, threatened to kill me daily (or kill himself) and it just kept escalating. I finally started calling the police, he'd go into a psych unit but then he'd be released, come home and attack me again. On one particularly bad attack, they arrested him only to release him to me the next day. He was completely out of control and I shouldn't have allowed him back in the house. The next attack (the same day I got him from jail) he really could have killed me. I barely made it to the phone to call the police. They took him to the psych unit and me to another hospital to treat my injuries. That was in July. I was unable to care for him due to some serious damage to my leg, foot, my mental stability at that point and my parylizing fear. He's still not living at home. He's been living in a therapeudic group home since September and I go there to visit him. He's more stable now and they want to send him home. All his meds have changed since he lived with me. What I've learned is this. If your kid has early onset bipolar, they usually become very unstable when puberty begins. The testosterone levels are changing which screws up the meds. If your child is a danger to himself or others, they must be removed from that situation or they will end up in prison. End of story. My son also had domestic abuse charges filed against him for his assault on me but I managed to get that dropped and get him the help he needed. I wasn't the one who was able to help him and that was incredibly painful for me. It would have been worse had he killed a child or children or anyone and I'd have to live with knowing I didn't do everything to stop that. Everytime I see a Virginia Tech type of shooting I think, "Please God, don't let my son turn into a killer". Please, , don't live in fear and start hiding knives and locking doors for protection like I did. It doesn't work. Get him to a safe environment where they can work on his meds, you can regroup and then reunification can occur when you are both ready. My son had no remorse for what he did. He doesn't feel empathy. He's the greatest kid and everyone loves him when he's stable but if he's not, he's capable of horrendous things and he's only 11. , you have good reason to fear him, he's dangerous. He can't continue to hit you. Get him out of the house for both your sakes!!! It can get better but not like this. My heart and prayers go out to you. I totally know how you feel ... I have lived it and continue to live it and will stand with you and your son all the way. Please, prevent a tragedy. Just as I dread hearing in the news that Britney Speers is dead one day because she didn't get the help she needed, I would hate to hear anyone else even sustain an injury to bipolar disorder. Safety first, then treatment, both medication and therapeudic for both of you. It's so hard to parent a child like this and it can suck the life right out of you and wear you down. He's going to get bigger and stronger so you've got to take preventive measures.

Best wishes,

Judie

I fired my son's psychiatrist yesterday...

Hi all, I haven't written for a few months here. My son and I lived in a homeless shelter for awhile and now we have our own apartment. My son is diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and now Bipolar. The reason I fired the doctor is because she is about out of ideas and treatments and she won't listen to me. She still won't listen to me about the Geodon. She won't wean him off of it. She added Depakote and increased it from 500mg up to 1250mg and also increased his Wellbutrin to 300 mg. Since the last time I wrote, which I think was October, we were still dealing with the juvenile court for his domestic violence case. It has been since dismissed due to being found incompetent to stand trial. He has had numerous visits by the police for his aggressive behaviors. He usually punches on me a few times a day. He just isn't getting any better. I am switching to a new doctor to see what he has to say. I am also taking him to a biomedical doctor in March. I can't remember what the general opinion is here about biomedical, so I won't say anymore right now. I am just at my wits end and afraid of my son.MW OhioMother to 10 year old Ricky, with Aspergers, ADHD, Bipolar, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

[Guest guest]

Good luck,, keep us posted please. You are in such a difficult,

desperate spot, My heart goes out to you and your son.

I have had some successes with biomedical treatments. Have you tried

gluten free diet? or removing food colorings/dyes from his diet. That

and yeast can often cause aggression (at least it does in my son!)

violtent, mind blowing rages often he has black out during them.

Soo yeah bioremeidies have helped us

Keep us posted

Allie

[Guest guest]

melissa,

Hi! ((HUGS)). J takes zepraxa for agression and bipolar and it has helped alot!!! he just takes a small dose but that is all he needs. Maybe give that a try? Lois

I fired my son's psychiatrist yesterday...

[Guest guest]

Judie,

I thought your post was tremendous. I feel so much empathy with your situation. All what you have been through must have torn you apart and sometimes, action has to be taken regardless and love is not a cure all. I too have a son, aged 15 with Aspergers and apparently bi-polar - though I do not agree with this diagnosis of bi-polar. I think my son was brain damaged from a viral infection when he was 7 - and he too can be very violent. I have often likened it to how a woman must feel in a violent domestic relationship except that when its a husband or boyfriend you can get rid of them. When it is you child you can't and don't want to. You just want to save them from themselves. My son and I have been through some terrible stuff. He isn't generally violent for no reason (in his mind anyway), there will always be a trigger, usually the word "NO" or "I CAN'T". Even if he is asking for impossible things (i.e. recently he has had a crush on an actress and wanted her to come round for a cup of tea! Because I can't make her do that he becomes upset!) My heart is constantly thumping, I am riddled with anxiety 24 hours a day that takes my breath away and I fear the future like nothing on earth. So I totally understand how you feel and I agree that in times like this these kids have to be in a safe environment. My son is currently on Risperdal 2mg a day and Sertraline 75mg a day(which helps the OCD but seems to sometimes make the aggression worse). Also 6mg Melatonin to sleep. I don't know what the answer is, I suppose I just take each day as it comes - but I want to express my admiration for all of the mums on this list and a heartfelt thanks for making me realise that I am not the only one.

WITH LOVE,

CINDY (UK)

I fired my son's psychiatrist yesterday...

Hi all, I haven't written for a few months here. My son and I lived in a homeless shelter for awhile and now we have our own apartment. My son is diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and now Bipolar. The reason I fired the doctor is because she is about out of ideas and treatments and she won't listen to me. She still won't listen to me about the Geodon. She won't wean him off of it. She added Depakote and increased it from 500mg up to 1250mg and also increased his Wellbutrin to 300 mg. Since the last time I wrote, which I think was October, we were still dealing with the juvenile court for his domestic violence case. It has been since dismissed due to being found incompetent to stand trial. He has had numerous visits by the police for his aggressive behaviors. He usually punches on me a few times a day. He just isn't getting any better. I am switching to a new doctor to see what he has to say. I am also taking him to a biomedical doctor in March. I can't remember what the general opinion is here about biomedical, so I won't say anymore right now. I am just at my wits end and afraid of my son.MW OhioMother to 10 year old Ricky, with Aspergers, ADHD, Bipolar, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

[Guest guest]

Wow, Judi, all I can say is thank God you finally got the help you needed. Pat K**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

Hi, biomedical and educational therapy discussions are all welcome on this list, please do not be afraid to speak. That's the purpose of this list - to vent and possibly help eachother.

That said, I just wanted to tell you that I did a neurotransmitter test (w/urine) on both of my sons - one's autistic and the other is adhd. The results and use recommended supplements (all natural no pharmaceuticals) made a huge difference in behaviors. The test is relatively inexpensive ($160 I think) and a biomedical doctor will be able to do it for you. Taking your son to a biomedical/DAN doctor is a great step to do.

mlwpdb <mlwpdb> wrote:

Hi all, I haven't written for a few months here. My son and I lived in a homeless shelter for awhile and now we have our own apartment. My son is diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and now Bipolar. The reason I fired the doctor is because she is about out of ideas and treatments and she won't listen to me. She still won't listen to me about the Geodon. She won't wean him off of it. She added Depakote and increased it from 500mg up to 1250mg and also increased his Wellbutrin to 300 mg. Since the last time I wrote, which I think was October, we were still dealing with the juvenile court for his domestic violence case. It has been since dismissed due to being found incompetent to stand trial. He has had numerous visits by the police for his aggressive behaviors. He usually punches on me a few times a day. He just isn't getting any better. I am switching to a new doctor to see what he has to say. I am also taking him to a biomedical doctor in March. I can't remember what the general opinion is here about biomedical, so I won't say anymore right now. I am just at my wits end and afraid of my son.MW OhioMother to 10 year old Ricky, with Aspergers, ADHD, Bipolar, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.

[Guest guest]

I too have this problem with docs - they call us in for an appt and then ask me to talk about stuff for an hour (in front of my son which can sometimes be more damaging than anything else in the way that he gets to know my tactics to handle his behaviour and becomes craftier and also that he sometimes hears negative things about himself) and then when I ask for changes to meds, etc they more often than not refuse. So what is the point in going? I don't get it. I understand the need for caution where meds are concerned with children but I still think that we know our kids better than anyone else. Its like a sixth sense. I instinctively know what my son needs and what mood he is in, just because I knows him so well.

(UK)

Re: I fired my son's psychiatrist yesterday...

hi,i sorry that you are having trouble with the drs i know that mine wont listen to me about my son ocd,and i have try to tell them to try something else to help or combine some med to see if they work. cause is ocd is bad and is behavior gets real bad sometimes where he turn red all over.i wish dr would listen to us cause we know our kids better then they do.mlwpdb <mlwpdb> wrote:

Hi all, I haven't written for a few months here. My son and I lived in a homeless shelter for awhile and now we have our own apartment. My son is diagnosed with Aspergers, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and now Bipolar. The reason I fired the doctor is because she is about out of ideas and treatments and she won't listen to me. She still won't listen to me about the Geodon. She won't wean him off of it. She added Depakote and increased it from 500mg up to 1250mg and also increased his Wellbutrin to 300 mg. Since the last time I wrote, which I think was October, we were still dealing with the juvenile court for his domestic violence case. It has been since dismissed due to being found incompetent to stand trial. He has had numerous visits by the police for his aggressive behaviors. He usually punches on me a few times a day. He just isn't getting any better. I am switching to a new doctor to see what he has to say. I am also taking him to a biomedical doctor in March. I can't remember what the general opinion is here about biomedical, so I won't say anymore right now. I am just at my wits end and afraid of my son.MW OhioMother to 10 year old Ricky, with Aspergers, ADHD, Bipolar, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

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[Guest guest]

Hi all, my son is finally going to get the help he needs (hopefully).

My boyfriend and I took him to the ER this morning, with the suggestion

of the police, to get him evaluated. The ER admitted him to the

adolescent psych unit. He will probably be there for 6-7 days. He is

finally going to be taken off of the Geodon, Depakote and Wellbutrin.

The doctor thinks that the medication is too much and too high of a

dose. He wants to try Risperdal again with a little bit of Glucophage,

for appetite suppression. My son gained 30 pounds on Risperdal 2 years

ago.

Hanging in there,

[Guest guest]

Well done . I hope that it all works out better for you and your family. I really do know what you are going through. Risperdal works for us, not always but most of the time.

God Bless,

(UK)

xx

Re: I fired my son's psychiatrist yesterday...

Hi all, my son is finally going to get the help he needs (hopefully). My boyfriend and I took him to the ER this morning, with the suggestion of the police, to get him evaluated. The ER admitted him to the adolescent psych unit. He will probably be there for 6-7 days. He is finally going to be taken off of the Geodon, Depakote and Wellbutrin. The doctor thinks that the medication is too much and too high of a dose. He wants to try Risperdal again with a little bit of Glucophage, for appetite suppression. My son gained 30 pounds on Risperdal 2 years ago.Hanging in there,

[Guest guest]

Good luck !!!!!!! Please keep us posted. ((HUGS)) Lois

Re: I fired my son's psychiatrist yesterday...

[Guest guest]

, Hang in there girl, my son is on Risperdal and the glucophage your DR is adding also helps counteract the possible onset of Diabetes(a side effect of the risperdal). Pammlwpdb wrote: Hi all, my son is finally going to get the help he needs (hopefully). My boyfriend and I took him to the ER this morning, with the suggestion of the police, to get him evaluated. The ER admitted him to the adolescent psych unit. He will probably be there for 6-7 days. He is

finally going to be taken off of the Geodon, Depakote and Wellbutrin. The doctor thinks that the medication is too much and too high of a dose. He wants to try Risperdal again with a little bit of Glucophage, for appetite suppression. My son gained 30 pounds on Risperdal 2 years ago.Hanging in there,

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[Guest guest]

It sounds like you are getting good treatment for your son. Good for you! Pat K**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all of you for your support. Ricky is still in the hospital,

but is doing alright. The doctor, as of last night, had Ricky taking

40mg of Geodon in the monrning and at bedtime, 750mg of Depakote and

150 mg of Wellbutrin. Tonight, the Depakote will go down to 500 mg.

He wants to come home so bad. He was mad at me for not taking him home

last night. I am so glad that I finally found someone to listen to me

and get him the help he needs.

[Guest guest]

,

I am so glad you found help and support. I hope you and your son are on

your way to healing!

Allie