Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

[Guest guest]

Our daughter's psychologist said her case was mild enough that he didn't thing

meds would necessary -- at least not at this time. He suggested that symptoms

might escelate the first few weeks of therapy since the therapy itself is

designed to induce anxiety in order to let her experience that the anxiety would

go away whether she engaged in the rituals or not. She was so relieved just to

know that she wasn't going crazy that her OCD diminished quite rapidly within

just a few sessions.

Beth

How much therapy before adding meds?

Hi everyone. I am wondering how long people would try therapy only before

adding meds?

My son (7) has had 2 therapy sessions. The first one was more of a

background info session though. The therapist said she usually gives it 3

sessions before recommending meds. I am not against medicating him if he

needs it but would like to give therapy a good try first. 3 seems awfully

short.

His symptoms seem to be escalating though, so I am not sure what to do. And

I have no idea if I have chosen a good therapist or not, she was on my

insurance plan and had an opening and I was desperate. Anyone around the

Cinci area and want to share a therapist recommendation?

Thanks,

Annie

[Guest guest]

Hi, my thoughts are that sometimes OCD is so severe the child won't

be able to participate in therapy so meds can help them, lower the

anxiety/OCD a bit so they can then benefit from therapy. YOU know

how severe or mild your son's OCD is, so I think if you feel you

should wait, then wait a few more sessions. First the therapy is new

to your son, the therapist is new (if they hit it off the first day,

that's great) so it might be the 4th session before he starts to feel

somewhat comfortable. By the 5th one, you should probably have a

good idea if the therapist seems to know what she's doing; many say

they can treat OCD but if you read about how the therapy should be

(CBT with ERP) then hopefully you'll be able to tell by the 5th

session if she's handling it that way. Many times OCD will increase

some as they begin working on bossing back OCD, they can get a bit

more anxious and feel some stress.

So - read some about the therapy (you probably have already) to get

an idea of what therapist should be doing and saying, trust your

instincts as to if you feel your son needs meds yet or will try

therapy without meds; reward systems work great for some kids if they

need some motivation to begin to boss back OCD. I think sometimes we

know when the family has reached its " OCD limit " and meds are

necessary, then sometimes it can be on how well the child is

functioning at home, outside home, how much distress they're in all

day, etc.

Have you read any children's books on OCD to your son and/or does he

understand about " bossy OCD " ?

Quick thoughts,

>

> Hi everyone. I am wondering how long people would try therapy only

before

> adding meds?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all that advice. I really feel lost and like I have no idea

what I am doing. I am so upset about what has become of my carefree little

boy. I have a book that I am reading now (Freeing your Child from OCD). I do

not have any kid books yet but have ordered some.

My husband thinks we may need to start meds soon, his contamination fears

are getting worse every day and more bizarre too. ( " What if there is poison

in my bed? " and " What if my sister breathes poison on me? " )

His therapist is a LISW, not a psychologist. She said she has a lot of

experience with CBT and families dealing with OCD. Do you think that a LISW

is ok?

Thanks,

Annie

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Friday, November 28, 2008 8:37 PM

To:

Subject: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

Hi, my thoughts are that sometimes OCD is so severe the child won't

be able to participate in therapy so meds can help them, lower the

anxiety/OCD a bit so they can then benefit from therapy. YOU know

how severe or mild your son's OCD is, so I think if you feel you

should wait, then wait a few more sessions. First the therapy is new

to your son, the therapist is new (if they hit it off the first day,

that's great) so it might be the 4th session before he starts to feel

somewhat comfortable. By the 5th one, you should probably have a

good idea if the therapist seems to know what she's doing; many say

they can treat OCD but if you read about how the therapy should be

(CBT with ERP) then hopefully you'll be able to tell by the 5th

session if she's handling it that way. Many times OCD will increase

some as they begin working on bossing back OCD, they can get a bit

more anxious and feel some stress.

So - read some about the therapy (you probably have already) to get

an idea of what therapist should be doing and saying, trust your

instincts as to if you feel your son needs meds yet or will try

therapy without meds; reward systems work great for some kids if they

need some motivation to begin to boss back OCD. I think sometimes we

know when the family has reached its " OCD limit " and meds are

necessary, then sometimes it can be on how well the child is

functioning at home, outside home, how much distress they're in all

day, etc.

Have you read any children's books on OCD to your son and/or does he

understand about " bossy OCD " ?

Quick thoughts,

>

> Hi everyone. I am wondering how long people would try therapy only

before

> adding meds?

>

>

[Guest guest]

>>>> his contamination fears are getting worse every day and more bizarre too.

( " What if there is poison in my bed? " and " What if my sister breathes poison on

me? " )

Oh, yes! And did you know that " S's germs will make my stuffed collie

disappear! " Also, " I found a broken pencil in the car and Daddy is going to

think I broke it . . . and he'll be SO angry that I wasted all that money!!! "

OCD is a monster.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Hi Annie and welcome. You will find many here who will understand

the challenges you are dealing with. OCD can certainly make you

feel " lost " , I used to say I felt like we fell down the rabbit

hole... OCD and how it manifests IS very bizarre, but somehow the

bizarre becomes " normal " , kind of amazing what you can get used to

over time. This is pretty much what someone with OCD also has to do,

get used to it, and learn to ignore it, or not answer it in any way

with " rituals " to relieve the anxiety, but rather just habituate to

it.

As a parent it can be really hard to watch your child seem to

disappear before your eyes. Just remember he's still in there. The

book you are reading is really good, one of my favorites. Up and

Down the Worry Hill, and What to do when Your Brain gets Stuck are

good books for kids.

With regard to your social worker, as long as she is doing ERP

(exposure and response prevention), the behavioral part of CBT, then

this should be fine. From what I understand if someone is trained in

this that is the key. If you go to the OCfoundation website I

believe there is a write up on what to ask prospective practioners.

There is also a rule of thumb that by visit five you should start to

see some progress.

Our son started off without meds and doing only CBT. He understood

and was able to apply the principles of CBT, seemed to start to

improve, and then it was like an explosion, relentless O/C. It was

about three months into the disorder, and two months into CBT. He

became so severe he could barely function, had to stop school. At

this point we started medication.

You will know if it is time, you will not be able to bear witnessing

your child's suffering. Basically if function is affected, quality

of life, ability to do the CBT. I expect the criteria is different

for each family, but these are generally the considerations. The

medication is generally used to turn down the intensity of the OCD,

usually the anxiety is reduced top, and if there is any depression

which can be common (living with OCD can be depressing, never mind

the compromised brain chemistry). While medication is not a cure it

can really help to lesson the severity for many.

Keep posting your questions, there are many here with good

information and ideas on handling the day to day stuff that comes

with this disorder.

I send you hugs!

Barb

Canada

Son, 17, LD, OCD - doing better now!

[Guest guest]

My daughter had similar fears.  She has been on medication for a while and is

so much better.  The therapist 's degree shouldn't really matter, but whether

or not she has been trained to treat OCD.

Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

Hi, my thoughts are that=2

0sometimes OCD is so severe the child won't

be able to participate in therapy so meds can help them, lower the

anxiety/OCD a bit so they can then benefit from therapy. YOU know

how severe or mild your son's OCD is, so I think if you feel you

should wait, then wait a few more sessions. First the therapy is new

to your son, the therapist is new (if they hit it off the first day,

that's great) so it might be the 4th session before he starts to feel

somewhat comfortable. By the 5th one, you should probably have a

good idea if the therapist seems to know what she's doing; many say

they can treat OCD but if you read about how the therapy should be

(CBT with ERP) then hopefully you'll be able to tell by the 5th

session if she's handling it that way. Many times OCD will increase

some as they begin working on bossing back OCD, they can get a bit

more anxious and feel some stress.

So - read some about the therapy (you probably have already) to get

an idea of what therapist should be doing and saying, trust your

instincts as to if you feel your son needs meds yet or will try

therapy without meds; reward systems work great for some kids if they

need some motivation to begin to boss back OCD. I think sometimes we

know when the family has reached its " OCD limit " and meds are

necessary, then sometimes it can be on how well the child is

functioning at home, outside home, how mu

ch distress they're in all

day, etc.

Have you read any children's books on OCD to your son and/or does he

understand about " bossy OCD " ?

Quick thoughts,

>

> Hi everyone. I am wondering how long people would try therapy only

before

> adding meds?

>

>

[Guest guest]

But what feels good is to hear that each of our children's symptoms are not

unique and that they can be treated.  

Re: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

>>>> his contamination fears are getting worse every day and more bizarre too.

( " What if there is poison in my bed? " and " What if my sister breathes poison on

me? " )

Oh, yes! And did you know that " S's germs will make my stuffed collie

disappear! " Also, " I found a broken pencil in the car and Daddy is going to

think I broke it . . . and he'll be SO angry that I wasted all that money!!! "

OCD is a monster.

Beth

[Guest guest]

I second what the Barb and say. Finding someone who does CBT / ERP is the

important thing. What their title is is irrelevant. You will know when it is

time (if it is time) to start meds. We did therapy for a year when my son was

first dx (age 3) with several months of totally exploding symptoms and

unfunctional behavior, but I just couldnt bring mysek to do it at 3 year old.

Then he improved and was really in remisssion till age 8 (never started meds).

At 8 relapsed, tried for another year, not able to engage with CBT and stopped

eating due to poison fears- started meds at that time, with failure of the first

med ( suicidal) prior to any response. Changed to 2nd med and started going up

with good response but bad side effects. But then were able to engage in CBT

and get things under better control and have been weaning down since then ( he

is now 12 and almost off) Good luck. It is heartbreaking!!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Annie, as others have said too, having an understanding about OCD

and knowing how to do therapy for OCD is the main key, not the

therapist's license/type. I know I worked at our county mental

health center for years (in office) and I knew more about OCD then

any of the therapists there, they just didn't have experience with

treating it (yeah, felt like my son was only one in our county with

it!). Even one of the psychs there told me that they had never had a

reason for anyone to receive training in it. But at the same time,

CBT is something used to treat many illnesses, some knew how to do

CBT but it has to be specific to OCD (confusing, I know).

I remember one parent having trouble finding a therapist but did find

one willing to read/learn about treating it and did so, and that

worked out pretty well even though therapist was learning to. Some

kids do better when mom/dad aren't the " therapist " and are working

with someone they like that are not mom/dad.

So right now, are you just reassuring him at home when he expresses

his fears? I think once you get the children's books on OCD and he

gets an understanding of OCD it'll help with therapy and how you can

then begin to respond to his fears at home.

Do keep us updated. And this is a good place to " vent " on days that

OCD is driving YOU towards insanity! (but so far, we all here are

still sane! hard to believe, LOL)

>

> Thank you for all that advice. I really feel lost and like I have

no idea

> what I am doing. I am so upset about what has become of my carefree

little

> boy. I have a book that I am reading now (Freeing your Child from

OCD). I do

>

[Guest guest]

I just read your post... Not sure I can be included in your

count for those who have retained their sanity!!! But I'm trying hard

to recover it. Now to be fair I may not have had it before the entry

into OCD-land... one must retain hope... How the heck did YOU do it

living through THREE teenage sons, and as a single Mum??? Hat's off!

Barb

And this is a good place to " vent " on days that

> OCD is driving YOU towards insanity! (but so far, we all here are

> still sane! hard to believe, LOL)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Thank you for all that advice. I really feel lost and like I have

> no idea

> > what I am doing. I am so upset about what has become of my carefree

> little

> > boy. I have a book that I am reading now (Freeing your Child from

> OCD). I do

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Barb, hmmm...you're right. I already had 1 teenage son putting me

through a lot when OCD began with .

In reality, this group was such a help! Being able to come here and

read helped so much, even though a lot of the OCD behaviors weren't

the same as we were dealing with at our home, helped knowing I wasn't

alone with a child with OCD. (As I felt like the only parent with a

child with OCD in our state!) And then working at our mental health

center and knowing what a lot of those clients are going thru helped;

and then counting my blessings a bit since many, especially the

parents with kids with developmental disabilities, really had more

weight to bear than me (I worked in the DD dept). And I guess just

repeating to myself (as I really want to knock my head against the

wall and repeat), " I WILL get thru this, I WILL get thru this... "

helped too!

It's still hard with having his scrupe/bad thoughts now, I do

worry about his future, the OCD and then the Aspergers part too.

Right now I just have to wait and see how being away at college next

year works out. That'll be the big test, for his OCD and his

Aspergers. Fingers crossed!

>

> I just read your post... Not sure I can be included in your

> count for those who have retained their sanity!!! But I'm trying

hard

> to recover it. Now to be fair I may not have had it before the

entry

> into OCD-land... one must retain hope... How the heck did YOU do

it

> living through THREE teenage sons, and as a single Mum??? Hat's

off!

>

> Barb

[Guest guest]

BJ, I think part of it here was that not many people came to the

mental health center due to OCD (either that or it was

misdiagnosed). And then there is the $$ to pay for training. Would

rather spend it on training for the diagnoses and behaviors that do

seem to be treated the most.

Actually with the mental health system presently in NC (the " reform "

that failed), the local one may not last long due to finances and I

really don't know where those clients will go, this is a small

cities, rural type county. There is a huge lack of psychiatrists

locally and psychologists. And actually not many providers for

adults or children.

Just got a new governor, hopefully things will change when she takes

office. It's just a huge mess here in NC now, though some counties

do better than others with services.

> *******************

> Even one of the psychs there told me that they had never had a

[Guest guest]

Well, I am pretty sure we are going to have to go to meds. He's completely

out of control tonight with his obsessions. We were going to bring him to

the Childrens Hospital ER if he did not settle down (called the therapist

and that was her advice) but I think he is asleep now. Why do things always

happen on he weekend when the drs office is not open?

Does anyone know if codeine can make OCD worse? He had his tonsils out on

Friday and I am wondering if the codeine is affecting him.

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Trabulsy,

Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:07 AM

To:

Subject: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

I second what the Barb and say. Finding someone who does CBT / ERP is

the important thing. What their title is is irrelevant. You will know when

it is time (if it is time) to start meds. We did therapy for a year when my

son was first dx (age 3) with several months of totally exploding symptoms

and unfunctional behavior, but I just couldnt bring mysek to do it at 3 year

old. Then he improved and was really in remisssion till age 8 (never started

meds). At 8 relapsed, tried for another year, not able to engage with CBT

and stopped eating due to poison fears- started meds at that time, with

failure of the first med ( suicidal) prior to any response. Changed to 2nd

med and started going up with good response but bad side effects. But then

were able to engage in CBT and get things under better control and have been

weaning down since then ( he is now 12 and almost off) Good luck. It is

heartbreaking!!!!

[Guest guest]

There is such stigma to mental illness.  Basically, people think you are

" weird " and may use it to discredit you when they disagree with you and may

think you are someone who they should avoid.  My daughter has trich and OCD.

 I hesitate to tell anyone because I know how people regard others with mental

illnesses and I don't want her to have this " label " attached to her forever in

this community.  Her OCD is so much better since going on Anafranil but her

trich is terrible.  I think it is just a matter of time before she will have

bald areas on her head.  Right now it looks like she has a very short boy's

cut, but it is all because of pulling and she continues doing it.  I was

discussing with my sister today about how I will handle this, and I said that I

will have to ask the school to talk to the other children about it and get

permission for her to wear a hat in school.  My sister said that I can't tell

the other kids that she pulls her own  hair out.  I realized that she is

right.  They would never understand.  I will have to ask the school counselor

to tell the children that she has a medical condition that is causing her to

lose her hair and so for now she is going to wear a hat.  (I still pray it

won't have to come to this, but I am preparing myself for it if she can't get

control.  She is getting therapy for this, but it isn't helping.)

Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

> >

> > Thank you for all that advice. I really feel lost and like I have

> no idea

> > what I am doing. I am so upset about what has become of my carefree

> little

> > boy. I have a book that I am reading now (Freeing your Child from

> OCD). I do

> >

>

[Guest guest]

>>Does anyone know if codeine can make OCD worse? He had his tonsils out on

Friday and I am wondering if the codeine is affecting him.

I don't know about OCD and codeine but codeine made me really whack-o when I was

given it as a kid -- and I don't have OCD. Made me have these wierd half-awake

sensations where I was " aware " but it seemed like I wasn't able to move my

muscles. It was very, very scary. I've only ever had that one dose in my

entire life and it turns out that I am allergic to codeine, morphine, demerol

and all their various cousins.

I'm sorry to hear he had such a bad night! I hope it is something as simple as

a reaction to the codeine rather than an escellation of the OCD. Also remember

that yesterday's surgery and the pain could easily be contributing stressors --

OCD seems to peak for my daughter whenever she has a change to her routine or

other stressing things.

Beth

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the explanation, Chris. )

BJ

> > *******************

> > Even one of the psychs there told me that they had never had a

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Annie. Sorry you had such a tough night.

It's hard to say whether it is the codeine. Has he had it before? If

so, how did he handle it before?

I would think that he has many contributing factors right now. He's

been through a surgery, which in and of itself is stressful. Then, he

had lots of medications in his system too. Even going through a cold

can set things off with OCD, sometimes. We've been through times with

our son that any little blip in his life would set him off for a week

or longer, then things would settle back down.

Yet, other times, when I was braced for the worst, it didn't happen.

Like a almost 2 years ago now (wow, time flies) our son had an

emergency appendectomy, right at the same time that he had relapsed

really hard with his OCD. I thought he would melt completely down, but

he was pretty calm about it. When I asked him about it later, he said

that when the doctor told him he had to have the surgery or he would

die, he thought to himself that his options were die or " maybe " die

during surgery (always the pessimist). So, he was very pragmatic

about it and decided his chances were better having the surgery. Once

his mind was made up, he wasn't really worried anymore. He set his

mind to the fact that he had to go through it. lol Go figure.

What worked for us at times, when our son would go through a rough

patch due to illness, was distractions. I would play video games with

our son, or play board games, or watch movies,. . .Anything that would

help him get through it all by occupying his mind, during the worst of

it. Once his body had mended, his OCD would eventually calm back down

too. I hope that is the case for you too.

BJ

>

> Well, I am pretty sure we are going to have to go to meds. He's

completely

> out of control tonight with his obsessions. We were going to bring

him to

> the Childrens Hospital ER if he did not settle down (called the

therapist

> and that was her advice) but I think he is asleep now. Why do things

always

> happen on he weekend when the drs office is not open?

>

>

>

> Does anyone know if codeine can make OCD worse? He had his tonsils

out on

> Friday and I am wondering if the codeine is affecting him.

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Trabulsy,

> Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:07 AM

> To:

> Subject: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

>

>

>

> I second what the Barb and say. Finding someone who does CBT /

ERP is

> the important thing. What their title is is irrelevant. You will

know when

> it is time (if it is time) to start meds. We did therapy for a year

when my

> son was first dx (age 3) with several months of totally exploding

symptoms

> and unfunctional behavior, but I just couldnt bring mysek to do it

at 3 year

> old. Then he improved and was really in remisssion till age 8 (never

started

> meds). At 8 relapsed, tried for another year, not able to engage

with CBT

> and stopped eating due to poison fears- started meds at that time, with

> failure of the first med ( suicidal) prior to any response. Changed

to 2nd

> med and started going up with good response but bad side effects.

But then

> were able to engage in CBT and get things under better control and

have been

> weaning down since then ( he is now 12 and almost off) Good luck. It is

> heartbreaking!!!!

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Annie. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and

your son. We've been right where you are within the last few weeks. It is so

scary and heartbreaking to see them go downhill, and yes, it always happens on

the weekends!

We finally started Josiah on meds last Sunday. He was diagnosed a year ago. We

tried so hard not to go this route but I have to say that this week has been a

much needed reprieve for all of us. The OCD is not gone, but it is manageable

and he is so much calmer. He plays with toys again and he can get a grip on his

anger when he gets upset.

The codeine may have affected your son. Mine is really sensitive to drugs and

so is his father. My husband cannot take antihistamines because he has such

horrible mood swings from them.

Let me know how you're doing over the next few days. We're all here for you.

Lots of hugs to you.

Walk by Faith

Tyler

________________________________

To:

Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 10:40:12 PM

Subject: RE: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

Well, I am pretty sure we are going to have to go to meds. He's completely

out of control tonight with his obsessions. We were going to bring him to

the Childrens Hospital ER if he did not settle down (called the therapist

and that was her advice) but I think he is asleep now. Why do things always

happen on he weekend when the drs office is not open?

Does anyone know if codeine can make OCD worse? He had his tonsils out on

Friday and I am wondering if the codeine is affecting him.

_____

From: @ yahoogroups. com

[mailto:@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Trabulsy,

Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:07 AM

To: @ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

I second what the Barb and say. Finding someone who does CBT / ERP is

the important thing. What their title is is irrelevant. You will know when

it is time (if it is time) to start meds. We did therapy for a year when my

son was first dx (age 3) with several months of totally exploding symptoms

and unfunctional behavior, but I just couldnt bring mysek to do it at 3 year

old. Then he improved and was really in remisssion till age 8 (never started

meds). At 8 relapsed, tried for another year, not able to engage with CBT

and stopped eating due to poison fears- started meds at that time, with

failure of the first med ( suicidal) prior to any response. Changed to 2nd

med and started going up with good response but bad side effects. But then

were able to engage in CBT and get things under better control and have been

weaning down since then ( he is now 12 and almost off) Good luck. It is

heartbreaking! !!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Annie, I did a quick google search for OCD and codeine and that is

a possibility, that it could have worsened his OCD. How long will he

be on it? If another day, you might can stand it but if longer, I'm

sure there is something else the doctor can give as so many people

can't take codeine. Another possibility is that his OCD is just

worsening because of all the stuff going on, having his tonsils out,

I'm sure it hurts at times, etc.

>

> Well, I am pretty sure we are going to have to go to meds. He's

completely

> out of control tonight with his obsessions. We were going to bring

him to

> the Childrens Hospital ER if he did not settle down (called the

therapist

> and that was her advice) but I think he is asleep now. Why do

[Guest guest]

Hi , I'm glad Josiah is doing better and it's only been a week!

>

> Hi Annie. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are

with you and your son. We've been right where you are within the last

few weeks. It is so scary and heartbreaking to see them go downhill,

and yes, it always happens on the weekends!

>

> We finally started Josiah on meds last Sunday. He was diagnosed a

year ago. We tried so hard not to go this route but I have to say

[Guest guest]

About the codine / surgery- any stressor will still set my son off- a cold, over

tired, bad day at school- usually resolves once the stressor is over at this

point. If it is just obsessions I might wait it out before going to the ER.

This is often a bad option unless you feel he is unsafe ( This coming from an ER

doctor), or is being violent and you cant control. Even if you start meds, they

are unlikely to work for several months, so an ER visit is not likely to change

anything, and may add stress. If you do go to the ER, I prey you get what you

want from it and it is not a bad experience. Personally, I have never done it

cause I think it would send my kid over the edge, but everyone is different.

Good luck, you will be in my prayers.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Chris! I am so glad for the improvement and so thankful for all the

support I feel from the people in this group. I felt so alone before I found

this " place " . Not many people understand this sort of thing. Have a great day.

Walk by Faith

Tyler

________________________________

To:

Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2008 9:42:34 AM

Subject: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

Hi , I'm glad Josiah is doing better and it's only been a week!

>

> Hi Annie. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are

with you and your son. We've been right where you are within the last

few weeks. It is so scary and heartbreaking to see them go downhill,

and yes, it always happens on the weekends!

>

> We finally started Josiah on meds last Sunday. He was diagnosed a

year ago. We tried so hard not to go this route but I have to say

[Guest guest]

Thanks , I appreciate it. This is so confusing and sad, it is nice to

know there are people who have been through it and are improving. How old is

your son? I just felt like he was going completely crazy last night and it

was so awful. Today he is calm even though his symptoms are there.

I just called the ENT doctor and he said the only other pain relief he could

prescribe is an even stronger narcotic (Loritab or something) so I passed..

decided more narcotics might not be good.

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Tyler

Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2008 8:42 AM

To:

Subject: Re: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

Hi Annie. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you

and your son. We've been right where you are within the last few weeks. It

is so scary and heartbreaking to see them go downhill, and yes, it always

happens on the weekends!

We finally started Josiah on meds last Sunday. He was diagnosed a year ago.

We tried so hard not to go this route but I have to say that this week has

been a much needed reprieve for all of us. The OCD is not gone, but it is

manageable and he is so much calmer. He plays with toys again and he can get

a grip on his anger when he gets upset.

The codeine may have affected your son. Mine is really sensitive to drugs

and so is his father. My husband cannot take antihistamines because he has

such horrible mood swings from them.

Let me know how you're doing over the next few days. We're all here for you.

Lots of hugs to you.

Walk by Faith

Tyler

________________________________

From: Annie Moreland <amorelandcinci (DOT) <mailto:amoreland%40cinci.rr.com>

rr.com>

To: @ <mailto:%40yahoogroups.com>

yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 10:40:12 PM

Subject: RE: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

Well, I am pretty sure we are going to have to go to meds. He's completely

out of control tonight with his obsessions. We were going to bring him to

the Childrens Hospital ER if he did not settle down (called the therapist

and that was her advice) but I think he is asleep now. Why do things always

happen on he weekend when the drs office is not open?

Does anyone know if codeine can make OCD worse? He had his tonsils out on

Friday and I am wondering if the codeine is affecting him.

_____

From: @ yahoogroups. com

[mailto:@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Trabulsy,

Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:07 AM

To: @ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

I second what the Barb and say. Finding someone who does CBT / ERP is

the important thing. What their title is is irrelevant. You will know when

it is time (if it is time) to start meds. We did therapy for a year when my

son was first dx (age 3) with several months of totally exploding symptoms

and unfunctional behavior, but I just couldnt bring mysek to do it at 3 year

old. Then he improved and was really in remisssion till age 8 (never started

meds). At 8 relapsed, tried for another year, not able to engage with CBT

and stopped eating due to poison fears- started meds at that time, with

failure of the first med ( suicidal) prior to any response. Changed to 2nd

med and started going up with good response but bad side effects. But then

were able to engage in CBT and get things under better control and have been

weaning down since then ( he is now 12 and almost off) Good luck. It is

heartbreaking! !!!

[Guest guest]

That is great, ! And it's only been a week, so it will should

get better yet. It's so great when they get some of the joy in life back.

BJ

>

> Hi Annie. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are

with you and your son. We've been right where you are within the last

few weeks. It is so scary and heartbreaking to see them go downhill,

and yes, it always happens on the weekends!

>

> We finally started Josiah on meds last Sunday. He was diagnosed a

year ago. We tried so hard not to go this route but I have to say

that this week has been a much needed reprieve for all of us. The OCD

is not gone, but it is manageable and he is so much calmer. He plays

with toys again and he can get a grip on his anger when he gets upset.

>

> The codeine may have affected your son. Mine is really sensitive to

drugs and so is his father. My husband cannot take antihistamines

because he has such horrible mood swings from them.

>

> Let me know how you're doing over the next few days. We're all here

for you. Lots of hugs to you.

>

>

> Walk by Faith

> Tyler

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To:

> Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 10:40:12 PM

> Subject: RE: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

>

>

> Well, I am pretty sure we are going to have to go to meds. He's

completely

> out of control tonight with his obsessions. We were going to bring

him to

> the Childrens Hospital ER if he did not settle down (called the

therapist

> and that was her advice) but I think he is asleep now. Why do things

always

> happen on he weekend when the drs office is not open?

>

> Does anyone know if codeine can make OCD worse? He had his tonsils

out on

> Friday and I am wondering if the codeine is affecting him.

>

> _____

>

> From: @ yahoogroups. com

> [mailto:@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Trabulsy,

> Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:07 AM

> To: @ yahoogroups. com

> Subject: Re: How much therapy before adding meds?

>

> I second what the Barb and say. Finding someone who does CBT /

ERP is

> the important thing. What their title is is irrelevant. You will

know when

> it is time (if it is time) to start meds. We did therapy for a year

when my

> son was first dx (age 3) with several months of totally exploding

symptoms

> and unfunctional behavior, but I just couldnt bring mysek to do it

at 3 year

> old. Then he improved and was really in remisssion till age 8 (never

started

> meds). At 8 relapsed, tried for another year, not able to engage

with CBT

> and stopped eating due to poison fears- started meds at that time, with

> failure of the first med ( suicidal) prior to any response. Changed

to 2nd

> med and started going up with good response but bad side effects.

But then

> were able to engage in CBT and get things under better control and

have been

> weaning down since then ( he is now 12 and almost off) Good luck. It is

> heartbreaking! !!!

>

>