Re: Very worried, cont'd...

[Guest guest]

hang in there, .  Hoping you get some better news soon.

(mom w/OCD, almost 12 yo dd w/OCD, 9.5 yo dd w/tics and possible just

right OCD)

________________________________

To:

Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 4:30 PM

Subject: Very worried, cont'd...

I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next little

while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith that

things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see even

a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling a

lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take a

while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet to

see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each day

thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified of

what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on Thursday

morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a decrease. His

blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left for 's and

it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on, something to do with

his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow evening to go over

everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had these tests before

there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be due to the Lexapro

wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is the case and that

once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he can start gaining

weight back.

The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro, but

he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

------------------------------------

Our list archives feature may be accessed at: 

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group// by scrolling

down to the archives calendar . 

Our links may be accessed at

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Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D.(http://www.ocdawareness.com ), and

Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.( http://www.worrywisekids.org )

You may ask a question of any of these mental health professionals by inserting

the words " Ask Dr.(insert name) " in the subject line of a post to the list.  Our

list moderators are Castle, BJ, and Barb Nesrallah.  You may contact the

moderators at -owner . 

OCDKidsLoop membership may be accessed at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdkidsloop/ . 

Our group and related groups are listed at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdsupportgroups/links . 

[Guest guest]

-

I'm hoping too that you will get a word that will encourage you in some small

way. Did you figure out what to send in the mail?

Rhonda

Very worried, cont'd...

I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next little

while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith that

things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see even

a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling a

lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take a

while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet to

see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each day

thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified

of what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on

Thursday morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a

decrease. His blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left

for 's and it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on,

something to do with his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow

evening to go over everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had

these tests before there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be

due to the Lexapro wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is

the case and that once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he

can start gaining weight back.

The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro,

but he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

[Guest guest]

, I'm sending you a cyberhug and any support that I can. Life is so tough

for some and it seems so unfair. I hope that things start looking up for your

son and that you can have some sense of relief. You both so deserve it.

Re: Very worried, cont'd...

-

I'm hoping too that you will get a word that will encourage you in some small

way. Did you figure out what to send in the mail?

Rhonda

Very worried, cont'd...

I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next little

while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith that

things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see even

a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling a

lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take a

while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet to

see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each day

thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified of

what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on Thursday

morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a decrease. His

blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left for 's and

it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on, something to do with

his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow evening to go over

everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had these tests before

there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be due to the Lexapro

wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is the case and that

once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he can start gaining

weight back.

The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro, but

he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

[Guest guest]

Thanks, , me too

> hang in there, . Hoping you get some better news soon.

>

> (mom w/OCD, almost 12 yo dd w/OCD, 9.5 yo dd w/tics and possible just

right OCD)

>

> ________________________________

>

> To:

> Sent: Sunday, March 25, 2012 4:30 PM

> Subject: Very worried, cont'd...

>

> I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next little

while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith that

things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see even

a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

>

> The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling a

lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

>

> I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take a

while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet to

see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each day

thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

>

> Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified

of what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on

Thursday morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a

decrease. His blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left

for 's and it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on,

something to do with his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow

evening to go over everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had

these tests before there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be

due to the Lexapro wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is

the case and that once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he

can start gaining weight back.

>

> The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro,

but he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

>

> Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> Our list archives feature may be accessed at:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group// by scrolling

> down to the archives calendar .

> Our links may be accessed at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group//links .

> Our files may be accessed at

> http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group//files .

> Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D.(http://www.ocdawareness.com ), and

Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.( http://www.worrywisekids.org )

> You may ask a question of any of these mental health professionals by

inserting the words " Ask Dr.(insert name) " in the subject line of a post to the

list. Our list moderators are Castle, BJ, and Barb Nesrallah. You may

contact the moderators at -owner .

>

> OCDKidsLoop membership may be accessed at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdkidsloop/ .

> Our group and related groups are listed at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdsupportgroups/links .

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Jordana and Rhonda, I really appreciate it

Rhonda, I did figure out what to send him. I printed out the email Lee sent with

all of the things she sent to her son when he was there and that helped a lot. I

got permission from his therapist to send him some goodies, so I sent off a care

package last week with some gluten-free snacks/treats, magazines, etc. He

doesn't have to be totally gluten-free, but he's insisted on it ever since the

doctor wanted him to try going gluten-free to see if that would help. I think

it's become somewhat of an OCD issue for him and with his recent weight loss I

wish it wasn't.

I also remembered I had this great app on the iPad where you can use any photo

from your library, create a postcard and mail it. There's all sorts of fun

" stickers " you can put on the back of the card, you can choose a decorative

stamp, font, and so on. Then they have them printed on an oversize postcard and

mailed, all for $1.50, which I think is very reasonable. So I try to send one of

the postcards several times a week and then write some notes here and there.

> , I'm sending you a cyberhug and any support that I can. Life is so tough

for some and it seems so unfair. I hope that things start looking up for your

son and that you can have some sense of relief. You both so deserve it.

>

> Re: Very worried, cont'd...

>

> -

>

> I'm hoping too that you will get a word that will encourage you in some small

way. Did you figure out what to send in the mail?

>

> Rhonda

>

> Very worried, cont'd...

>

> I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next little

while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith that

things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see even

a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

>

> The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling a

lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

>

> I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take a

while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet to

see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each day

thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

>

> Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified

of what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on

Thursday morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a

decrease. His blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left

for 's and it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on,

something to do with his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow

evening to go over everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had

these tests before there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be

due to the Lexapro wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is

the case and that once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he

can start gaining weight back.

>

> The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro,

but he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

>

> Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh . I don't know what to say other than just hang in there and DO NOT

loose hope. I know it's almost impossible to remain optimistic when you don't

see visible progress. I remember those days. As you said in your post, you

know that 's is the only place for him right now. Keep the faith.

Thinking of you,

Lee in CA

Very worried, cont'd...

I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next little

while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith that

things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see even

a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling a

lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take a

while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet to

see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each day

thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified of

what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on Thursday

morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a decrease. His

blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left for 's and

it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on, something to do with

his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow evening to go over

everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had these tests before

there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be due to the Lexapro

wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is the case and that

once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he can start gaining

weight back.

The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro, but

he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much, Lee. I know you know first-hand what it's like. I am SO grateful

he is at 's because I honestly don't know what I'd be doing right now if he

wasn't.

>

> Oh . I don't know what to say other than just hang in there and DO NOT

loose hope. I know it's almost impossible to remain optimistic when you don't

see visible progress. I remember those days. As you said in your post, you know

that 's is the only place for him right now. Keep the faith. Thinking of

you,

> Lee in CA

>

> Very worried, cont'd...

>

> I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next little

while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith that

things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see even

a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

>

> The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling a

lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

>

> I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take a

while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet to

see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each day

thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

>

> Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified

of what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on

Thursday morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a

decrease. His blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left

for 's and it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on,

something to do with his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow

evening to go over everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had

these tests before there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be

due to the Lexapro wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is

the case and that once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he

can start gaining weight back.

>

> The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro,

but he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

>

> Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, just quickly passing on this link as info. A parent in this group had

bloodwork done at Mayo regarding meds for her daughter, and this is info about

it in case you're interested, about finding best medication, way it metabolizes,

etc:

Benefits of Pharmacogenetics

Pharmacogenetics uses molecular testing to analyze certain genes. A

pharmacogenetic test can predict how a patient will metabolize a drug, allowing

the clinician to adjust dosages for individual patients to get maximum efficacy

from a drug with minimum side effects.

http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/g/genetic-pharmacology/default/

If you search through our archived posts for the term Mayo, you can turn up some

posts by parent " Pamela " that is on the topic.

>

> Thanks so much, Lee. I know you know first-hand what it's like. I am SO

grateful he is at 's because I honestly don't know what I'd be doing right

now if he wasn't.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much, I will definitely check that out!!

> , just quickly passing on this link as info. A parent in this group had

bloodwork done at Mayo regarding meds for her daughter, and this is info about

it in case you're interested, about finding best medication, way it metabolizes,

etc:

>

> Benefits of Pharmacogenetics

> Pharmacogenetics uses molecular testing to analyze certain genes. A

pharmacogenetic test can predict how a patient will metabolize a drug, allowing

the clinician to adjust dosages for individual patients to get maximum efficacy

from a drug with minimum side effects.

>

> http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/g/genetic-pharmacology/default/

>

> If you search through our archived posts for the term Mayo, you can turn up

some posts by parent " Pamela " that is on the topic.

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Thanks so much, Lee. I know you know first-hand what it's like. I am SO

grateful he is at 's because I honestly don't know what I'd be doing right

now if he wasn't.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I'm new to this group, but I have read about what's going on with your son.  My

heart breaks for you, and I'm praying for you and your family to have good news

soon.  Hang in there and try to take care of yourself. 

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much, and welcome to the group

> ,

> I'm new to this group, but I have read about what's going on with your son.

My heart breaks for you, and I'm praying for you and your family to have good

news soon. Hang in there and try to take care of yourself.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks again for this. I just went to the website and called and spoke with

them. Wow, I can not understand why this type of testing is not standard

procedure before medicating children especially!! It's covered by insurance in

most cases, so it blows me away that this is the first I've heard of it

considering all of the doctors and psychiatrists we've taken my son to! Of

course Lexapro is one of the few medications that is not on their list of drugs

they can test for, but the clinician said she's going to check into it and get

back to me because it's possible they could test for it.

Clomipramine and Risperdal are both on the list so I'm definitely speaking with

the psychiatrist about the possibility of ordering these tests for my son before

they go any further with meds.

> , just quickly passing on this link as info. A parent in this group had

bloodwork done at Mayo regarding meds for her daughter, and this is info about

it in case you're interested, about finding best medication, way it metabolizes,

etc:

>

> Benefits of Pharmacogenetics

> Pharmacogenetics uses molecular testing to analyze certain genes. A

pharmacogenetic test can predict how a patient will metabolize a drug, allowing

the clinician to adjust dosages for individual patients to get maximum efficacy

from a drug with minimum side effects.

>

> http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/g/genetic-pharmacology/default/

>

> If you search through our archived posts for the term Mayo, you can turn up

some posts by parent " Pamela " that is on the topic.

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Thanks so much, Lee. I know you know first-hand what it's like. I am SO

grateful he is at 's because I honestly don't know what I'd be doing right

now if he wasn't.

> >

> >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I wish we had the magic words to help ease your pain - Just thinking, don't you

think the new surroundings has pushed his OCD ocer the top for now....he is

probably at his highest level right now..but it can only get better...he can't

stay at that level for too long...also once they figure out the medical piece &

come up with the proper drug/dosage - it will all start kicking in. Remember,

this is all they do there...nothing is new to them...they can move in on all of

this quickly...

Take care of yourself right now...

>

> Thanks so much, Lee. I know you know first-hand what it's like. I am SO

grateful he is at 's because I honestly don't know what I'd be doing right

now if he wasn't.

>

>

>

> >

> > Oh . I don't know what to say other than just hang in there and DO NOT

loose hope. I know it's almost impossible to remain optimistic when you don't

see visible progress. I remember those days. As you said in your post, you know

that 's is the only place for him right now. Keep the faith. Thinking of

you,

> > Lee in CA

> >

> > Very worried, cont'd...

> >

> > I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next

little while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith

that things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see

even a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

> >

> > The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still struggling

a lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and very constant

and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a conversation with him

because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he doesn't do it that

much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes difficult to

understand.

> >

> > I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to take

a while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have yet

to see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up each

day thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest sign of

improvement.

> >

> > Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being petrified

of what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last weighed on

Thursday morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and not a

decrease. His blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he left

for 's and it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on,

something to do with his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow

evening to go over everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had

these tests before there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be

due to the Lexapro wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is

the case and that once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he

can start gaining weight back.

> >

> > The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out Lexapro,

but he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the Lexapro. After

seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on what his MD says

tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist so hopefully they

can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist,

but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean out his system and see

how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of improvement and has only

gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize that could also be the

progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the meds have something to do

with his drastic decline and weight loss.

> >

> > Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I am trying my best to take care of me, but it's hard. I did just

by a Groupon for a facial and massage, yay me

You are right about his surroundings making it worse. Here at home he was

basically living in a little cocoon, shut off from everyone and everything. The

slightest little thing, even here in the house, would send his stress/tics

through the roof. Even listening to music became too difficult because any type

of excitement (positive or negative) stressed him out and increased his tics. It

was like he was wearing his entire nervous system on the outside of his skin!

He was unexpectedly ripped from his cozy little cocoon, taken to a place halfway

across the country where he didn't know anyone and where he can't just shut

himself off from the world. He's doing well as far as socializing with the staff

and his peers, so that is definitely a plus, but his tics are so constant and

debilitating now and the bathroom issues are a huge problem.

I felt a little better after speaking with one of the counselors last night. He

assured me that they've " seen it all, " and they've dealt with way worse

situations than my son's.

> Hi ,

> I wish we had the magic words to help ease your pain - Just thinking, don't

you think the new surroundings has pushed his OCD ocer the top for now....he is

probably at his highest level right now..but it can only get better...he can't

stay at that level for too long...also once they figure out the medical piece &

come up with the proper drug/dosage - it will all start kicking in. Remember,

this is all they do there...nothing is new to them...they can move in on all of

this quickly...

> Take care of yourself right now...

>

>

>

> >

> > Thanks so much, Lee. I know you know first-hand what it's like. I am SO

grateful he is at 's because I honestly don't know what I'd be doing right

now if he wasn't.

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Oh . I don't know what to say other than just hang in there and DO

NOT loose hope. I know it's almost impossible to remain optimistic when you

don't see visible progress. I remember those days. As you said in your post, you

know that 's is the only place for him right now. Keep the faith. Thinking

of you,

> > > Lee in CA

> > >

> > > Very worried, cont'd...

> > >

> > > I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next

little while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith

that things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see

even a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

> > >

> > > The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still

struggling a lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and

very constant and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a

conversation with him because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he

doesn't do it that much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes

difficult to understand.

> > >

> > > I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to

take a while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have

yet to see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up

each day thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest

sign of improvement.

> > >

> > > Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being

petrified of what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last

weighed on Thursday morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and

not a decrease. His blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he

left for 's and it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on,

something to do with his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow

evening to go over everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had

these tests before there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be

due to the Lexapro wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is

the case and that once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he

can start gaining weight back.

> > >

> > > The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out

Lexapro, but he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the

Lexapro. After seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on

what his MD says tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist

so hopefully they can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a

doctor or psychiatrist, but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean

out his system and see how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of

improvement and has only gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize

that could also be the progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the

meds have something to do with his drastic decline and weight loss.

> > >

> > > Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I am trying my best to take care of me, but it's hard. I did just

by a Groupon for a facial and massage, yay me

You are right about his surroundings making it worse. Here at home he was

basically living in a little cocoon, shut off from everyone and everything. The

slightest little thing, even here in the house, would send his stress/tics

through the roof. Even listening to music became too difficult because any type

of excitement (positive or negative) stressed him out and increased his tics. It

was like he was wearing his entire nervous system on the outside of his skin!

He was unexpectedly ripped from his cozy little cocoon, taken to a place halfway

across the country where he didn't know anyone and where he can't just shut

himself off from the world. He's doing well as far as socializing with the staff

and his peers, so that is definitely a plus, but his tics are so constant and

debilitating now and the bathroom issues are a huge problem.

I felt a little better after speaking with one of the counselors last night. He

assured me that they've " seen it all, " and they've dealt with way worse

situations than my son's.

> Hi ,

> I wish we had the magic words to help ease your pain - Just thinking, don't

you think the new surroundings has pushed his OCD ocer the top for now....he is

probably at his highest level right now..but it can only get better...he can't

stay at that level for too long...also once they figure out the medical piece &

come up with the proper drug/dosage - it will all start kicking in. Remember,

this is all they do there...nothing is new to them...they can move in on all of

this quickly...

> Take care of yourself right now...

>

>

>

> >

> > Thanks so much, Lee. I know you know first-hand what it's like. I am SO

grateful he is at 's because I honestly don't know what I'd be doing right

now if he wasn't.

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > > Oh . I don't know what to say other than just hang in there and DO

NOT loose hope. I know it's almost impossible to remain optimistic when you

don't see visible progress. I remember those days. As you said in your post, you

know that 's is the only place for him right now. Keep the faith. Thinking

of you,

> > > Lee in CA

> > >

> > > Very worried, cont'd...

> > >

> > > I'm afraid this unfortunately may be my subject line here for the next

little while. I know that 's is the only place for my son and I have faith

that things will eventually turn around, it's just so difficult right now to see

even a glimmer of light at the end of this very dark tunnel.

> > >

> > > The bathroom issues are seeming to increase there, and he's still

struggling a lot with taking showers. His tics are still through the roof and

very constant and it's almost impossible for my husband or I to have a

conversation with him because he will mumble and spell half of his words. Now he

doesn't do it that much with staff or kids, but they have said he is sometimes

difficult to understand.

> > >

> > > I realize it's only been 10 days since he got there, and it's going to

take a while, but I wish there was at least some little sign of hope and I have

yet to see one. I'm trying to be optimistic and think positive, and I wake up

each day thinking okay, today I'll hear something, even if it's the littlest

sign of improvement.

> > >

> > > Tomorrow they'll be weighing him again and now I find myself being

petrified of what the scale will read each time he's weighed. He was last

weighed on Thursday morning, so I pray it's either the same or an increase and

not a decrease. His blood work came back from the blood draw he had the day he

left for 's and it looks like there is a possible metabolic issue going on,

something to do with his organic acids. I'll be speaking with his MD tomorrow

evening to go over everything, but I'm very concerned. Since he's never had

these tests before there is nothing to compare it to, but I suspect this may be

due to the Lexapro wreaking havoc with his body chemistry. I'm hoping that is

the case and that once he's off the Lexapro his metabolism can normalize and he

can start gaining weight back.

> > >

> > > The psychiatrist wants to keep him on the Risperdal, and phase out

Lexapro, but he wants to introduce Clomipramine while he's going off the

Lexapro. After seeing this blood work and thinking more about it, depending on

what his MD says tomorrow, I'm going to ask him to speak with the psychiatrist

so hopefully they can work as a team on the meds moving forward. I'm not a

doctor or psychiatrist, but IMO I think he should go off all the meds to clean

out his system and see how he does. The fact is that he has shown no signs of

improvement and has only gotten a lot worse since taking the meds. I realize

that could also be the progression of his OCD, but my gut feeling is that the

meds have something to do with his drastic decline and weight loss.

> > >

> > > Okay, here's hoping for some better news tomorrow with the weigh in!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >