Just venting

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam,

We hope le starts feeling better soon. Let her know that she's in

our thoughts.

Aloha,

Georgina

pamelabrockett@... wrote:

>

> I can really relate to your situation. le has been home for almost two

> weeks. No one can decide if its virus, infection, or flare. Ending up

> looking most like a virus turned into a sinus infection. I was kind of

> prepared for it, everyone on the JRA-LIST has been saying that fall is a bad

> time. This is her first year with the diagnosis.

>

> The school is being pretty good about the time she missed. They are sending

> some homework home and one teacher (computer art) called her and said not to

> worry about anything until she was able to return. She was concerned that

> her hands were in pain. Ain't that the nicest.

>

> My family is very supportive, too. They take her to doctor appointments,

> hospital treatments and come stay with her when I am at work and always call

> to see how she is doing.

>

> Her cousin lives with me and she is very helpful. She will get things for

> her and try to get her thinking about something else. They are in the same

> grade and yesterday she brought home a get well card signed by some school

> friends. It really seemed to turn things around for her.

>

> I meet people all over the place that have children or friend's with children

> with JRA. Sadly for me, le always has it the worse. I don't like

> that, but I count my blessing and move on.

>

> I make sure that everyone knows what le has; I print a description

> about her illness and give it to people to read. Family, friends, teachers;

> even my employer. I also have a letter of introduction for all of her

> teachers to read (she's in High School), it tells what she has gone through

> and meds and what she is doing now. It really has helped to let them know

> that she is very special.

>

> Just thought I'd share that with you. It isn't easy to handle sometimes, but

> I do everything I can to solicit support.

>

> Pam Brockett

[Guest guest]

You go girl! We're all behind you on Monday.

As bad as it seems, things could be worse (WTC).

-- In @y..., Joye <cjoye16@y...> wrote:

> Well, this post is for the entire list......I AM SEETHING! After

carefully crafting an airtight IEP with my child's new teachers in

attendance I was hopefull that this year would be OK. Since the new

school year began I have had to continually ask for certain

accommodations that are in the IEP, request more information home,

etc. you guys know the drill. Well, my son couldn't take what they

were/were not doing for him on Monday and he finally had a melt down

during which he screamed nasty things and threatened to do tortuous

things to his spec ed. teacher. Tommy cannot remember what he said

(not unusual for and OCD/AD/HD combo). Of course we now will be

having another of those wonderful emergency IEP meetings on Monday

morning! On the bright side, I think the new school psychologist

understands OCD and AD/HD better than most others involved (which was

a pleasant surprise), Tommy's former Spec. Ed. Teacher was quite

upset when she heard what had happened and after visiting him at the

new school she met with all the teachers involved, she will be in

attendance at the IEP meeting and she will be with Tommy training his

new paraprofessional all day Monday, Tommy's wonderful therapist will

be available for the meeting by phone and our behavior specialist

also will be in attendance. For once Tommy and I will be well

supported during an IEP meeting. This situation has just been the

icing on the cake for me this week as my husband is still unemployed,

the events of the last month have really bothered me, my 12th grader

had a car accident where his injuries were minor, but required an

ambulance ride and I am having some sort of hormonal changes that are

most definitely affecting my entire physical and mental well being! I

am also only 2 weeks away from having a speaker that I found come to

our school district for a full day of talks with teachers, kids,

parents and administrators, some from outside our district and some

from surrounding colleges. I have never done anything of this scope

before and if things don't work out well my son still has another 9

years to go before graduation. Some of you would remind me to be good

to myself....I am, I promise! I appreciate the love and acceptance

that is always so evident on this list! You love us even when at

times we cannot love ourselves. Well, I have certainly said enough!

Keep me in your thoughts as I rise to the occasion on Monday to

protect my child and all those who come after him with similar

disabilities here in this pocket of Pennsylvania. Blessings,

in Southeastern PA

>

>

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

>

[Guest guest]

,

No words of advice or wisdom...just know that we all are thinking of

you and your family and pray for tranquility in your life! You

certainly have alot of irons in the fire. Things will calm down

after the school event you have been planning has passed, so hang

onto that thought. You are doing great. Just remember...you have

the support of many people from AROUND THE USA AND OTHER COUNTRIES!

((((Hugs))))

Melinda S.

Dallas

> Well, this post is for the entire list......I AM SEETHING! After

carefully crafting an airtight IEP with my child's new teachers in

attendance I was hopefull that this year would be OK. Since the new

school year began I have had to continually ask for certain

accommodations that are in the IEP, request more information home,

etc. you guys know the drill. Well, my son couldn't take what they

were/were not doing for him on Monday and he finally had a melt down

during which he screamed nasty things and threatened to do tortuous

things to his spec ed. teacher. Tommy cannot remember what he said

(not unusual for and OCD/AD/HD combo). Of course we now will be

having another of those wonderful emergency IEP meetings on Monday

morning! On the bright side, I think the new school psychologist

understands OCD and AD/HD better than most others involved (which was

a pleasant surprise), Tommy's former Spec. Ed. Teacher was quite

upset when she heard what had happened and after visiting him at the

new school she met with all the teachers involved, she will be in

attendance at the IEP meeting and she will be with Tommy training his

new paraprofessional all day Monday, Tommy's wonderful therapist will

be available for the meeting by phone and our behavior specialist

also will be in attendance. For once Tommy and I will be well

supported during an IEP meeting. This situation has just been the

icing on the cake for me this week as my husband is still unemployed,

the events of the last month have really bothered me, my 12th grader

had a car accident where his injuries were minor, but required an

ambulance ride and I am having some sort of hormonal changes that are

most definitely affecting my entire physical and mental well being! I

am also only 2 weeks away from having a speaker that I found come to

our school district for a full day of talks with teachers, kids,

parents and administrators, some from outside our district and some

from surrounding colleges. I have never done anything of this scope

before and if things don't work out well my son still has another 9

years to go before graduation. Some of you would remind me to be good

to myself....I am, I promise! I appreciate the love and acceptance

that is always so evident on this list! You love us even when at

times we cannot love ourselves. Well, I have certainly said enough!

Keep me in your thoughts as I rise to the occasion on Monday to

protect my child and all those who come after him with similar

disabilities here in this pocket of Pennsylvania. Blessings,

in Southeastern PA

>

>

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

>

[Guest guest]

Hang in there !

I wish there was more I could do - but I _will_ be thinking of and

praying for you on Monday especially. I'm glad you have some support

at this upcoming meeting. I wish Tommy didn't have to be pushed to

the point where he had a melt down, but hopefully, this will at

least " justify " his IEP plan to those who haven't been following it.

_Hopefully_ they will have gained something from it and will honor

the guidlines in the future and Tommy will get the support he really

needs.

Terry in NY

> Well, this post is for the entire list......I AM SEETHING! After

carefully crafting an airtight IEP with my child's new teachers in

attendance I was hopefull that this year would be OK. Since the new

school year began I have had to continually ask for certain

accommodations that are in the IEP, request more information home,

etc. you guys know the drill. Well, my son couldn't take what they

were/were not doing for him on Monday and he finally had a melt down

during which he screamed nasty things and threatened to do tortuous

things to his spec ed. teacher. Tommy cannot remember what he said

(not unusual for and OCD/AD/HD combo). Of course we now will be

having another of those wonderful emergency IEP meetings on Monday

morning! On the bright side, I think the new school psychologist

understands OCD and AD/HD better than most others involved (which was

a pleasant surprise), Tommy's former Spec. Ed. Teacher was quite

upset when she heard what had happened and after visiting him at the

new school she met with all the teachers involved, she will be in

attendance at the IEP meeting and she will be with Tommy training his

new paraprofessional all day Monday, Tommy's wonderful therapist will

be available for the meeting by phone and our behavior specialist

also will be in attendance. For once Tommy and I will be well

supported during an IEP meeting. This situation has just been the

icing on the cake for me this week as my husband is still unemployed,

the events of the last month have really bothered me, my 12th grader

had a car accident where his injuries were minor, but required an

ambulance ride and I am having some sort of hormonal changes that are

most definitely affecting my entire physical and mental well being! I

am also only 2 weeks away from having a speaker that I found come to

our school district for a full day of talks with teachers, kids,

parents and administrators, some from outside our district and some

from surrounding colleges. I have never done anything of this scope

before and if things don't work out well my son still has another 9

years to go before graduation. Some of you would remind me to be good

to myself....I am, I promise! I appreciate the love and acceptance

that is always so evident on this list! You love us even when at

times we cannot love ourselves. Well, I have certainly said enough!

Keep me in your thoughts as I rise to the occasion on Monday to

protect my child and all those who come after him with similar

disabilities here in this pocket of Pennsylvania. Blessings,

in Southeastern PA

>

>

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

>

[Guest guest]

, hang in there, just keep saying " this too shall pass " and it

will. With all that great support for the IEP meeting Monday, things

will work out. How nice that you've got so many pulling for Tommy

and willing to tell his current teachers how they need to work with

your son. (Don't you hate it tho when they don't follow what is in

the IEP? I just don't understand it.) But I'm sure after what

happened Friday and after the meeting Monday, everything will fall

into place for Tommy. And, like someone already said, in 2 weeks

your speaker will come, you'll get through that great (!) and that

will be over and off your shoulders! Your older son is fine (!) and

I imagine that was scary. I get scared/worried when my 16 y/o is

just a few minutes late getting home, he's usually so good about

getting home on time. I know the pressure of having a husband out of

work, my ex used to get laid off during the slower times of work with

his company (construction). And I know that hormones are H**L, I go

through some things myself - I sort of equate it to what must

go through with his OCD, as I know I certainly feel like I'm out of

control sometimes with the hormonal thing. THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!!

(((((((HUGS)))))) to you! Hang in there!

> Well, this post is for the entire list......I AM SEETHING! After

carefully crafting an airtight IEP with my child's new teachers in

attendance I was hopefull that this year would be OK. Since the new

school year began I have had to continually ask for certain

accommodations that are in the IEP, request more information home,

etc. you guys know the drill. Well, my son couldn't take what they

were/were not doing for him on Monday and he finally had a melt down

during which he screamed nasty things and threatened to do tortuous

things to his spec ed. teacher. Tommy cannot remember what he said

(not unusual for and OCD/AD/HD combo). Of course we now will be

having another of those wonderful emergency IEP meetings on Monday

morning! On the bright side, I think the new school psychologist

understands OCD and AD/HD better than most others involved (which was

a pleasant surprise), Tommy's former Spec. Ed. Teacher was quite

upset when she heard what had happened and after visiting him at the

new school she met with all the teachers involved, she will be in

attendance at the IEP meeting and she will be with Tommy training his

new paraprofessional all day Monday, Tommy's wonderful therapist will

be available for the meeting by phone and our behavior specialist

also will be in attendance. For once Tommy and I will be well

supported during an IEP meeting. This situation has just been the

icing on the cake for me this week as my husband is still unemployed,

the events of the last month have really bothered me, my 12th grader

had a car accident where his injuries were minor, but required an

ambulance ride and I am having some sort of hormonal changes that are

most definitely affecting my entire physical and mental well being! I

am also only 2 weeks away from having a speaker that I found come to

our school district for a full day of talks with teachers, kids,

parents and administrators, some from outside our district and some

from surrounding colleges. I have never done anything of this scope

before and if things don't work out well my son still has another 9

years to go before graduation. Some of you would remind me to be good

to myself....I am, I promise! I appreciate the love and acceptance

that is always so evident on this list! You love us even when at

times we cannot love ourselves. Well, I have certainly said enough!

Keep me in your thoughts as I rise to the occasion on Monday to

protect my child and all those who come after him with similar

disabilities here in this pocket of Pennsylvania. Blessings,

in Southeastern PA

>

>

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

>

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Nope, I'm still in complete awe of you. Dealing with all of that while

working would be beyond me. I have not gone back to work on a regular

schedule just because Annie's problems take up so much time and energy, and

these days she is on the easy end of the OCD spectrum. What you need is a

break - a long nap, a night out or something.

I am feeling completely frazzled at the moment too. I got hit with a

killer case of the flu this weekend and am still dazed and confused with

fever. I just had to go get Annie's meds refilled (because I accidentally

dropped a couple of pills down the drain so it was suddenly urgent) and I

couldn't answer any of the pharmacists questions - I couldn't even get her

birthday right. Geez. And now my husband is coming down with the same thing

and we have a dinner party planned for 35 people for Saturday night. For a

bunch of out-of-town people here for a conference he is organizing. I have

spent the last three days on the couch. Can you guess what my house looks

like??

O.K. I'm done venting. Hang in there - in a week or two your life will

get somewhat back to normal (whatever that is!)

[Guest guest]

--

Geez! Lots of hugs to YOU. My dad is a retired postal employee and

is IN THE AIR at this moment, flying from Philadelphia to AZ (where

my brother lives) in a plane full of jet fuel. Everyone is so on

EDGE lately! In fact, I've been pacing the floor all morning, hoping

my dad's flight went ok- during this 'high alert' we're all under.

The poor man was a basket case last night! He even filled me in on

all those details like, where his Will is kept, bank accts, etc!

Gawd. The thought of flying right now makes me queezy. So, I asked

dad if he wanted one of 's Risperdal's before he got on the

plane! LOL

Your husband will be fine. Stay strong. And, I'm glad Mike took the

anthrax scare well. (my 10yo germ phobic son) was told about

anthrax yesterday (I've been keeping him away from the news, but he

tries to beat me to the mailbox each day, so I broke down and told

him why MOM will bring in the mail from now on). Amazingly, he took

it WELL. Go figure! It seems that kids are handling our nat'l

crisis better than the adults....

Anyway, hang in there, take good care of yourself, and lots of love

and support to you and yours!

Joni (in VA-- who is wishing she lived in the midwest somewhere!)

> Hi Everyone,

> I am just a little frazzled tonight. For those that responded

to me last week that were in awe of me, please take it back. I am

thinking a glue gun would help me tonight-glue down those frazzled

nerves...I took Mike to the neurologist today, this was his follow up

since he was treated twice with penicillin and his 'ugly symptoms'

got better, writing improved, nice kid I used to have years ago

reappeared. The neuro thinks he has PANDAS, wants him to see ped.

rheumatologist to comb him over for auto-immune stuff. He is also

hypothyroid (also auto-immune). OK. I am just complaining because I

don't feel like handling this all alone. Hubby had planned to go

with me to neuro today, as we knew this was a 'big appt' to figure

out a plan for Mike...Unfortunately, his post office tested positive

for anthrax and I've hardly seen the man since Friday. Of course he

couldn't go today. I just feel overwhelmed because not only do I

hear all this overwhelming auto-immune talk, and antibody stuff,

spinal tap stuff, but I am 'stuck' making all the arrangements to

get Mike in this day program (partial hospitalization) to get meds

changed/adjusted. So I had to call out from work to get his lab

work, and EKG done tomorrow. And Wednesday he starts the program and

I have to be there to speak with the doc, social worker, etc. My

boss is not so thrilled as this is the last week I was filling in for

someone who is on a leave, but I did remind her, before I committed,

that I don't like commitments because Mike is so unpredictable. I

hate feeling so undependable...so someone will have to figure out who

is going to see my patients the next few days. She told me to come

in as soon as I was done Wed, but I am worn out just thinking of all

the running, arrangements, and 'putting up with Mike', that I really

want to come home Wed. and goof off for me while he is at the day

program. I think I will...Gosh I am whiney tonight!

> On a positive note, hubby told Mike about the anthrax, which

most docs thought would shake him to his core. So far, so good. He

was upset, demanded his dad get meds, and didn't stay up all night

pacing the floor. Just part of the night! Progress. Dad just came

in with bag of cipro and Mike was so excited. Please take your meds

dad. (hum, lets see if dad is compliant with his meds...always on

Mike's back because we always have to remind him.) Maybe those

relaxation techniques Mike has learned are finally being used!!

> So I just have to get through tonight, which should be lots of

fun. Mike's blood work is fasting in the am, and he is always

getting a bowl or two of cereal in the nite. (has eaten us out of

house and home since starting the zyprexa this year and gained a

total of 59 pounds.) I will be locking food in my trunk tonight.!!

For real. Thanks for letting me gripe. Tomorrow will be a better

day. Hugs to all, in NJ

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ooops, I forgot to say that my dad lives in NJ (Cherry Hill to

be exact) and he knows lots of NJ postal employees. I'm sure he and

your husband have crossed paths before, or know some of the same

people.

Hang in there and lots of love to our friends in NJ, NY, PA, DC ...

and to the entire country for that matter!

Joni in VA

[Guest guest]

Dear Joni,

Thanks for your support. I live 20 minutes from Cherry Hill, in fact that

is where my son's psychiatrist's office is at. Small world. Things are better

today. My husband picked up his meds yesterday but didn't start them because he

had a headache. This is logic that I understand after living with him and being

a nurse for 20 years!! When he didn't start them today I didn't get a reason,

excuse, or even a drop dead! So I just checked into his life insurance

policy...I am only going to waste my time trying to get another male to take

meds if it is in my best interest!! It's in my best interest to make my son

take his meds...with hubby, it is on him. I am his beneficiary!!

Today I had to take Mike for FASTING bloodwork. I am really fortunate that

bloodwork is not a big deal to him (every couple of months), but the fasting

part almost killed me! Since this kid has been on zyprexia he has become obese

(60 pounds too much) and eats us out of house-I hide food. In support of him, I

fasted too-it was starving Marvin's whining that almost killed me-not my lack of

caffeine or sugar!

The mid-west isn't far enough for me-another planet sounds good. I hope

your dad made it safely to Arizona. You're right, we are all on edge lately.

Mike loves those 'baby bottle' candy pops, it's the #1 candy around here. I got

some for his friends and my favorite kids-he got upset. " Mom-it's powder-how do

we know it's not anthrax? " Exposure time. We don't know that it's not

anthrax-it's just a risk we have to take. He's skipping this risk! Hum, maybe

we will take off a pound or two.

Hubby just called, and when I bugged him about meds, he said that people are

complaining about all kinds of side effects-he doesn't want to take them. That

is so funny-Mike doesn't want to take his zyprexia because of the weight gain,

but if he tries to get out of it, dad gives out consequences. Hum...perhaps dad

will get a little empathy...

Take care. Thanks for the hugs. Hugs to you, in NJ

You may subscribe to the Parents of Adults with OCD List at

parentsofadultswithOCD-subscribe . You may subscribe to the

OCD and Homeschooling List at ocdandhomeschooling-subscribe .

You may subscribe to the OCD Kids Support Group at

OCDKidsSupportGroup-subscribe . You may change your

subscription format or access the files, bookmarks, and archives for our list at

. Our list advisors are Tamar

Chansky, Ph.D., Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., and Dan Geller, M.D. Our list

moderators are Birkhan, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Jule

Monnens, Gail Pesses, Kathy , Vivian Stembridge, and Jackie Stout.

Subscription issues or suggestions may be addressed to Louis Harkins, list

owner, at lharkins@... .

[Guest guest]

,

Yes, I read in the Wall Street Journal that more than 50% of those taking Cipro

will suffer a psychotic episode or worse and at least one of the people taking

it as a precaution in Florida ended up in the hospital with a seizure.....

Boy, I wouldn't know what to tell him.....

As for the weight gain...you probably have tried increasing his protein, right?

and cutting the flour and sugar (ok, so it isn't maybe worth the hassle).

My son is 14 and when he went completely on protein and no flour or sugar, his

ocd really improved along with his attitude--unfortunately it is hard to stick

too.

Good luck to you and your husband with that medication decision.

in Nebraska

Re: Re: Just Venting

Dear Joni,

Thanks for your support. I live 20 minutes from Cherry Hill, in fact that

is where my son's psychiatrist's office is at. Small world. Things are better

today. My husband picked up his meds yesterday but didn't start them because he

had a headache. This is logic that I understand after living with him and being

a nurse for 20 years!! When he didn't start them today I didn't get a reason,

excuse, or even a drop dead! So I just checked into his life insurance

policy...I am only going to waste my time trying to get another male to take

meds if it is in my best interest!! It's in my best interest to make my son

take his meds...with hubby, it is on him. I am his beneficiary!!

Today I had to take Mike for FASTING bloodwork. I am really fortunate

that bloodwork is not a big deal to him (every couple of months), but the

fasting part almost killed me! Since this kid has been on zyprexia he has

become obese (60 pounds too much) and eats us out of house-I hide food. In

support of him, I fasted too-it was starving Marvin's whining that almost killed

me-not my lack of caffeine or sugar!

The mid-west isn't far enough for me-another planet sounds good. I hope

your dad made it safely to Arizona. You're right, we are all on edge lately.

Mike loves those 'baby bottle' candy pops, it's the #1 candy around here. I got

some for his friends and my favorite kids-he got upset. " Mom-it's powder-how do

we know it's not anthrax? " Exposure time. We don't know that it's not

anthrax-it's just a risk we have to take. He's skipping this risk! Hum, maybe

we will take off a pound or two.

Hubby just called, and when I bugged him about meds, he said that people

are complaining about all kinds of side effects-he doesn't want to take them.

That is so funny-Mike doesn't want to take his zyprexia because of the weight

gain, but if he tries to get out of it, dad gives out consequences.

Hum...perhaps dad will get a little empathy...

Take care. Thanks for the hugs. Hugs to you, in NJ

You may subscribe to the Parents of Adults with OCD List at

parentsofadultswithOCD-subscribe . You may subscribe to the

OCD and Homeschooling List at ocdandhomeschooling-subscribe .

You may subscribe to the OCD Kids Support Group at

OCDKidsSupportGroup-subscribe . You may change your

subscription format or access the files, bookmarks, and archives for our list at

. Our list advisors are Tamar

Chansky, Ph.D., Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., and Dan Geller, M.D. Our list

moderators are Birkhan, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Jule

Monnens, Gail Pesses, Kathy , Vivian Stembridge, and Jackie Stout.

Subscription issues or suggestions may be addressed to Louis Harkins, list

owner, at lharkins@... .

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I a little behind, but wanted to thank you for your comments...

Re: Re: Just Venting

Dear Joni,

Thanks for your support. I live 20 minutes from Cherry Hill, in fact

that is where my son's psychiatrist's office is at. Small world. Things are

better today. My husband picked up his meds yesterday but didn't start them

because he had a headache. This is logic that I understand after living with

him and being a nurse for 20 years!! When he didn't start them today I didn't

get a reason, excuse, or even a drop dead! So I just checked into his life

insurance policy...I am only going to waste my time trying to get another male

to take meds if it is in my best interest!! It's in my best interest to make

my son take his meds...with hubby, it is on him. I am his beneficiary!!

Today I had to take Mike for FASTING bloodwork. I am really fortunate

that bloodwork is not a big deal to him (every couple of months), but the

fasting part almost killed me! Since this kid has been on zyprexia he has

become obese (60 pounds too much) and eats us out of house-I hide food. In

support of him, I fasted too-it was starving Marvin's whining that almost killed

me-not my lack of caffeine or sugar!

The mid-west isn't far enough for me-another planet sounds good. I hope

your dad made it safely to Arizona. You're right, we are all on edge lately.

Mike loves those 'baby bottle' candy pops, it's the #1 candy around here. I got

some for his friends and my favorite kids-he got upset. " Mom-it's powder-how do

we know it's not anthrax? " Exposure time. We don't know that it's not

anthrax-it's just a risk we have to take. He's skipping this risk! Hum, maybe

we will take off a pound or two.

Hubby just called, and when I bugged him about meds, he said that people

are complaining about all kinds of side effects-he doesn't want to take them.

That is so funny-Mike doesn't want to take his zyprexia because of the weight

gain, but if he tries to get out of it, dad gives out consequences.

Hum...perhaps dad will get a little empathy...

Take care. Thanks for the hugs. Hugs to you, in NJ

You may subscribe to the Parents of Adults with OCD List at

parentsofadultswithOCD-subscribe . You may subscribe to the

OCD and Homeschooling List at ocdandhomeschooling-subscribe .

You may subscribe to the OCD Kids Support Group at

OCDKidsSupportGroup-subscribe . You may change your

subscription format or access the files, bookmarks, and archives for our list at

. Our list advisors are Tamar

Chansky, Ph.D., Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., and Dan Geller, M.D. Our list

moderators are Birkhan, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Jule

Monnens, Gail Pesses, Kathy , Vivian Stembridge, and Jackie Stout.

Subscription issues or suggestions may be addressed to Louis Harkins, list

owner, at lharkins@... .

[Guest guest]

Good morning to all of you!

O.K. All I can figure out is that I must have done something really

awful in a past life to deserve this life I got now.

One of Annie's OCD things is to sleep on top of her covers with all

the stuffed animals arranged and pillows used to block the space between the

bed and the wall. I had managed to talk her into sleeping under the covers a

while back and she just didn't move all night, so there would be no wrinkles.

Last night I got up and being a mom, I checked on both kids. Annie was

sleeping on top of her covers, no pajamas, with only her infant security

blanket covering one fourth of her body. Outside it was snowing like crazy

and inside it was darn cold. The rest of us were under many covers. So I

found a different blanket and covered her up. Is that so awful??? Well,

apparently so. She got up this morning, threw the blanket in the hall and is

FURIOUS with me for " messing up her bed " . She has been ranting and raving and

insulting and attacking me for an hour now.

Moral of this story : let your child freeze to death. Never show

that you care.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

, whose morning hasn't started out that well...

[Guest guest]

Hi, i know your going through a rough time, but i think you should put her in

her room and let her do her tantrums there , thats what the dr told me , that

was a fight to , but now its better. and yes you need to cover her up at night

and maybe set alarm and uncover her ai am before she wakes up. hang in there

, were here for you patty in calif.

Re: just venting

Good morning to all of you!

O.K. All I can figure out is that I must have done something really

awful in a past life to deserve this life I got now.

One of Annie's OCD things is to sleep on top of her covers with all

the stuffed animals arranged and pillows used to block the space between the

bed and the wall. I had managed to talk her into sleeping under the covers a

while back and she just didn't move all night, so there would be no wrinkles.

Last night I got up and being a mom, I checked on both kids. Annie was

sleeping on top of her covers, no pajamas, with only her infant security

blanket covering one fourth of her body. Outside it was snowing like crazy

and inside it was darn cold. The rest of us were under many covers. So I

found a different blanket and covered her up. Is that so awful??? Well,

apparently so. She got up this morning, threw the blanket in the hall and is

FURIOUS with me for " messing up her bed " . She has been ranting and raving and

insulting and attacking me for an hour now.

Moral of this story : let your child freeze to death. Never show

that you care.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

, whose morning hasn't started out that well...

[Guest guest]

Hi , sorry about the tough morning...but you did the right thing and if

I were you I'd continue to cover Annie up every night until she realizes *no

bad thing happens.* I just play dumb--tell Kellen that there's no way a Mom

can go to bed with her child uncovered in a cold room--no matter whether

it's against OCD's rules or not. Then I just won't respond further, and if

she escalates she must go upstairs to her room until she plays herself out.

Or I leave, one or the other thing happens. When she's calmer I remind her

that I love her, hate OCD, and won't do things that seem wrong or stupid to

me just to help OCD make her miserable.

You did the right thing. :-) I hope the rest of the day is going better.

Take care,

Kathy

----- Original Message -----

From: <xslav@...>

> One of Annie's OCD things is to sleep on top of her covers with

all

> the stuffed animals arranged and pillows used to block the space between

the

> bed and the wall. I had managed to talk her into sleeping under the covers

a

> while back and she just didn't move all night, so there would be no

wrinkles.

> Last night I got up and being a mom, I checked on both kids. Annie was

> sleeping on top of her covers, no pajamas, with only her infant security

> blanket covering one fourth of her body. Outside it was snowing like crazy

> and inside it was darn cold. The rest of us were under many covers. So I

> found a different blanket and covered her up. Is that so awful??? Well,

> apparently so. She got up this morning, threw the blanket in the hall and

is

> FURIOUS with me for " messing up her bed " . She has been ranting and raving

and

> insulting and attacking me for an hour now.

> Moral of this story : let your child freeze to death. Never show

> that you care.

> Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

> , whose morning hasn't started out that well...

[Guest guest]

Boy did this bring back some memories. My 16y/o used to sleep on top of his

covers too! The only way he would get in the bed is if I covered it with a

sheet (underneath the sheet, were a nice comforter, blanket and sheets on

the bed the way they are supposed to be). The sleeping-on-sheet would have

to go on top of the comforter, covering the pillows up too to keep them

clean, and heaven forbid it should EVER touch the floor!!! And no one was

allowed to touch it. He covered up with another sheet. I did not DARE ever

cover him with anything else, or let anything touch his bed under the sheets

(and we are talkin about an old, old, hand-me-down mattress and old, old

sheets - the comforter was a few years old - but they were considered

" clean " and had to be kept that way) or disaster and panic and temper

tantrums erupted. He doesn't do it this way anymore, but I think it is only

because his old bed broke, so when I recarpeted last year I got him a new

bed(bigger) and new sheets. (his bed was so old all but 2 of the underneath

slats had broken). Even now, the sheets have to be put on directly after my

bath and I have to lay down to stretch the sheets across because my feet

can't touch his " clean " bed - can you tell I just finished THIS ritual a few

minutes ago? (i also have to put my long hair in a shower bonnet first). So

basically he replaced one ritual w/another, but at least he's UNDER the

covers now. So hang in there - there IS hope!

Needless to say this Thanksgiving holiday was stressful all the way around

at my house. Something upset and he went into full blown, screaming

(loudly), temper tantrum. This is the first one since we started meds (had

several before meds). These are very upsetting to me so I had many tears

yesterday and today. I just want Christmas to go away this year. don't need

any more responsibility or stress dumped in there right now - and relaxing

it is NOT!

So, you just go ahead and vent on all you need to whenever you need to. We

all understand the turmoil your insides feel and you are NOT alone.

Thinking of you,

Sharon

>From: xslav@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: just venting

>Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2001 12:03:12 EST

>

>Good morning to all of you!

> O.K. All I can figure out is that I must have done something

>really

>awful in a past life to deserve this life I got now.

> One of Annie's OCD things is to sleep on top of her covers with

>all

>the stuffed animals arranged and pillows used to block the space between

>the

>bed and the wall. I had managed to talk her into sleeping under the covers

>a

>while back and she just didn't move all night, so there would be no

>wrinkles.

>Last night I got up and being a mom, I checked on both kids. Annie was

>sleeping on top of her covers, no pajamas, with only her infant security

>blanket covering one fourth of her body. Outside it was snowing like crazy

>and inside it was darn cold. The rest of us were under many covers. So I

>found a different blanket and covered her up. Is that so awful??? Well,

>apparently so. She got up this morning, threw the blanket in the hall and

>is

>FURIOUS with me for " messing up her bed " . She has been ranting and raving

>and

>insulting and attacking me for an hour now.

> Moral of this story : let your child freeze to death. Never show

>that you care.

>Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

>, whose morning hasn't started out that well...

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ha! The pajama battle was lost years ago. She can't stand any of her pajamas

(too tight, too itchy, too scratchy, etc.). I tried to lay down the law on

that one last winter but she ended up awake all night and repeatedly coming

into our room to complain. So I bought her the softest fleece blanket in the

world and put it under her comforter and gave up on a top sheet - that has

been working until recently. The really annoying part is that she wakes up

with nightmares if she is too cold. So I will continue to sneak in and cover

her up, and purposely mess up her bed, every night until she moves out.

Eventually we figure she'll learn that if she doesn't get IN the bed, mom

messes it up anyway.

It's funny to think back on - when she was a baby she slept in a snow suit

because there was no heat in our So. Cal. apartment and she was too active

for blankets. Then for years it was sweat suits. Now - skin.

take care,

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/24/01 6:05:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,

macdonald@... writes:

> Mooooom, You HAVE to do it THIS way! " I ask " Who says

> so? You or OCD? Sorry, I don't do rituals for OCD. I don't listen to him

> and I don't do things just because he wants me to. " She knows that I mean

> it and that I won't give in. That doesn't mean that it doesn't make her

> feel terribly anxious or that she doesn't insist repeatedly and have a

> coniption fit. What it does mean is that she sees that she can survive the

> anxiety and next time it isn't quite so bad. Oh, and sometimes it means

> that I am " the MEANEST mother in the whole world! " And I survive that too

>

>

Kathy

Sound exactly like my son. He started insisting on me answering him only a

certin way. I could not talk after I said this. We live in a rancher home. I

start and talk with my husband he would have to do it again. This would be

done 3 or more times in a row until it felt right. After 3 days I had enough!

I told him I don't have OCD, I am not being mean to you but Mom does not have

to answer a certin way. I will do it one more time only!! Then after that I

will not do this he must fight the OCD like he was told. I then gave him his

OCD book (I also gave him a hug but he did not want one) so he can right in

it. That was that, utill 2 days ago it came up again, I did the same thing.

Now he has not brought it up since. I am glad I am not the only one that

this has happened to.

I also am the meanest mother in the world!!

Tammy

[Guest guest]

At 1:03 PM -0500 11/24/2001, Kathy wrote:

When she's calmer I remind her

>

>that I love her, hate OCD, and won't do things that seem wrong or stupid to

>

>me just to help OCD make her miserable.

When Billie wails, " Mooooom, You HAVE to do it THIS way! " I ask " Who says

so? You or OCD? Sorry, I don't do rituals for OCD. I don't listen to him

and I don't do things just because he wants me to. " She knows that I mean

it and that I won't give in. That doesn't mean that it doesn't make her

feel terribly anxious or that she doesn't insist repeatedly and have a

coniption fit. What it does mean is that she sees that she can survive the

anxiety and next time it isn't quite so bad. Oh, and sometimes it means

that I am " the MEANEST mother in the whole world! " And I survive that too

, I'm really sorry that Annie is having such a tough time right now.

It sure isn't easy for any of us to live with OCD. Wish I lived close

enough to give you each a hug!

Kathy

Oh, and my deepest condolences on the snow!

--

Kathy Mac, LICSW

email: macdonald@...

[Guest guest]

I agree with everyone else - cover her up! Besides telling her the

part about your not listening to OCD, it's a " mom " thing, etc. -

could you play up the " she'll probably get sick " part? Or how about

if no proper cover, then warmer PJ's? One or the other? Heck, my

kids all kick their covers off during the night anyway. Though they

WILL cover up if they wake up and are cold.

> Good morning to all of you!

> O.K. All I can figure out is that I must have done

something really

> awful in a past life to deserve this life I got now.

> One of Annie's OCD things is to sleep on top of her covers

with all

> the stuffed animals arranged and pillows used to block the space

between the

> bed and the wall. I had managed to talk her into sleeping under the

covers a

> while back and she just didn't move all night, so there would be no

wrinkles.

> Last night I got up and being a mom, I checked on both kids. Annie

was

> sleeping on top of her covers, no pajamas, with only her infant

security

> blanket covering one fourth of her body. Outside it was snowing

like crazy

> and inside it was darn cold. The rest of us were under many covers.

So I

> found a different blanket and covered her up. Is that so awful???

Well,

> apparently so. She got up this morning, threw the blanket in the

hall and is

> FURIOUS with me for " messing up her bed " . She has been ranting and

raving and

> insulting and attacking me for an hour now.

> Moral of this story : let your child freeze to death.

Never show

> that you care.

> Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

> , whose morning hasn't started out that well...

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, cover her up--just tell her you have to do what you have to do and she will

just have to live with it.

Hang in there.

in Nebraska

Re: just venting

Good morning to all of you!

O.K. All I can figure out is that I must have done something really

awful in a past life to deserve this life I got now.

One of Annie's OCD things is to sleep on top of her covers with all

the stuffed animals arranged and pillows used to block the space between the

bed and the wall. I had managed to talk her into sleeping under the covers a

while back and she just didn't move all night, so there would be no wrinkles.

Last night I got up and being a mom, I checked on both kids. Annie was

sleeping on top of her covers, no pajamas, with only her infant security

blanket covering one fourth of her body. Outside it was snowing like crazy

and inside it was darn cold. The rest of us were under many covers. So I

found a different blanket and covered her up. Is that so awful??? Well,

apparently so. She got up this morning, threw the blanket in the hall and is

FURIOUS with me for " messing up her bed " . She has been ranting and raving and

insulting and attacking me for an hour now.

Moral of this story : let your child freeze to death. Never show

that you care.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

, whose morning hasn't started out that well...

[Guest guest]

At 12:03 PM -0500 11/24/2001, xslav@... wrote:

>

> One of Annie's OCD things is to sleep on top of her covers with all

>

>the stuffed animals arranged and pillows used to block the space between the

>

>bed and the wall.

Hey ,

Any chance she would at least wear a sweat suit to bed? That would keep

her a little warmer til she decides to use a blanket. Though I still vote

on the side of covering her up.

Kathy

--

Kathy Mac, LICSW

email: macdonald@...

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Yes, the SSRIs helped sensory issues tremendously. In fact, they

disappeared more or less completely. And it is primarily the sensory issues

which are the problems now that she is not on an SSRI - the look, smell,

texture and taste of food repulses her, and the feeling of a toothbrush in

her mouth or a hairbrush on her scalp is excruciating. So we're hoping the

third SSRI is the charm!!

[Guest guest]

Dear Tammy -

I have always felt that if I am the " meanest mom in the world " that means

I must be doing something right! The same for being the " meanest teacher " !

Jackie

[Guest guest]

, I know that Annie is not taking any meds now except for AD/HD stuff, but

have the SSRI's ever seemed to help with her being able to tolerate her clothes

any better? Tommy always fusses and refuses to wear certain things when he

needs more medication. We are currently in that phase right now - we just

increased his Prozac to 60mgs. as some of his OCD stuff was returning and the

sensory stuff was starting to REALLY bother him again. I think I would probably

do what you are doing and cover her up when she is asleep as I get sick and

tired of the people in my house keeping me up, so anything I can do to keep them

asleep, I will do!

xslav@... wrote: Ha! The pajama battle was lost years ago. She can't stand

any of her pajamas

(too tight, too itchy, too scratchy, etc.). I tried to lay down the law on

that one last winter but she ended up awake all night and repeatedly coming

into our room to complain. So I bought her the softest fleece blanket in the

world and put it under her comforter and gave up on a top sheet - that has

been working until recently. The really annoying part is that she wakes up

with nightmares if she is too cold. So I will continue to sneak in and cover

her up, and purposely mess up her bed, every night until she moves out.

Eventually we figure she'll learn that if she doesn't get IN the bed, mom

messes it up anyway.

It's funny to think back on - when she was a baby she slept in a snow suit

because there was no heat in our So. Cal. apartment and she was too active

for blankets. Then for years it was sweat suits. Now - skin.

take care,

[Guest guest]

We're all allowed to vent here, Kristee! And it sounds like you've

got good reason to be ticked off.

Donna

http://trak.to/life

www.reliv.com

Take control of your health!

Kristee wrote:

Zoey,

Thanks for sharing your enlightening story. It seems to relate to Elaine's

writings where drs. often jump to the gun to be too aggressive.

I finally established with an internal medicine dr. yesterday. She was

actually referred to me by my best friend. She came on like gang busters

and is trying to tell me that this is 'panic attacks,' until I told her

the endocrinologist insisted that I get into the office right away. She

came into the room and 'immediately' suggested panic attacks before listening

to my story, as I had given her a typed up sheet of the symptoms that have

been occuring (i.e. heat intolerance, shivering, weight loss, heart pounding,

supercharged feelings, etc. (It's a shame that drs. can't put a clinical

picture with the pt. and just look at numbers.) She also argued the fact

that one 'cannot' have normal lab values and and have symptoms. (My TSH

was 0.43--norm is above 0.50). Then, she cut down the endo which I thought

was 'very' unprofessional, stating that he is 'too picky' anyway--meaning

that he does everything to the Nth degree. (I'd rather have a dr. that

does something to the Nth degree then brush off issues.) So, I see this

endocrinologist's partner today and hopefully, she will be professional

and kind enough to 'understand.' The end result yesterday was the internist

started changing her tune after awhile and then said, "Well you'd

better go see Dr. X because maybe there is something endocrine. The symptoms

are not fitting the picture of anything." She seemed to be talking out

of both sides of her mouth. But, at least she tried to cover all bases.

I think that they forget that we hire them, not visa versa.

Yet this internist wanted to redraw my T3, T4, & TSH. I am going

to take Elaine's advice and see if they will draw the TSI today.

Yes, there is the anxiety component. I'd like to see them go through

this and see how well they feel. My heart wouldn't pound for 2 days straight

with a higher b/p while I am calm--and this be considered a panic attack.

I have ordered Elaine's book and can't wait to read it. (Thank you Elaine

for such a wonderful publication. I am enjoying your website too.)

Thanks for letting me vent. (Otherwise tell me to shush!)

Kristee