Re: Loooonnnnnnngggggg Sigh....

[Guest guest]

Raena,

You're not whining. I know whiners, and there's a qualitative

difference. You are discussing. That said, I'm sorry that Elaine is

having these difficulties. It's always something, isn't it, and you just

can't ever seem to catch your breath. I don't have any advice to offer,

only listening ears. I'm glad you're posting.

Maggie

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[Guest guest]

Hi

I am new so I don't know your story however I do not think you were whining at

all, just telling the facts of the situation. I wish I had some advice however I

have only boys and they are under 5........ I hope you are able to find help for

your daughter...

Warm Regards

& ASD 11/25/00 in Maine

Loooonnnnnnngggggg Sigh....

Sorry to be so uncommunicative lately...seems like there is just one

thing after another these days.

Today's saga stars Elaine. (Don't worry, this eventually becomes

autism-related...) She had a physical last week, and is now

officially, *medically* underweight. At 5 ft. 1 1/2 in., she weighs

a mere 83 lbs...and thinks she is fat. Jeekers.

She has symptoms of depression, anorexia, and being a teenager...none

of which is good, apparently, and most of which relates either to

having as a brother (see?) or to being a ballet

dancer...double whammy. The doctor put her on a calcium supplement,

recommended a nutritional consultation, and a phone call to the

psychologist to discuss counseling.

Just got off the phone with the psychologist who has been unfortunate

enough to have followed our woes since was 3, and we had a

nice, long chat. We decided on a plan of action that includes

allowing Elaine to use some of her school time to research and

construct a healthy eating plan, and then graphing/reporting on it.

We will look for creative ways to give her time alone to talk to me

(there's lots of loose time around, as you can imagine...), and will

start working on positive self-talk, etc. If she isn't doing any

better by mid-summer, she gets to start counseling---but we will aim

it at depression/coping rather than eating disorder, as that is not a

good label for her to have.

One of the things that came out in our conversation is that in our

family, it's very easy to feel a need to identify oneself by what

your " problem " is...and now she has hers. Rats.

If any of you know of a good website that discusses appropriate

nutrition for teens and/or natural remedies for depression (I don't

really want to drug yet another kid, ya know?), I'd sure love to have

the address(es).

Raena (who should really stop whining soon, huh?)

[Guest guest]

I would hardly call that whining. Teenage years are so hard. I am

really developing a dislike for this timeframe because of all the

hidden potholes that seem to appear in front of our kids. Good luck

with Elain's treatment plan. Sounds like you have a good approach

thought out.

[Guest guest]

> hmmm, there are several routes to take if you are wanting to go

subtle...one thing..get her some bath stuff, specifically the healing

gardens tangerine stuff..the scents of tangerines, oranges, and

lemons are all uplifting to the spirit..so would aid with the

depression..to help increase the appetite(suggested to me by a master

gardener/herbalist) are basil, chives and salad burnet..all three of

these are appetite stimulators..you could get her a good multivitamin

and give her some St s Wort along with it. >

Thanks for all the information...wow. I think she would really like

the bath things, especially; she's one of those 2 hour bath people.

She does take a vitamin (when I give it to her, then watch to make

sure she doesn't spit it out...hates 'em), and we have added in

calcium, but she has to take it as TUMS because the supplement we

tried makes her stomach sick (she also has a " near ulcer " , according

to the doc...forgot that one yesterday).

We went online yesterday and looked up nutritional guidelines for

teens, and will start today with a food diary, I think...she isn't

all that keen on any of this, because she is dedicated to the idea

that she is " the normal one " in our house...I'm not quite sure how to

deal with that one yet.

Raena

[Guest guest]

> Maybe some alone time with her dad might help. I know that girls

> really need to have a special bond with both parents but dads help

> them accept and love who they are. >

Well, that's part of the problem...she is very angry with her dad;

will barely stay in the same room with him. She and I talked about

that last night...but I'm not sure it will change. It's a

complicated situation I guess...and you're right, I really worry that

she doesn't have a positive male role model right now.

Raena

[Guest guest]

> Just be very careful with the herbs. My gyn suggested St. 's

> Wort for PMS so I tried it. I came so close to passing out my

> husband had to help me to a chair. I couldn't walk, the room was

> spinning, everything kept turning black...

Thanks for the warning, Tina...I think you do have to be very careful

about things. I will do some research.

Raena

[Guest guest]

I tried St john's Wort too, and it made me WORSE.

> > Just be very careful with the herbs. My gyn suggested St. 's

> > Wort for PMS so I tried it. I came so close to passing out my

> > husband had to help me to a chair. I couldn't walk, the room was

> > spinning, everything kept turning black...

>

>

> Thanks for the warning, Tina...I think you do have to be very

careful

> about things. I will do some research.

>

> Raena

[Guest guest]

(((((Raena)))))

I hope you can work things our for her with this plan!

Sue