March 12, 2005

  • It's a Beautiful Day


    I read with interest the comments pro and con on using meds with kids who have ADHD.  The decision was a difficult one for me to make for a lot of reasons.  Probably the strongest reason comes from my younger days when I worked as a counselor in a children's psychiatric facility.  I formed an opinion then that many times the use of medication was not for the child's benefit but for the caregiver.  I'd see bright eyed little boys (mostly boys) turn dull and listless under the yoke of chemicals that depressed their spirit. 


    But watching my child struggle all year with situations that were beginning to hurt him in ways that I would have given my right arm to alleviate, brought me to the point of willingness to try.  I mean, if I truly am willing to do whatever I can to help him, shouldn't the whatever include medication if that's one of the options? 


    So it was with considerable ambivalence yesterday morning that I dispensed that medication.  I fretted about it all day. 


    Yesterday, when I picked up the boys from school, Tucker's teachers were lined up to talk with me.  He had a day that was so good that they couldn't get over it.  The study hall teacher said, "He was here for 5 whole minutes before I realized that he was in the room and that has NEVER happened before."  They showed me samples of his work from yesterday.  It was neatly printed, correctly spelled, and legible. 


    Tucker got positive feedback all day from everyone.  He was walking on clouds last night. 


    I got my tax "refund" yesterday, so I'm going today to see if I can get my brakes fixed.  It's looking like a beautiful day.


    It Has Come to my Attention


    That people are missing from my SIR.  I was talking about it yesterday over lunch with Jason and Maria, that I've noticed that some people are missing from my SIR.  And then this morning I was checking and sure enough MARIA wasn't there.    I'm not impressed.  I have found four others over the past couple of weeks who are also "gone missing".  So I don't know if Xanga's recent upgrades had something to do with it or what happened.  I just thought that some of my old friends weren't posting as much these days. 


    But I just looked at the total number - and it's rather embarrassingly large - but it's down by about 20 people from what it should be.  Has anyone else had this problem?


     


     

Comments (15)

  • Wow.  That's incredible. 

  • Yep, Whenever xanga does it's "updates" I lose half my SIR. I gave up trying to keep up and just hope to find whoever went missing. It is driving me insane

    I am so glad you got the hug I asked to be delievered

  • I feel if a child needs some type of drug related help to concentrate, or function on a level that will keep them out of trouble, so be it. I think many kids are put on drugs for reasons other than that, but there ARE legit reasons to use the medical help too...and those children should have that option and that help.You're a parent who knows the difference in them needing it, and just being drugged for 'convenience' for lack of a better word. If it has made such a difference already, it is the right thing to do.

    As for Xanga...that happens, and yes, I lose some everytime they fiddle with things. Maybe they leave on purpose, maybe not...some come back, some don't. If I realize who is missing, I go resub when it's on my end of the SIR...but I don't always know exactly who is MIA.

  • What wonderful news about your son.  I don't look much at who's subscribed to my site (if that's what an SIR is).  I usually only notice those who comment and wonder why those who are subscribed seldom if ever do.  I know one fellow died, but I only heard about it through the grapevine.  That was kinda sad.  c:)

  • I've noticed that from time to time, too.  frustrating!

  • Tough call regarding the meds.  I myself as I get older have decided to forego most medications.  I stop taking birth control pills years ago, I hardly ever take even aspirin.  I do take allergy pills sometimes because my allergies are really pretty severe.  I've decided that I have to get rid of my cat.  That will help quite a bit I think.  I'll find him a good home first of course.

    I sometimes think that ADHD has everything to do with the kind of world we now live in where technology surrounds us forcing us to not have to pay attention to anything for more than a few minutes at a time.  We're overstimulated and it seems to be affecting our genetic material now. 

    I'm not having that SIR problem.  I'm honored that I am on your SIR list and that you've stopped in, taken time to be of help to me.  That's very sweet.

    I've decided that another hiatus is in order for me.  I have things that need to get done.  One step at a time and I'm thinking that within the next 6 months I should be having a much easier life.  Since Xanga can be a very big distraction, as can the Internet in general but especially the Xacommunity for me, I'll have to focus on the other things which are of absolute importance to me right now.

    I do have your number.  And I'll post something before I "go."   

    Be well. 

  • Ok, I *think* I know what a SIR is but am not quite sure...

    I'm glad that Tucker had a good day at school. I'm not familiar with ADD/ADHD...do they have an idea about what time the children might not need meds anymore?

  • Deciding to give your child medication, particularly if it's a class 2 drug, is a difficult choice. I hope that Tucker will continue to have success in his treatment.

  • I have an ignorant question here.  What does SIR stand for?

  • I'm glad that the meds are working for Tucker. My Alyssa was one of those that not even Concerta did anything for. But then she wasn't considered hyper. Actually when she gets a little anxiety ridden due to an approaching test or something I let her have 1/2 C of coffee with milk and sweetner(splenda in otherwords) and it works well. I have found the meds and Asperger's do not work well. And don't let them put your son on anything that's a stimulant. I allowed them to do that to Jessica and she stayed awake for 3 full days and I do mean 'full' days. In the middle of school and softball season..now that was a horrible combination. She cried all the time and was just miserable. When we asked her why, she just wailed I don't know. Poor thing. Last time I've let any doctor put her on anything.  Jessica does very well on herbs and vitamins. But that took several tries at everything to find the right method for her.  The best thing for the Asperger kids is behavioural therapy and other therapies(Jessica has a therapy for her tactile sensitivity towards food and to sounds). It takes time (and lots of it) and patience to work out what's best. Believe me, if I'm a professional at anything it would be these two subjects. LOL.

  • I'm so happy for you and for Tucker!  Meds aren't for everyone -  a lot of times (I believe) what is diagnosed as ADD is allergies, but sometimes it's right on the nose ADD.  It's a tough decision to make for any parent, no doubt.   I haven't noticed anyone missing on my SIR list that I know of ...

  • I use my webring as my SIR. I have almost no subs.

    Sail on... sail on!!!

  • Check THIS out: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/ritalin.htm

  • I am just delighted to hear Tucker was so positively praised at school. Yea!

    As for the SIR - I have not lost any to my knowledge, but what I do have problems with is the digest mail - all are supposed to be mailed to me daily so I can see who has posted the day before (many are irregular) but it is very spotty, sometimes they are sent, other days not and I have to check them out to see who has posted or I miss them. I hate that, as I miss some quite often. 

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