Comments on: Counting My Chickens

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:22:15 +0000

Just a thought, was there anything in the gum that might have been a trigger – aspertame? Red dye 40? Our kids are so sensitive to stuff, maybe things he can normally handle on that day tipped the scales.

By: Tanya Savko

Tanya Savko — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:26:32 +0000

Everyone, thank you as always for your support. I just want to mention, since I don’t think I was clear about it in the post, that I’m not resistant to the idea of needing and using medication in general. What I’m concerned about are the side effects, some of them possibly permanent, that Risperidone has a reputation for causing. That’s the main reason why I’d like to get him off of it as soon as he’s ready. But, it really does help him, and so far he’s not showing any concerning side effects, so we’re sticking with it for the time being.

By: Carrie N

Carrie N — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:20:35 +0000

You are so in tune with him. It’s remarkable.

And a gift to have a (rare!) clear answer, for now, in your decisions on his meds.

By: Nicki

Nicki — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:13:05 +0000

That IS a very long day! It sounds like Nigel did a great job holding himself together for most of it, considering he didn’t have his meds! Did he say anything about it afterwards?

By: Cinda

Cinda — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:37:44 +0000

Thank you for the post. I have a question for you. Now that Nigel is in high school is there a transition plan on his IEP? I am kind of the “transition queen” of WA (http://www.seattleu.edu/ccts) and am always curious about other states from a PARENTs perspective.

By: Brenda

Brenda — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:52:14 +0000

Whew. Tuesday’s gone! That just makes ME tired reading it. A little spontaneous experiment with the meds. And voila, an answer. Hang in there, mama.

By: pixiemama

pixiemama — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:58:18 +0000

That schedule sounds very overwhelming… Kudos to both of you for holding it together the way you do the vast majority of the time.

By: Macrina

Macrina — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:54:04 +0000

ooh, I remember my high school years packed with sports and extra-curricular activities, sometimes it was too much! And I’m sure Mom felt the pressure too. But I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it, I hope Nigel is having the time of his life!

By: M

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:26:40 +0000

my tendency is to count the eggs after the hatching. things go well…new chicks running around, alive, happy…i’m focused on all of those broken eggs.

this med was really a major transition for nigel…he was going to be going through so many new situations, he needed something to give him a bit of leverage…and it’s really exciting that the meds have helped. gives him more control over what he can do, manage, and that’s wonderful. nigel: it’s amazing to me that he never takes the easy way out. he wants the hard road because it’s more rewarding. he’s got a huge amount of character, personal strength.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:22:29 +0000

That IS rather impressive. My feeling re: meds is, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.

OMHOG living for four years with someone both ADHD and bipolar.