Monday, February 9, 2009

Here We Go Again

Several years ago we began what proved to be a very slow process of recognizing that one of our children had an attention/focusing problem. The process took us to conferences with teachers, appointments with doctors, very expensive testing, and then the confusing decision of whether or not to medicate. We researched and researched and prayed and then we medicated.



While we may have thought the process would ease when we decided to medicate, there were dosage problems and adverse reactions to two of the three classes of ADHD drugs. The third class of drugs still had frustrating side-effects for our child, but the medicine also did what it was supposed to do. It made our child's life a little easier. We willingly hand over $$ every month for the pills knowing it's the right thing at this time for our child.



In the ensuing years, I have had the opportunity to support a couple of acquaintances as they each began the ADHD journey with their own children. I have listened as they debated whether or not to medicate. And I have shared their frustrations when other parents have announced that the problem with America is that "poorly disciplined" children or children with "no issues" have "lazy" teachers and "pill happy" doctors "needlessly" medicating children. (Did you like all my "" ?)



I wish my child could focus as effectively OFF the pills as my child does ON the pills. But that's not the case. As we tell those who ask, it's just not that big of a deal now for us and our child's life is better because of the medication.



So what's the problem?



Last week a much-trusted and beloved teacher asked for a conference with me, and during that discussion she confirmed what Checkered and I have quietly suspected for a while. Another of our children is struggling with attention and focusing. And so we begin a long journey again.



And me? My "it's just not that big of a deal" bravado slipped a bit.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I am here for you if you ever need to talk. Walked down the road with both boys and girls some medicated and some not. The choices are not always that easy.

Mental P Mama said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear that. Your children are lucky to have you both, though. Sending you light.

Pancake said...

I would imagine it is hard to medicate them, thankfully they do have some to help!

Julie said...

I am so sorry. That has got to be hard...we just love our little ones so much and want the best for them. Praying God gives you the strength and wisdom you need!

Betty said...

I´m so sorry you have to go through it again. You will be in my thoughts and hopefully this time it will be better!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Hugs and more hugs baby! I am here for you and going to keep you and your family in my prayers. It helps to talk and pray.
Love you.

mom x 2 said...

We have been there, done that. And are still there, still doing that! I can sooo relate to your new struggle as well as the one you will continue to deal with going forward. If it helps you to cope just a little, you are not alone. I used to think I was, but as time went on, I realized, nope, not in this by myself. It was one of the hardest decisions to make, but also the best for my youngest (who just got his learners this weekend, so there is hope) Hang in there! I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Ashley said...

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this all over again. At least you have already made the time investment and educated yourself on the issue. So you are very prepared to handle the situation this time. But it does sucks that you have to handle it. You'll get through it and your children will be better for it. Good luck!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

been there walked it and thank GOd for the person who discovered the meds that work because the frustrations these kids go through with out it is unbearable. wanting to control and trying to control and unable to control being told they are bad becasue they cant... I hated when Cory was nearly 14 and decided he was old enough to choose... the dr and I discussed it and decided to let him try with out the meds... it was a diaster he tried last year to go back on meds but the adult meds really did not work for him I so wish they would put him back on ritalin it was a miracle the changes in that boy. Now he is 21 and still very ADHD. HUGS to you ALL!~

As Cape Cod Turns said...

I think the most important thing is that you understand that there is a problem and face it head on. So many parents want to duck the issue and say, "not my kid". Your bravado may have slipped a bit, but I have no doubt it will be back and ready to make the right decisions in no time. You've done it once, you can do it again! Good luck!

Jeannelle said...

My thoughts and prayer are with you. One would have to be thankful there are medications that offer help in these situations.