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Post by bunny on Jul 12, 2004 21:21:39 GMT -5
Why is it that I can have two of my children on allergy medication (one has been on zyrtec for 3 years everyday!), yet the thought of ADHD medication freaks me out! My son gets evaluated next week. I've been doing natural stuff at home, and although I am not ruling out medication, it does make me uneasy. I want my child to be healthy and well adjusted, but it seems like I'm messing with his personality if I "drug" him. I believe he is ADD (no H). It's also hard to keep fresh in my mind just how difficult school and homework were getting for him (I think I'm blocking that out ;D, I'm SO glad it's summer). I also think it may affect him developing friendships at school, although he does fine in our neighborhood). It's as though I'm arguing with myself (ok, so I really am). I'm so accepting of meds for allergies and headaches, but apprehensive for this..........  Did anyone have these feelings when putting your child on meds? Are you still having conflicting thoughts? Will they be on meds forever? Do you think we are keeping them from learning compensation skills, or are we helping them over some very rough patches in life? Enough of me... some feedback please.  Bunny |
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Post by MistyMorningPA on Jul 13, 2004 13:49:58 GMT -5
Yes, I can relate to your feelings VERY well! I cried & researched & even argued with my Hubby about meds. Finally we tried Strattera because we know of people who have had terrible things occur with stimulants.
The thing is, I just wasn't happy with my daughters moods on straterra. We just stopped giving it recently.
We are looking into natural treatments now. My daughter has dyscalculia, a math LD. That causes a LOT of school problems, but I don't see that her ADD does. She has friends, doesn't disrupt class, and reads WAY above her age level.
I like the funny, silly side of her that it seemed the meds were suppressing.
I think each child is different of course, and what works for 1 won't necessarily work for another. But since my child does not have the Hyper part of ADHD, I think we'll just go with therapy, behavior mod., and natural supplements.
Well, those are my feelings. To answer your questions, I think we NEVER stop questioning our decisions. We just have to go with what feels right to us & change direction if we don't like the results!
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Post by catseye on Jul 13, 2004 14:11:51 GMT -5
Even though I will be speaking of my sd (since she is adhd) please know up front, that I feel like she is my own....
The medication decision was pure heck for us (meaning hubby and I)... We all know the stigma of adhd, and its validity I have even heard comments about it being simply poor parenting... To be honest THAT is what we thought the problem was in the beginning, once my sd started school, the problems were obvious that it wasnt poor parenting... I could look at my sd in classroom of other kids, and literally see the differences, that helped alot with out decision...
The good news in my situation is we dont see any "personality changes" that are BAD... The only one I see is self esteem has gone up tremendously for my sd, and obviously the behavior issues were hurting her self esteem... She is still our same little girl, only much more proud of herself (which is a good thing!)...
So now on to your questions....
Nope not a one, we see too many benefits from it
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Post by jdmom on Jul 13, 2004 14:17:54 GMT -5
I think it's called the "fear of the unknown". I was the same way. What made me feel better was places like this. I researched, researched, researched. I went to TONS of places on the web, and was very careful to make sure what I read was legitimate stuff from accredited sources. Finally, I just took the plunge. I told myself that I owed it to him to a least TRY the meds. If I didn't like the results, I could always quit. I'm so happy that I did.  The difference in my child is miraculous. He is much happier and better adjusted. He doesn't think he is a "bad boy" anymore at school. I don't yell at him as much. I have to admit, it has not been all roses. It took a while to find a med that I liked for long term. We would start out on something and for the first few months it seemed great, and then I would notice that it was suppressing his appetite of whatever. So we'd start all over again with a new med.  But we've been on Concerta for a while now and I still like it. It suppresses his appetite some, which I do not like. But he eats a good breakfast and dinner, he just won't eat during the day. I took him off the meds for the summer, and that was an adjustment at home, but I've learned to deal with it, and once he starts school, I probably won't medicate him on weekends. The summer hasn't been too bad becuase he's stayed busy, and days when we are home he stays outside until it's almost dark anyway. He's so tired when he comes in, I can barely get food and a bath in before he is sound asleep!LOL It's a day by day thing. But the benefits of the meds while he is in school have been to great to just dismiss. I've been lucky so far and have had understanding teachers, though, also. They've done a great job of letting me know how he does during the day. Good luck with your decision! And remember we're always here if you have any questions/concerns! |
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Post by bunny on Jul 13, 2004 22:05:47 GMT -5
Everyone here is SO GREAT! ;D I appreciate how all of you have responded. It's good to hear different points of view, and realize that my feelings and inner conflicts are valid. As I continue to research the web, and read, read, read, I often think I'm this crazy mom who dives into things too deep. Of course, that's what makes me such a great mom . Today was great, I spent the day at a park with a nice pool. Me, my three boys, and my neighbor and her two girls. I could put all my worries aside for the day... Then back to reality, I know that I need to address things before the school year begins again, and this website has helped me more than any other resource as far as exploring options and feelings. THANKS!  |
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Post by AnneM on Jul 14, 2004 12:19:18 GMT -5
I agree with jdmom and I also think it is a fear of a medication which does anything to the brain as opposed to medications which do things physically to the body ... and I really think THAT is where the fear lies with most people .... and I understand that fear because I have had it myself! ...
BUT ... when you really STOP and look at it ... if your child has a "physical" ailment which is causing him/her pain or suffering very few of us would actually refuse to give him/her medication which can really "help" alleviate that pain/suffering. But when it comes to the brain we tend to often back-off and feel we shouldn't be messing with it! .. but really its exactly the SAME thing ... just trying to give our kids a better quality of life! ...
A very interesting point Bunny! ... and something I think we all struggle with!
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sportsmom
Member Emeritus
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Posts: 1,171
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Post by sportsmom on Jul 14, 2004 20:55:10 GMT -5
Oh yes I felt so very sad when we got the "official diagnosis of ADD-H. Even after I had his prescription filled I can remember sitting at the table thinking that I don't have to give it to him---If only I work harder with him---but then I had to think of the benefits for my son...It came down to letting him work at his potential or letting him struggle? I am so glad I went with the meds--even after 4 yrs. I think we as parents are more worried about the stigma attached to add. I for one don't tell very many people about DS having ADD--it might lead to a very heated discussion. My chriopractor was telling me (not knowing about DS) that to many kids in our area are diagnosed with Add....I had all I could do to keep my mouth shut....especially since I was lying on the table while he was adjusting my back  . My poor DH....he had to hear about when I got home hahaha---I vented on him what I couldn't say to the chriopractor! |
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