|
|
Post by mommyclaire on Nov 3, 2003 14:54:54 GMT -5
I am so glad that I found this website. I've been searching for this exact place, knowing it must exist somewhere! I am the mother of a 10 year old son who is ADHD/ Inattentive. He was diagnosed at age 8, and since then we have worked with his disorganization and attention difficulties through behavior modification and counseling. He's in 5th grade now, and what I always believed to be a boarderline case seems to be much more. I am very involved in his school and so I have much communication with his teachers. As he gets older, this will be harder. And as we approach middle school, I feel very fearful for him. His teacher is very concerned. She says that he is one of the brightest children in the class, in yet, when she asks the class to get out their geography books and turn to page 45, for example, all the other children will be on the right page while my son is still looking for his book. This is, of course, just one simple example of what goes on all the time. My son is a gentle, quiet child, who will never be a disruptive, discipline problem. If I am not his advocate, he will fall through the cracks. It breaks my heart to think of him suffering. I simply cannot let that happen!  Are there other parents on this board who are dealing with the Inattentive type of ADHD child? Sometimes, I feel so alone. There is so much information regarding Hyperactivity, and seemingly less on Inattentive. We are slowly approaching the issue of medication, with trepidation. It seems as if it is part of the puzzle we must explore, along with supplements. Speaking of which, does anyone have recommendations of supplements/brands? I'd be very interested in your information. Well, I'm glad I found this forum. It's a relief to know how many other people are struggling with similar issues. Thanks for your support! -Claire |
|
|
|
Post by bearnation12 on Nov 3, 2003 19:04:18 GMT -5
i have a question? my son has adha we started on ritilin then concerta now he grinds his teeth so bad its making his mouth bleed. what do i do please help  |
|
|
|
Post by Jorgy on Nov 3, 2003 20:03:35 GMT -5
Welcome you two, it is good to see you here and you will find a lot of valuable info here once we get our info base back up to speed.  mommyclaire, my 7 yr old son also is not hyperactive. He is inattentive, impulsive and has a big problem staying focused. He is on medication and what a difference! He can now stay on track to dress himself and follow directions. He is doing great at school! For alternatives and or suppliments look under the natural alternative section. Just remember alot of these things ARE medications in their natural form and should still be monitered by a doctor. Do your research before using them the same as you would with "regular meds". Good luck. bernation12, stimulants can have side effects that include tics. These are involentary movements that the person can't control. This may be what is happening. It definatly would be worthwhile to let your doctor know about this and you may have to change meds. You need to weigh what is more important to you. If it doesn't bother him or you and is not a health risk you may put up with it. Your dentist may think this is a risk to his teeth though. Good luck, Sue |
|
|
|
Post by DustinMom on Nov 4, 2003 14:55:47 GMT -5
I am so glad that I found this site! My 6 year old son was officially diagnosed with ADHD yesterday, although I have known it for some time. I was diagnosed with ADD at 13 and saw so much of the same behavior in him. He started Ritalin today. I felt awful sending him off to school today and even worse for giving him the medication. Is this feeling normal?
|
|
|
|
Post by jachkldavis on Nov 4, 2003 15:07:34 GMT -5
Hi DustinMom, OHHHHH is this feeling normal. My son was diagnosed a week ago (he will be 5 on the 12th) We started meds 5 days ago and I cried for days before hand. He is on Focalin and I havent seen a difference. I called the dr today to discuss what we should do. The whole meds thing scares me to death. There are so may side affects and how many there are out there. One thing that I have learned from being here is that it takes time. What works for one might not work for another. Its a "trial" basis with the meds. You arent the only one feeling like this and thats why these boards are so great! You are not alone. I hope this helps! Christine  |
|
|
|
Post by Veronika on Nov 4, 2003 18:28:09 GMT -5
bearnation12,
I think your son may be having some side effects. Have you mentioned it to your dr? If not, maybe you should. He may need a lower dose.
|
|
|
|
Post by Veronika on Nov 4, 2003 18:32:07 GMT -5
DustinMom, Your feelings are 100% normal!! I HATE giving my son meds. He's now 12 and started on meds when he was 5. To this day I still hate it, but after I saw how much it helped, it made both of us feel better. I always think of it this way..."If he had diabetes, would I hate giving him insullin?" The answer is always no. Giving your child meds is always difficult! Chin up |
|
|
|
Post by catatonic on Nov 5, 2003 7:16:30 GMT -5
To all the new members, welcome. You've found a wonderful place for support and I hope you'll all find it as helpful as I have.
On the subject of medication ... In my experience, school personnel and medical practitioners never bother to let anyone know that there are EFFECTIVE alternatives to these frightening medications when it comes to treating ADHD symptoms. If you are not familiar with these effective alternatives, I suggest you visit the "Natural Alternatives" section of this forum.
I have found that dietary changes and nutritional supplements are successful enough to completely avoid the issue of medication. A recent study conducted by a couple of Harvard Med post-docs and published in the "Alternative Medicine Review" concluded that diet and supplements are AS SUCCESSFUL AS RITALIN in treating ADHD.
So please take a look at "Natural Alternatives". It can't hurt and it may help you keep your child off meds.
|
|
|
|
Post by adhdtimes4 on Nov 5, 2003 10:25:06 GMT -5
I have three sons diagnosed with ADHD/Inattentive, and I know where you are coming from. It is so frustrating to watch a brilliant child struggle because he can't focus. I agree with Catatonic; if you can find natural alternatives, go with it. (And as a hint, anything Catatonic posts is worth reading and following...)
That said, we have only one of our sons on Strattera. It is particularly effective with Inattention, and we find it has less side effects than Concerta. If you choose to include meds as a route, It is only a small piece of the puzzle. We are using supplements as well. We also work closely with teachers, monitor homework and reteach all the info our guys missed at school. Two of our boys are in high school, the third in middle school. We also have a son in 5th grade, and I have an appointment with his teachers today...missing homework assignments have given him a low reading grade.
OP, you are so right when you said
You will be the one to partner with the school to get your child through the next few years. It can be very difficult, but it is SO worth it. My boys are turning out to be wonderful young men, even if they do forget where they are from time to time!
|
|
lmc0621
New Member
...God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever-Psalm 73:1
Posts: 3
|
Post by lmc0621 on Nov 5, 2003 19:39:16 GMT -5
I am new also. My son has not officially been diagnosed, but we are going through the evaluation right now. He has alot of the hyperactivity, but also the inattentativeness you described. He is the last child in his chair at school. He looses his books (he is in the 2nd grade). He looses his homework. I am a single mom and work a full time job. I didn't realize that my son had a diagnosable problem until his teacher this year suggested having him tested. I am trying to find out all I can on this subject. It does hurt to know that my son is so bright and is having trouble at school and at home. Thanks for letting me know that I am not alone.  |
|
|
|
Post by katsboys on Nov 5, 2003 20:07:08 GMT -5
Hi my name is Kathy and I am new here and to posting.
I am really glad I found this site. We have been on a roller coaster for the past two years with my 6 year old son. He is on Concerta (36 mgs) and 600 mgs daily of Trileptal. It still is not wonderful but everyday is an adventure to say the least. He has problems with Hyperness and Implusiveness and very moody.
I just take one day at time.
Kathy
|
|
lmc0621
New Member
...God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever-Psalm 73:1
Posts: 3
|
Post by lmc0621 on Nov 5, 2003 20:10:54 GMT -5
Hi Kathy,
I know exactly what you mean. I am just now realizing that I have to treat each day as a new beginning. It has been a struggle, but when I look at my son, I know he is worth it all.
|
|
|
|
Post by bookangel on Nov 7, 2003 21:30:08 GMT -5
I am new here too. With regards to feelings about the meds. My ex-husband (we are amicable especially because we have to deal with young son (adhd) for another 10-20 years ) was hugely resistant to meds; but I felt that anything that would enable Chris to sit in a classroom and learn to read, write and not fall further behind his classmates was going to be beneficial for his self-esteem. He can read well though wouldn't do it for pleasure. We only use Ritalin for school but I think he would not have been able to pay attention to anything at all had it not been for meds. |
|
|
|
Post by Bigmomma2jhs on Nov 8, 2003 8:41:51 GMT -5
Hi everyone! I'm not sure about some ADHD info. I've been reading posts here and still have to wonder. My grandson is three and his ped wants us to have him evaluated. Isn't this awful young? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
|
|
|
|
Post by Veronika on Nov 8, 2003 11:18:40 GMT -5
I don't think 3 yrs old is to young to have him evaluated. I think it's a good idea. Atleast you will know where things stand now. You don't have to put him on meds right away. Some kids do well without meds. If you can get him tested now, I would. You can also go back in a year or 2 and test him again.
|
|
