Saturday, October 15, 2011

The Plunge

Today, I gave Jack his first dose of Ritalin. We're going to watch him carefully to see if the dose is right, if any unwanted side effects, if his personality changes. I so pray that this works mainly to help him at school but also to feel more engaged with the world rather than just focused on his stimming.

Yesterday was unbelievably stressful. Our appointment with the developmental pediatrician was just 30 minutes (they are usually 1.5-2 hours), and it was presented upon scheduling as a "meet and greet" so the new doctor could get to know his patients. Instead, when Dr. S walked in, he introduced himself to Jack, had Jack introduce me to him, and then said, "Today's visit is mainly to discover if there are any urgent issues you need addressed right now because it's been so long since Jack had access to a pediatrician."

Why, yes. We do have an urgent issue.

I was so relieved that Dr. Z, Jack's previous doctor, had left detailed notes for Dr. S about Jack's attention issues, which have actually grown much worse since school started in August. I asked all Jack's teachers, aides and school therapists to write summaries of what they see in Jack right now, plus I gave him a copy of Jack's Multi-Factor Evaluation (or whatever they call them these days!), and Dr. S appreciated the data.

He presented himself as an evidence-based doctor and gave me the evidence for attention medication. I already knew most of it because Dr. Z had already told me, but Dr. S's confirmation absolutely put my mind at ease. He also didn't blink when I refused the flu vaccine for Jack and explained that I'd promised Jack he wouldn't get a shot this visit. Jack is completely current on all other vaccines, but he's never had a flu shot. He's not in any of the high-risk categories (other than his age), so I feel fairly comfortable about this. Hopefully, we can get him the mist in a month or so, but I won't subject him to his terror of needles until absolutely necessary.

Although it was a brief visit, I was impressed by Dr. S. He seems to have been minted in the same mold as Dr. Z, which is comforting. We'll stay in touch with him via phone as we shake down the medication dose and schedule another appointment in about two months.

The plunge is scary, but I so pray that this works to help Jack.

9 comments:

Patti J said...

Susan, I commend you for not forcing the vaccine on Jack, after promising no shots. You are such a good mom. I'll send up a generous supply of prayers that the Ritalin helps, and that the mist becomes available. Have a great weekend!

JoLynn said...

I had my first flu shot in years the other day at my doc. I never get my kids vaccinated. Just don't want to present anything in their system that could cause regression. I know that is a perceived, not necessarily "real," threat, but it's a discomfort none the less. I have learned to go with my mama gut. Which brings me to my next point: the side effects of meds. ADHD meds are notorious for a host of side effects in kids, including appetite loss and mood changes (for the worse). Use your mama gut and get him off of anything that causes something worse than the inattention. My other thought is the concept of school. I teach fourth grade, and boys at this age are biologically little bundles of energy. I need to read your previous posts to see what kids of allowances for him to move are being made. I use stability balls and wiggle seats in my room. Plus, I plan my instruction for movement breaks. Those are not for just SOME of my students, they are for all. We as teachers forget, in the midst for the almighty adequate yearly progress percentage, that sitting for long periods of time just stinks. I challenge adults to do it in the god-awful school chairs and desks we ask the kids to sit in. I am very interested to see how this pans out for Jack. I have been away from the blog for a bit, so I am off to catch up.

Betsy said...

I am delighted that your new doc seems so customer focused. What a relief for you and Jack!!

Emily (stampingout on SCS) said...

The medication plunge can be both scary and nerve wracking. My oldest has been on meds since second grade. Will is not autistic, but he has MAJOR ADHD. It took a year to find the right medicine for him which frustrated me to no end. He is currently taking Vyvanse. As they grow and the dose needs to be increased, sometimes they will exhibit side effects. This is hard because you question if the medicine is not working, or if they have developed a bad side effect.
We let Will go off of his meds for two weeks this summer. He wanted to see if he could tell a difference. After one week he wanted to go back on it. Not only does he need it for school, but it helps him socially, too.
I could go on and on and on and on....
We need to meet for that cup of coffee and chat for real. :D.

Joan B said...

I'm sorry this is such a difficult time for Jack (and you). Hugs and here's hoping the Ritalin helps. (lots of "h's" today!)

Mary Jo said...

I remember the trepidation that came with making the decision to try Ritalin. It took quite a while to get to the therapeutic dose, but when we got there it was a life changer. Eleven years later it still enables quality learning for our son. Ritalin doesn't work for all kids on the spectrum but when it does, it's a true blessing. There are several variations of Ritalin, with different delivery systems. Try more than one if needed. Hugs and prayers that it will help your son!

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