New Parent to the board | ADHD Information

You know, everyday is trial and error.  most of the time it seems to be errors.  I just have to remind myself he is 8 and has a beautiful heart beneath all of the vibration going on.  I have finally realized that I am going to lose my temper and I am going to feel guilty about it.  I think it is what you do when you realize it that counts I think.  I try to always tell him I think he is awesome and funny and smart.  and then i tell my little girl the same thing so she doesn't feel left out.  i have found that happens because she's quiet and can entertain herself.  I have to just keep my sanity long enough to put them to bed, then i can scream in my pillow and no one knows how close i am to the edge  LOL

FLMommy,

Happy to hear the medication seems to be working! 

Thanks everyone!!  MyMadi, the FCAT's is what got us to where we are.  They're afraid she's not going to pass, and that is when they basically forced meds on her.  (Ok, they didn't force it....but strongly suggested)  It's been just two days and already a big difference. I'm getting smiley faces in her planner, and she said she "passed the FCAT today" which I think is the online program that they are practicing for.  That in itself is amazing already.  She is also almost twice as fast on her multiplication.  I'm so relieved.  I won't make any major judgements yet...as it's only been two days...but I'm already happy with the changes!  Thank you all for your support....your'e all amazing.

[QUOTE=Jo-D]Hi there, I am also new to the board.  I have an 8 year old son in 3rd grade that is ADHD with extreme emphasis on the hyperactivity part.  He was diagnosed in kindergarten but we fought the idea for awhile.  He started having problems in his mothers day out program before kindergarten but we delayed taking him to the doctor specifically for this.  As a pediatric nurse I know about ADHD and the label that kids get because of it.  We tried counseling, behavior modification, but when he couldn't even sit through that we knew we had to go further with his tx.  We have gone through a lot of medications trying to get him with something that worked for him. He is now using the Daytrana patch and even though it has some problems I have my wonderful son back.  For the most part he is medicated but he still has his vibrant, funny personality.   I rambled all of this just really to tell you that there is hope with ADHD, that even if you go through many trials and failures eventually you will find something that will help.  I keep telling myself there is life after ADHD.  The main thing I had to do was stop listening to all the people who do not have children with these problems.  That it is OK to medicate your child if that child needs it.  My pediatrician gave me the best advice that I have heard.  He said "What is worse, putting your child on a medication that others do not understand and often criticize due to lack of knowledge on their parts  or having your child fail at something they could excell in with the proper medication?"  He also asked if medicating my child was worse on his self esteem than staying in trouble all the time at home or school and being socially outcast because of his hyperactivity.  I'm sorry I rambled but I just remember how hard it was when we first started with all of this and I wanted to encourage you.  [/QUOTE]

I LOVE your post! This is one that when someone new comes to the boards in search of help for their loved one, we should copy this and send it to them! Your post sums it up, everything we feared but why we do it, because we love them so much!

Great post!

regards,

Beth

JoD...that really was a wonderful post!!!  You know, when my daughter came home today, she THANKED me for having her blood drawn (which was right before she started the meds of course) because she did so much better today.  There really is hope for it...and you're right...it's not having the proper knowledge of what the meds can do, that can ruin a parents outlook on siding for, or against medication.   Thank you!  We do love our  kids..and I'm grateful that there is something out there to help.Welcome to Florida! Just FYI - you are probably well aware of the FCAT at this point, but be sure to get those 504 accomodations implemented before your child takes the FCAT. It is an ADD kids worst nightmare - very long and tedious.

My daughter is 9 and ADD - inattentive. Most important thing to know is that you might have to try a few different medications before you find the right fit. You will be amazed at the difference once you have the right one, however. I know my child showed drastic improvements. We do not medicate her on weekends so that she'll eat, etc...

Thanks mamabear.... I sent her today to school, on her first dose.  Gosh, I'm scared to death of the side effects...but praying that this helps her.  THanks for all of your advice. I would love for her to have an easier time with her homework!Just remember, it may take a long time to get the right medicine at the right dose.  Doing med trials is a "roller coaster ride".  You are going to have a lot of ups and downs.  Hang tough and keep striving to get your daughter the help she deserves! Hi there, I am also new to the board.  I have an 8 year old son in 3rd grade that is ADHD with extreme emphasis on the hyperactivity part.  He was diagnosed in kindergarten but we fought the idea for awhile.  He started having problems in his mothers day out program before kindergarten but we delayed taking him to the doctor specifically for this.  As a pediatric nurse I know about ADHD and the label that kids get because of it.  We tried counseling, behavior modification, but when he couldn't even sit through that we knew we had to go further with his tx.  We have gone through a lot of medications trying to get him with something that worked for him. He is now using the Daytrana patch and even though it has some problems I have my wonderful son back.  For the most part he is medicated but he still has his vibrant, funny personality.   I rambled all of this just really to tell you that there is hope with ADHD, that even if you go through many trials and failures eventually you will find something that will help.  I keep telling myself there is life after ADHD.  The main thing I had to do was stop listening to all the people who do not have children with these problems.  That it is OK to medicate your child if that child needs it.  My pediatrician gave me the best advice that I have heard.  He said "What is worse, putting your child on a medication that others do not understand and often criticize due to lack of knowledge on their parts  or having your child fail at something they could excell in with the proper medication?"  He also asked if medicating my child was worse on his self esteem than staying in trouble all the time at home or school and being socially outcast because of his hyperactivity.  I'm sorry I rambled but I just remember how hard it was when we first started with all of this and I wanted to encourage you. 

Hi!  I'm a married mom of four kids. My third daughter, 9,  was diagnosed last year with ADD, along with memory processing problems.  Our pediatrician advised against medication, and asked that we try traditonal means of helping our daughter out with ADD and asking for more help from her teachers.  Then we relocated out of state.  Of course, our Dr. at  home would not help us at that point, and the school nearly threatened me with calling social services on me if I did not get her on some kind of medication to improve her focus and get her grades up to par.  I'm a bit skeptical of that, I think they just get frustrated with trying with her, but alas...I get that way myself.  Anyway, she just was prescribed Metadate CD on Friday.  I get her blood drawn tomorrow. 

I just wonder if anyone has anything to offer as far as whether it worked, and what kind of results I may see.  I'm sure you regulars have already heard this question several times, and I apologize! :)   Thanks in advance.  It's great to be here with some support. 

Thanks Chasesmom!  I'm just so hoping this will work.  I was against Ritalin like so many other "non educated" parents...(non educated on the subject...)  I thought of it as nothing but "Kiddie Coke" and wouldn't even consider it, that is until my own child is struggling.  My ped in NY would not prescribe it without ME saying it's what I wanted...and I felt a bit intimidated by that. I was of the opinion if my Dr. says so, then it goes. I'm realizing now, the hard way, that just isn't the case.  I could have had the solution to this in the works long ago. 

I am so appreciative of all of your advice...and support....I'm praying for the "quick fix"...but grateful for anything!

 

 

My DD started taking Metadate CD about 2 1/2 months ago.  She said she notices a big difference in her ability to concentrate in school.  She can also tell when the medicine is wearing off.  Unfortunately, it doesn't last the whole school day, only about 5.5 hrs. for her, but I'm sure that is different for everyone.  We recently began using a 5mg. short acting Ritalin afterschool to help with homework....Oh my what a difference that makes!  30 min. of homework really does only take 30 minutes....as opposed to the 90 min. it used to take because I couldn't keep her focused on ANYTHING for more than 45 seconds at a time.

I would also consider requesting an IEP meeting to make the necessary adjustments so that it IS working for her in her new school!

 

Good luck!

Did you child have an IEP at the previous school? if not, have you asked the school for evaluation for an IEP or accomodations under section 504 (I am assuming grades are an issue from your post)? These are the laws protecting the rights of those with disabilities. Whether meds work or don't, you should be able to get things like sitting at front of the room, and other appropriate accomodations. Go to www.wrightslaw.com for lots of information on your child's rights.

On the med question...My daughter went from Fs and Ds last year (4th grade) and experiencing anxiety and depression, to As and Bs this year on medication. She has been taking concerta (a different delivery system but the same med as medidate) and guanfacine. She now reads at grade level, rather than 2 years below grade level (pre meds). She does her homework on her own and had it done before I get home from work, rather than a several hour fight each night. She is doing better making and keeping friends (she is not so irritating to her peers). We were lucky with the only side effect being slight weight loss.

Hi Vickie!  Yes..she has an IEP.  It just wasn't working for her.  It WAS in one school, but Florida requirements are different at this level than they were in NY. I just read something similar in one of your other posts, about your daughter...and it just warms my heart to know that it is possible. Of course I wont know till she actually starts, but it gives me hope!  Trying to get my daughter to DO her homework isn't much of a problem, but I get groans and "can I take a break" really often. I can only imagine how awful it is for her to try to concentrate. 

 

I had no real trouble with Chase wanting to do his homework, but he was so easily distracted, that I spent the whole time saying, "Your work is over here Chase"  or "Chase leave the cat alone, do your math."  He also went from struggling ot get Cs to only 1 B in the last 3 grading periods, the rest being A's.  He does not bring home as much work anymore, indicating that he is using time in school more wisely and productively, and the work he brings home he does w/o breaks or complaints.

He is currently on Ritalin LA, but was on Concerta for 8 months.  These are both the same as metadate, just different delivery systems as vickie said.

And like vickie's daughter, Chase had some weight loss and slight sleep disturbances, but we have those under control with some meds that have been prescribed to augment the stimulant.

Good luck and keep in mind that the first med may not be the "one" for her....but there are many out there and one of them is sure to help your daughter.