Just found out | ADHD Information

My husband and I just found out about 2 weeks ago that our 4 year old has adhd.  I am a little familiar with it because my older cousin had problems with this as a child.  But then again I know everyone is different.  PJ (our 4 year old) has been having problems since about the time he turned 2.  At first we didn't think anything of it because that was about the same time my parents split up and started their divorce.  Anyway I will start at the very beginning.  At 2 days old we were told he had a possible heart murmur.  At 1 week he was taken to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City Missouri.  They did several tests and (with our prayers answered) they came back negative. At 3 weeks old he became very ill and could not keep any formula down. After several calls and visits to the doctors and a couple of visits to the ER we found ourselves back at Children's Mercy with the most terrifing news any parent could get.  Our baby would be going to surgery the day before he turned 1 month old.   He was diagnosed with Pyloric Stenosis which is the closure of the muscle that connects the stomach to the small intestine.  1 week later (after being told by the doctor that if we had waited just 1 more day he might not be with us anymore) he was a normal healthy baby.  We did go through a spell from about 6 months old until he turned 2.  When he got really upset he would uncontrollably hold his breath until he litterally passed out.  After that passed is the point where he would run through the house screaming.  He could not sit down, he couldn't sleep but maybe 4-5 hours a night with a 1 hour nap if you were lucky.  You could not keep his attention on anything, and the days consisted of chore that should only take 5 minutes took an hour.  We started him in preschool this past August.  They moved him up from the 3 year old class to the 4 year old class so the older kids could give him more structure.  It helped a little but he was still having problems with transitions and concentration.  After talking to a therapist she recommended him for a medication evalution.  This new doctor (after questioning us for an hour) said he was showing every sign of adhd.  He started PJ on Clonidine.  It has calmed him a little bit and he is sleeping better, about 9-10 hours a night and a 2 hour nap during the day.  He is still having some problems with transitions and staying focused on things.  I have done a lot of research on this medication and everything I've read says it is commonly given with a stimulant to help with the concentration part which PJ is not currently on.  I don't really know as if I have any questions I am just at the point of getting things straightened out and need some support and maybe a lesson from those of you that have experienced this.  And those of you who are going through the same steps as I am maybe we can learn together.  Thank you for letting me tell you my sons story.  You do not know how good it feels to have someplace like this to go to.

Welcome Amanda!  You've come to the right place for support.  Most if not all parents on this board have walked in your shoes. Keep reading all the topics that seem to fit your situation.  Do a lot of research...just like you are doing. Keep an open mind and please realize that not all treatments work for all children.  Each child is different and you will just have to find out which ones work best for PJ. With ADHD....there is no "one size fits all" or quick fix.

Give yourself a hug for starting your search for answers early for PJ.  This will work in his favor big time. Be careful not to let people who are not walking in your shoes (family, friends, etc) sway your mother's intuition when it comes to doing what is best for PJ.  Many times family members who are not experienced in parenting a ADHD child mean well and try to give advice, but they are generally clueless on how to support a parent going through this. 

Good luck and again...welcome to the boards!    Okiemom

okiemom39117.8755787037

Thank you for the welcome first of all.  Meg I apprecitate your suggestion but we have already tried that route.  We went through the diet changes, less sugar more magnesium, vitamins, and herbal remedies.  Nothing seemed to help.  And he was getting frustrated too. 

It is almost like he knows his actions are wrong but he just can't help it and he gets frustrated and upset about it.  That's what made me decide to take more agrresive action I guess you could say.

He goes for a follow-up with his neuropsych Friday.

Welcome to the board, a lot of us are going through or have been through similar things.  I for one do know this is a good place as a lot of people around me suchas family and friends are very well meaning but just don't know what we face daily.  Here peole understand, so again, welcome.Welcome, sounds like you have been through a lot!  You might want to research alternatives to medication as well.  Our son was diagnosed at three and we chose to hold off on meds for now.  We have had a lot of success w/ diet modifications as well as supplements such as Omega fatty acids and Magnesium.  There is more info on the Alternatives to Meds section of this board.  I hope you find the answers you seek!

Welcome,

You will find support and help through this journey. I have found the people here to be compassionate, knowlegable and supportive.

Advice I give all new mothers and parents of ADD/ADHDers is:  Go with your gut.  If you think it's right for your child, then do it and don't let anyone (parent, relative, friend) stop you.  If you think your doctor is wrong, tell him (politely) why and if that doesn't get any results, get another opinion.  You know your child the best, don't underestimate your instincts when it comes to your child. 

Second piece of advice you'll see on the board:  It takes a while to find the right dosage and the right med.  HTH!