Strattera does take 4-6 weeks after reaching the target dose to see results. Why not use the Daytrana while ramping the Strat?
I am curious as to why the Psych would stop the Daytrana instead of waiting until the Start starts working, or at least get started. Alot of people, and kids use both start and a stim. How old is your child? What is her diagnosis? What is her target dose of Strat?
edbson39316.5475694444Why not put her back on the Daytrana? At least until the Strat starts working effectively?Hey TinaMarie hang in there. You're not a failure as a mother. If you were, you wouldn't care, and you do care. Although I do relate to how you feel about that. I've just realised that I must have had diabetes when pregnant with my second son, and that's why he's got Beckwith Weidemann Syndrome. The doc never picked it up and now I find myself thinking I wish I never drank that or ate that, and it's my fault that he has to deal with this for the rest of his life ... but it's no good is it, the only way is forward.
I think you feel that frustration towards your child because she's oppositional (I know I do with my oldest son, the ADHDer). I know that the opposotion is his only way of expressing himself and that he does it more at home because it's the only place he feels safe enough to do it, but heck we moms are only human and have feelings too and would you take someone else being so oppositional all the time? I know I wouldn't so that's what proves to me I do love him even though often I don't like him. I know I'm doing my very best for him and that's all I can do.
One supplement I've noticed recently making a difference with my son is Omega 3s with Evening Primrose Oil. You know they use Evening Primrose Oil for PMS and he does seem less argumentative and more cooperative lately.
I can also relate to the grandparent thing. It's a pity how grandparents let their relationships with their grandkids be spoiled because they can't handle the kids behaviour. I know my mom won't even take him for an afternoon lately. But again, don't let anyone from our parents' generation tell you you are a failure and they did it better. Their kids (us) just didn't have the same challenges our kids have, and therefore they as parents didn't have the same challenges we have. It's a whole different ball game.
And remember about schools - they're there to serve US and our kids. So if they know about the ADHD just explain to them about the change of meds and they'll have to put up with it for a few days.
I'll say a prayer about your cancer, be strong. I'm sure your fiance's supportive and would like to be more so if you would just tell him how. Communication is so important.
I hope this helps.
Gutsy39318.2571527778Hi Tina Marie,
Wanting to give my support at the moment - if I could, I'd come and take your daughter away and give you some much needed time out. Is there anyone who is not judgemental who could do this? I don;t have anyone at the moment but many years ago I had a neighbour who would just come and take him for the day and give me a break. You are a wonderful mum who has a huge challenge. The main thing is to take one step at a time and realise that you can only do so much. A bad parent is one who wouldn't find a treatment pathway. I look at other families that it seems so simple - having two ADHD kids has taught me so much and made me a stronger person. I am tired, feel defeated alot of the time but I am really trying to find answers. This is a disability that has not been created by your parenting. Image your child if you didn't do all the things that you do!
Take care
Thank you everyone. I have just been in tears lately. The getting her to take the pills is our newest challenge, last night she screamed and cried and kept saying "Don't kill me mom" over and over again to the point I expected CPS to come knocking on our door (we live in an apartment). She finally got it down but I swear if its not one thing its another. I know if she'd just calm down she could swallow it easier, but she gets herself so worked up, anything to throw a fit it seems. I just feel so tired.Tina Marie
Three Thoughts
1) Despite the transition to the new med, school will give her the structure and consistency that these kids so much need. She will probably surprise you.
2) ADHD kids are like a good stock, they go up, then back down, but not as low as the previous low, then they go back up even higher. Sounds like she is on a down cycle and is on her way up any moment. You sound like a great, dedicated mom. You will help her stock reach its next peak.
3) Try creating detailed, step-by-step instructions for the grandparents. I think written helps. I wish my son came with a "how to" manual.
Good luck. My heart goes out to you.
Gosh, TinaMarie, I don't usually push alternatives, but I feel compelled in your case.
Please, please, order high EPA fish oil (at least 4:1 EPA/DHA ratio) today, and give her 1000 mg daily. I suggest the Eye-Q by Equazen. They provided the product that showed positive results in the Oxford-Durham study. You can get liquid, strawberry chews or a smoothy drink. It's in the UK, but the shipping is not that bad, especially if you order a larger amount. This helps aggression and mood. It takes the edge off. It takes up to four months to see results but it is worth the wait. There are no side effects. Do it!
Give her magnesium starting with a dosage of 6X her body weight. I think you want magnesium oxide. The type of magesium is important. Chelated magnesium is also good. You can get a liquid form --- I think it's called Floridex at The Vitamin Shoppe. They are on the internet and have retail stores. This helps the hyperactivity big time. For my son, it worked right away. I give one tablet at night and one in the morning. It is a muscle relaxant and helps with sleep as well, if that is an issue.
I know you are waiting on the Strattera, but it's not going help all symptoms. I understand that it mainly helps with distractibility and focus rather than hyperactivity. You really should toss omega-3 and magnesium into the mix. You might want to check out the Alternatives board.
NoTellin39318.9019560185Thank you for your expert advice! I am going to check those out online. I have heard of the benefits of fish oils but as I thought they had to be swallowed (like a pill form) I havent gone further. Now I see they come in capsules you can open or chew and they dont taste like fish! Thanks so much!