I am new here and am having a tough day | ADHD Information

Hi Everyone,

Finding these message boards has been a God send for me.  My 6 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD this past summer.  At first we started him on Focalin XR but then went to Vyvanse 30 mg. 

I think the mistake I made was telling my family what my husband and I had decided to do.  We are constantly getting input whether we want it or not.  One thing that really bothers me is the 'Matt doesn't seem like himself' comment.  It makes me question what we are doing constantly. 

His first report card this year was great.  I couldn't believe the progress he made since last year when he was not on the meds. 

One concern I do have is my son's lack of appetite.  He definitely has lost weight. I am usually very health conscious but have gone to the supermarket and bought all the high calorie foods I can find for him.

I guess I have just been having a rough time of it the past couple of weeks and am so glad to see all your posts.  I don't feel so alone...

Thanks,
jm

Jm

If you think your son is doing well on his meds and he seems happy and healthy, disregard all the negativity from others.  I guess it was a mistake to tell the family but I'm sure you were looking for support.  Politley but firmly tell the next person who has the nerve to make a negative comment that this is between you and your husband and your son and that if they want to be supportive - great...if not, please keep your comments to yourself as this is hard enough without making them second guess you.  Only you, his mother, (maybe dad too but mom's have a certain connection) know if your son needs medication to improve his quality of life.  Maybe it's this med, maybe it's not.  Lack of appetite - hmm...i don't see any way around it.  I deal with the same exact thing and i feed this kid everything high in calories that i can - whenever i can.  I know it's a battle.  My son hasn't lost weight from meds - he just doesn't really gain it.  People look at me like I'm nuts when he doesn't eat alot of dinner and I'm offering him any dessert he wants.  Or coming home randomly with a milkshake. 

Please read the poem that is posted, it's beautiful and good luck to you and your family

thank you for your response. Finding these boards has truly been a help.
I told my family to keep their thoughts to themselves. We'll see how it
goes.

JM

Whenever my son was dx. with ADHD my husband and I had to struggle with the rx decision too.  Ultimately it was what was best for him... I shared with my family as well... and everyone had their opinions.. But, ultimately... we are the parents and we make the best decision with the information that we have at the time.   Once started rx his grades went up and he was so very proud of himself.. it was so very helpful.  However, now.. 2 years later.. still not gaining any weight (increasingly moody).. it came to be for us time to take him off the rx and try some alternatives... and those are working pretty well for us right now (and he has gained 5 pounds in a month! thank goodness).... As long as you know that you and hubby are thinking about and acting out of what is best for your son.. then you are doing the right thing.  FYI... I tried protein powder.. adding a little to his yogurt.. in a milkshake... whatever I could sneak it into.... it didn't work too good for me though... my son is 10 and he figured it out and didn't like the taste... But, I think if he were a little younger like your son I might have gotten away with it.   Also,  I think  a daily vitamin helps to stimulate appetite.

 Good luck to you!!