1st Don't Tell Patch He Has A Doctor's Appointment Before Bed.
Sunday night, while putting Patch to bed, we talked about the things we would do the next day. I told him he had his kindergarten check up so he needed good sleep. He of course started crying because he "might" need shots.
He had bad dreams all night and cried a lot the next morning, worrying about his noon appointment.
He had bad dreams all night and cried a lot the next morning, worrying about his noon appointment.
2nd The Doctor Doesn't Know Everything.
Patch's pediatrician has moved, so we saw a new doctor for his check up. I really appreciated how he listened to me as I shared my concerns about Patch. One of the first things I shared was that Patch still has a hard time staying dry at night (more on this in a moment). Then I went on to all that we worry about Patch, his nightmares/night terrors, his constant crying, his space issues. Basically everything that is hard for this kid and us.
As we talked he mentioned many diagnosis', from aspergers, and autism to attention deficit disorder. I have friends with kids who have all of the things he mentioned and I don't see that it could be any of them. I'm still pretty solid on the whole "sensory disorder" theory.
But at least he didn't tell me that my kid is a normal healthy 5yr old, which I would love if he was, but my mom mind tells me different, and that it's me who should try to learn to accept his differences, which I already do. I really appreciate that the doctor listened and tried to see if there was a way he could help. I loved that he sees I have genuine concern for my kid and I'm not looking to just medicate away the "problem".
*I do believe medication helps a lot of people, and that it could help Patch too, that's just not the route we're looking for at this time.
Patch has gotten better/different with age. He really tries to work on his temper and the other things we have problems with, so I know there are other options for him right now.
3 Medications Are Scary
When I first mentioned that Patch has a hard time keeping dry at night, the Dr. said he wants to try him on a med that will help him with that. Then, when I talked about the other issues we were dealing with he got really excited about having Patch on this because it's really a depression drug and will help with his anxieties and nightmares and other things I mentioned.
He prescribed the lowest dose and we left. While picking up his prescription, I asked the pharmacy tech if he would give this drug to his kid. He hesitated. BIG. That made me very uneasy. As Chris and I drove home, I told him I was worried and that I wanted to look it up before we gave it to him, so we didn't start him on it yet.
As I started to read, there were a lot more scary things than benefits to this med, and it also said that you shouldn't give it to kids under 6yrs. old.
Now what? Do we trust that his doctor knows what he's doing or do we not try it? Not that I'm really asking, I kind of have my answer but if you want to share your two cents, I'm happy to hear it.
4 Patch Is Really Brave
Patch needed one shot to be caught up for kindergarten. He knew it was coming and really tried not to be upset (which I told him it was okay to be scared and cry, but not to throw a fit. Only I said it better than that).
He laid on the table, with tears in his eyes he propped his hands behind his head and tilted up so he could watch them.
He whimpered for a moment but then got up and said it didn't really hurt. I was so proud of him!
5 People See What They Want To
I'm sure a lot of you see and think that Patch is a wonderful kid and that I'm worrying for nothing. I agree, he is wonderful. He's the best!
What you don't see is a kid full of fears that don't let him play with friends, not even walk next door by himself or go to the bathroom alone. A kid who has to have the light on all the time and needs someone to sleep near him, but he won't sleep in his parents room because he needs his bed. The soft bed with the soft pillow and it's not the same on the floor or on the comfy blue chair in our room.
Patch is very normal, especially when we're out with friends or at church. But we see another side of Patch that I'm glad he doesn't always share while people are around. He really struggles and its sad to watch this little boy tear himself apart.
I know I'm sharing a lot, maybe too much. I think this is my therapy, so I don't feel so a lone in this battle. I have amazing friends that listen and share, I'm so thankful to them and their concerns and advice.
Thanks for the listening ear, positive feed back and love that you show our family.
Thanks for the listening ear, positive feed back and love that you show our family.
3 comments:
I think another lesson you learned is that when it matters, and when you are open to it, you do receive (and can recognize) promptings of the Spirit. It's comforting to know that we aren't alone in all of this.
I'm with Karen. I love these lessons learned. And I have to say Drew had more than a few of these anxieties growing up but I always felt it was okay and he would grow out of them. You - my dear, are your child's biggest advocate and if you feel there is more to something, than there is. The spirit is here to help you see things not seen by everyone else and also to comfort you as you follow those promptings.
Wonderful lessons.
I say good for you for listening to your gut feeling about the meds. You'll be in our prayers! Stay strong and keep being that great momma that you are!
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