Thank you all for your support and helpful stories. It literally made me cry when I got back from the doctor and saw how many of you are sending hugs and vibes my way. I tell ya, I've been feeling like a pretty terrible mother and a failure lately. It's hard to get out of that "funk" when there are doctors and other parents in my area that just tell me Gibson is a normal child with normal kid behavior. It's so extremely frustrating and I just want to pull my hair out and cry all day.
It figures that the psychologists and psychiatrist didn't write any notes on Gibson's file about being diagnosed. Thankfully, his teacher has been amazing in helping me through this (she moved up from K to grade 1 this year). The doctor was a little more pleasant today and I'm sure sensed my frustration when I went in crying again today. He prescribed Gibson with a low dose of a Ritalin-type medication. It's a bit less powerful and this is a two week trial right now. I am praying this is going to help him and he will start showing improvements.
When I talked to his teacher this morning, she said Gibson is falling behind in his writing and may have to stay another year in Grade 1. I hope this new medication helps him pay attention and focus a little more. I'd hate to see him fail when I know he's not purposely doing it.
Re: Little update from the bump/baby post this morning
I can only imagine how frustrating this must be, especially with your H away right now. I'm glad Gibson has such a good teacher and that the doctor listened to you. I really hope that the medication helps him out and that you see some improvements both at home and at school.
You are great mom for fighting so hard for your son and doing what's best for him.
Cecilia arrived 12 October 2012
Omgolly gosh! I cannot believe already how much of a difference I've noticed!
He's taken his first dose 2 hours ago and, since it's a fast acting medication, I've found relief for him!
He's been sitting quietly for the last 2 hours working on the same puzzle over and over again saying he needs some quiet so he can focus on his work. I'm so excited and I've already shed a few tears of joy.
I guess I spoke too soon. Right after I wrote this post Gibson had a rare side effect to the medication. Of all things, he was experiencing severe chest pain. I rushed him to emerg. and within 2 hours of the pain starting it went away. All his tests were normal but holy crap it scared me! I thought my 6 year old was having a heart attack!
It's back to the doctor in the morning to adjust the dose and see how that goes.