Consultant Appt

[NikNu]

We had an appointment with ds1's new consultant today. She's absolutely lovely and talk about a new broom. I didn't realise it but we had been given an "emergency" appointment. She has 3 8.30 appointments a week for the times when things are tough and had given us one of them. Its the end of the summer holidays - who's not having a tough time???

Anyway we spent the best part of an hour with her and she wants to refer W to the complex developmental disorders team for assessment for a proper diagnosis of aspergers or autistic spectrum disorder (atm he has a diagnosis of adhd with aspergers characteristics), the the occupational therapy team, the ed psych and the specialist speech and language therapist. She's keen to get him some help at school.

We saw the last consultant twice a year but she wants to see W every month at the moment - largely because his medication has been changed and she wants to keep a close assessment on it but also because she doesn't know him/us well and wants to get a full picture of what's going on. She also wants to spend an hour with him alone to get a full assessment in her own mind.

It was all very positive and forward moving but I actually feel really low ..... I think its possibily end of summer holidays exhaustion thing but we ate at pizza hut tonight and it was really hard work and I joked with dh about how much I love my kids but they drive me to drink then I realised that "they" didn't it was just the hardest one .....

Nik - looking forward to the respite care provided by school ...

[stonea]

Sorry Nik, only just saw this.
Firstly I think it's great that you are getting the help you need, and it sounds like the right help too.
(I don't think I ever got the right help for my DS )

I truly understand how you felt at Pizza Hut, I can remember on a few occasions we abandoned such outings (particularly embarrassing when we'd already ordered) Just remember you are not alone, especially the difficult times.

I hope you will find that W's behaviour will become more manageable with the correct help (and medication if you choose that route) and it should also improve as he gets older, although beleive me there will still be times for pulling out your hair.

[alexandra_c]

Nik, Reading through this just wondering if YOU are ok ?

You have a lot of worry with W, and a new baby. If you are to look after your children you must put yourself first sometimes. Yes, you will get a bit of respite W being back at school but maybe you need some more help as well.

Have a think and possible a Drs appt for yourself may be in order.

Alexandra x

[NikNu]

Thank you, yes I'm OK. I'm on permanent anti deppressants and see my doctor every couple of months to get a new script (he won't put them on automatic repeat as he wants to see me!) I had pnd with both my older boys (although not until they were a year or so) so I'm concious that it will probably be an issue.

I still have some semblance of a sense of humour so can't be too bad I've got very good at recognising the warning signs but, to be honest, I'm also aware that I have a stressful, difficult life with very minimal support so I've got pretty good at looking after myself and I don't push myself too hard. When things reach critical I book a facial which is the most relaxing thing I've found!

I'm not very active here at the moment because my social skills are a bit pants atm and I'll probably put my foot in it metaphorically speaking.

Thanks again

Nik

[Emmaizzy]

Just seen your post Nik.

My little boy suffered a brain injury so we have lots of meetings, issues, more meetings, more issues, stress at home and eating out - why do we do that?

I understand your lows - sometimes I feel when theres a little progess with Izzy I actually feel worse for a while. I think you are so focused on getting that particular thing sorted you stay strong and then went someone takes you seriously or the thing gets sorted you need to let go.

Anyway thinking of you

Love
Emma

[Emmaizzy]

Just seen your post Nik.

My little boy suffered a brain injury so we have lots of meetings, issues, more meetings, more issues, stress at home and eating out - why do we do that, are we mad!?

I understand your lows - sometimes I feel when there's a little progess with Izzy I actually feel worse for a while. I think you are so focused on getting that particular thing sorted you stay strong and then went someone takes you seriously or the thing gets sorted you need to let go.

Anyway thinking of you

Love
Emma