Yet another ADHD med...

[RAS6]

As many of you know, my oldest, Brianna, has ADHD. We started her on Ritalin, back in December and that was a disaster. She was way too angry and had no improvements in focusing. So then we went to time released Ritalin and that worked great. Her "grades" got better and she went from needing reading help from the special ed teacher to a 2-3 grade reading level, and she is just finishing First grade. The Doctor upped her dose though, b/c the clarity seemed so random; some days she was focusing well in the morning, other days in the afternoon, there wasn't much rhyme or reason to it. On the higher dose she got angry and borderline violent again. This breaks my heart because she is such a loving, sweet little girl.In fact , she just donated her hair a few months ago and it was all her own idea Any ways, today she actually kicked a child because he pushed her and she thought it was on purpose. I am still so shocked. This isn't like her at all.
So now the Doc has her on Adderall XR. She starts it tomorrow. I work with many kids with ADHD and this seems to be one of the best meds out there.
Please keep her in your thoughts these next few weeks. Changing meds is rough and she still doesn't quite understand why she keeps seeing the Doctor and taking meds when she doesn't "feel sick". I have found a great support board for parents of kids with ADHD, but just wanted to get some support here too. She and I have both been through so much this past year, me with my IC diagnosis, and her with the ADHD diagnosis (though we suspected it for years) And we have both been medication guinea pigs lately. It is rough some days to keep track of both of our symptoms and reactions with both of us trying new meds constantly, though writing things down does help. And I am praobably going to be starting a new one this week too. UHG!
Thanks for letting me vent! I would take this away from her if I could and that is probably what is the hardest thing for a parent with a child with disabilities to deal with, the fact that we can't make it go away! I also worry so much that things will get worse, given all the mental illness on my side of the family and her biological father's family as well. But we just have to take it one day at a time!
Thanks again!

[kuntrygurl78]

I just wanted to send hugs your way:grouphug:

[dancemomof2]

:pray: That this is the wonder med to help her along. Keep us posted. It is so hard when they are little and struggling with meds like we do.

[ICNDonna]

:grouphug: to both of you.

Donna

[tigger_gal]

:hi: Rachel,
My daughter was dx'ed ADHD, as you know she is 19. She never had any violent issues. However like your daughter she couldn't "pay attention" nor could she read. I took her to be re-evaluated at 7 and found out she had an extraordinary high IQ. The doctor told her a 3 paragraph story, waited a couple of weeks and asked her about it and she told it back to him nearly word for word. any who what I am getting at here is she is capable of doing the work, but , it just bores her, and it is easier for her to do things orally rather then written. She knows the answer, but dose not know how to word it and put it on the paper. I declined putting her on meds. Once she hit JR High, she excelled, and continued to excel thru High School. Maybe this summer break you can help her out to catch up. I did with Ashley about 30 mins a day.
The hardest part of all of this, is they think they are dumb, and they are not, they are extremely smart, and it bores them.
good luck :)

[mary124]

I'm with you all the way. My son was dx with ADHD when he was in 5th grade, he is now 19 years old. He takes Adderall-XR. He never had any violent epsiodes just couldn't pay attention and focus. He is on a very low dose (20 mg aday again mainly for focusing) -- But I also think it had a lot to do with the schools that he went to. His grades were d's and f's till we moved out of the Austin schools-- when we moved to the school district where we are now (Georgetown) his grades went to B's (he graduated last year without any problems.
Again good luck with your child. Hugs to both of you.

[RAS6]

I appreciate all the support and sharing. With Bri she didn't get violent until being on ADHD meds, so that is why we are trying a different one. We were warned by the diagnosing developmental specialist that beacuse of her bi-polar tendencies (she doesn't have enough symptoms for a diagnosis, but certainly enough to be concerned along with family history) traditional ADHD meds could make her angry, which is exactly what happened. We are trying to make her responsibale for her actions though. She was punished at school (had her card turned) and at home (doesn't get to go with her sister on a boat ride with Grandparents this weekend) because I want to make sure she realizes kicking or hurting other kids in any way is not appropriate. Even if it is the meds, I do not want her to grow up blaming people/things/ situations/ etc. for her mistakes. I think that is key, even when dealing with mental illness and ADHD.
I will let you know how she did in school today.
I am so thankful she goes to a great public school. Her one to one aid is actually a certified teacher pursuing her Master's degree, she has done many papers on things pertaining to Brianna to help her more. She gets lots of support and so far I haven't had to fight the special ed commitee to get her any of her supports like I did at her last school where she started Kindergarten. Plus these teachers rarely get the princepal involved, they really know how to deal with behavioral issues without having to call me everytime she misbehaves. That has been a relief. They communicate VERY well with us, which is key. She is so smart, and everyone there is aware of it, just another reason why we all try to hold her accountable. She can be very manipulative when she wants to get out of doing work that is hard for her, but she does get bored easily too. It has been rough for all of us to see her score mildly MR on testing when she is reading at a second grade level, and uses 6th grade vocabulary when she talks. (this is what the teachers are telling us)
Well I have to get back to my day now!
Thanks again for your posts!

[catlover2]

I wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until I was in my first year of college. I left high school after 10th grade so that I could start college 2 years early. People with ADHD are not stupid, we just learn differently. I have tried Concerta, Adderall, Adderall XR, Desoxyn, and combinations of different ADHD meds. If your daughter doesn't have much success with Adderall XR, try Desoxyn. The downside to Desoxyn is it has to be taken at least twice a day. I take Desoxyn 3 times a day and Adderall XR once in the morning.
The school your daughter is in makes a difference as well. I was in private schools until I entered college, and now I'm transferring to a private college because I need smaller class sizes. Your daughter needs a lot of one-on-one attention so that she will be able to learn without becoming frustrated. If she can't get the attention she needs at school, try working with her at home.

[RAS6]

Thanks Catlover for sharing your story. I work with kids with emotional and behavioral disorders and am amazed at just how intellegent the kids with ADHD really are, my daughter included! Yep, she definately needs on on one help next year in second grade. And so far the school hasn't fought us on anything the teacher recommends. I took several disability classes at college mainly to know how to help my daughter and the kids at work more. One class really taught me NYS special ed law, so thankfully I know our rights. Plus, my co-worker who is a family advocate has offered to help me if anything is denied. She knows how to start the process of a hearing and which advocacy agency/lawyers to call. Thanks for letting me know about Desoxyn. That was one I have never heard of before. It is good to know that even after trying several things she will still have options! It is nice to hear from an adult with ADHD too. My husband's cousin's girlfirend (who I am good friends with) was diagnosed during college. It was amazing how well she did after starting the right meds and taking smaller or online classes. But she is the only one I know personally, so I really appreciate you response!

[jensue973]

My 9 yr old daughter has ADHD and once took Ritalin for it, but they took her off it because she was not gaining anyweight taking it and she is a fairly skinny child...She is now on Strattera and she is doing much better...

Jennifer

[RAS6]

Yep,Mine hasn't gained either, but is a little heavier, not really considered overweight due to her height, so they are not worried yet. But Strattera is an option.our pediatrician said you have to try these drugs they way we are with the stimulants first or the insurance we have will not cover it. UHG!
She had an Ok day yesterday and a very good day today, but it is too soon to tell if this is the right dosage or even the right drug.
Thanks for sharing!

[Berkshire Road]

Brianna is lucky to have a mom who is able and willing to give her so much support, love, and assistance with her difficulties. With you on her side, I feel sure that she will be okay in the long run.

[RAS6]

Thanks Carolyn!
My best freind (who lives in Florida now) was just telling me that over the phone yesterday. I felt like a horrible mom yesterday, I spent all afternoon and most of the evening on the couch. The pain was just so bad last night, even after I rested. But I know I can be a good mom even when I feel sick. We had lots of reading time and Bri needs all the practice she can get!
Think of me on June 11th. That's when her meeting is and I am not sure yet what the plans are for her recommendations next year. She really needs to be in a blended class, with special ed and regular ed students. She also needs a one to one aid. I am hoping it will all be approved.

[Berkshire Road]

I will think of you... and I hope you'll let us know how it goes! You know you and Bri have your "second family" here, all rooting for you.

[RAS6]

Thanks Carolyn! That really means alot to me.
:)

[tigger_gal]

wow thats not good that her meds did that. I really hope they find something that helps her. keep us posted (((((((hugs))))))

[RAS6]

Well poor Brianna didn't respond well to the Adderall. She got very angry and overly emotional again. Tuesday was one of the worst days she had ever had. She threw herself on the floor at school when she couldn't get her own way and threw a full fledged temper tantrum. She also pretended to choke in the cafateria and was screaming at kids when she thought they were picking on her, again out fo the ordinary for her. We haven't heard of her doing this or seen her do this in several years and it was really upsetting to us and the teachers. On Saturday I didn't give her meds to see how she did. She was happy and didn't have any anger that day, but literally could not stop moving all day, tapping her foot, twitching, shaking, hopping up and down, talking non stop about things that made no sense, etc.
So now the doctor has her on Concerta. We didn't see a big difference today because she had a VERY busy day at school. It was their school picnic and parade and she needs routine, so her hyperactivity was probably due to that. But she didn't get angry or make fists, so that is a good thing. We'll see how her last week of school goes.
Thanks for thinking about her!

[Berkshire Road]

Oh, Rachel, I hope you can get her settled in with something that works, over the summer. I realize how hard it must be on everyone in the family, and on Bri herself. I read your wonderful news that your IEP conference went well, so with any luck, she'll have a good school year next year.

You amaze me. You are such a tireless advocate for her, and you give her such unconditional love -- at such a young age. When I was 25, I was barely ready to think about kids! You are a very strong woman, and your girls are fortunate to have you for their mother.

[RAS6]

You amaze me. You are such a tireless advocate for her, and you give her such unconditional love -- at such a young age. When I was 25, I was barely ready to think about kids! You are a very strong woman, and your girls are fortunate to have you for their mother.

Oh Carolyn you make me blush! I am trying so hard to get her help, it is so complicated. I was a psych major and work with lots of kids with ADHD, but it is so different when it is your own child and I just don't know what to do if this medicine doesn't help. I will probably have to take her to a specialist and unfortunately the one who diagnosed her (who I like and respect) isn't covered by our insurance! The story of our lives lately!:mad:
I am not the perfect Mom, but I have been trying hard to do all I can to help her and educate myself since we started seeing problems back when she was 2. It has been a long rough road, but she has made great strides since then. I think I need to look at these medicine trials the same as I did when she first started getting special services and special ed preschool. We had to do alot of trial and error before things settled down and she made progress and it is going to be the same with meds. It is just so frustrating as a Mom to see your kid go through this. She sticks out so much when around other kids her age, but she doesn't seem to realize it and that is a good thing. On the other hand, she is a smart, sweet, compassionate child who is wise beyond her years! And I am very proud of her!

[Berkshire Road]

You should be very proud of her -- and about that "Perfect Mother" thing: There isn't one. We all just do the best we can. Your best is pretty darn good, that's all I'm saying! :)

[RAS6]

Well she seems to be doing OK on Concerta. She is on the lowest dose b/c our pediatrician is out of town until August. She is still quite distracted, but I can see the difference if she doesn't take it. And she is not so angry and nasty like on the other meds. She is very emotional though; I haven't been feeling well (darn IC!) which takes a toll on her and she misses her aid from school alot, to the point where she cries about it and is very sad. She probably won't have the same aid again and that is really upsetting to her. We are hopefully going to get her in to see a child Psychiatrist before school starts and in the mean time are just trying to give her lots of love and help her go through this seperation from someone she got very attached to.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers!