New update on my little one........

Just got back from seeing Nick in Atlanta this evening. On the drive home, the doctor called me and said that Nick has made a big turn around over the last several days, and he will be coming home probably on Friday. We had discussed last week that Nick would need to go into long term residential treatment for 30-90 days. Well, he has made such a good change in his behaviors and all since they took him off of the Lithium, and put him on Trileptal, that they have decided to let him come on home for another try. We are gonna give this a chance, and hopefully along with intensive therapy a couple of times per week, we can continue him on the track he is on, and get him more socially functioning. The doctor has suggested that there is a great possibility that he has Asperger Syndrome, which is high functioning autism. When he was a baby, we had thought he was autistic, but because he was so social, they ruled autism out. It is hard to define Asperger's in a child as young as he is because so many other things mimmick the diagnostic symptoms, but he has many of those defining characteristics now. I am currently in the process of trying to have him deemed disabled. By doing this, it will make him eligible for some more help. I have found though, that those of us who are working and paying taxes for all of the state funded programs are the ones who are least likely to get the benefits that we are paying for. Those who sit on their duffs, and refuse to work and help themselves are the ones who get to use and abuse the benefits. It sux horribly if you ask me... But what do you do... Anyway, Nick is doing better, and now that the tremors and slurred speech is almost all the way gone, (this is a direct result of the Lithium use for one week) he is calmer and looking for new direction for his aggression and anger. We are hoping the new meds and therapy will keep him out of long term residential treatment for some time. However, if it is needed, he can always go back. I will be so glad to get Nick home. I am sooo tired of driving back and forth the 200+ miles to Atlanta 4 times a week for an hour visitation. I miss my baby, and I am ready to get him home... Y'all keep your fingers crossed, and a prayer or two couldn't hurt either!!!! Thanks everybody!!! Susan

Susan, I'm so glad to hear that Nick is doing better and coming home soon. I didn't get a chance to post before, but I've been thinking about you guys. I can't even imagine how hard this must be on you, but you sound like a great Mom. I know what you mean about how all the people who do nothing get all the money. My 2 year old has a lot of health problems and has been in and out of the hospital for the last year. I've been trying to get help through the county for months for some therapy and it's impossible. Because my husband actually has a job we can't seem to get anything. I think if he was out of work we would probably have more money. Right now we can't even pay all the medical bills. Keep fighting for it - you and Nick deserve it. Take care and stay strong. I'll be praying for you guys. Good luck! Melissa

Thanks Melissa... I don;t know how great of a mom I am, but I do the best that I am able. It has been a rough road for us, but we will get to the end somehow. After I made my post last night, I felt badly for venting about not being able to get help when I need it from State funded agencies. I know there are alot of people *****ally need these services, and are unable to work. I just get so frustrated..... one person even told me if I quit my job, that I could get all the help I wanted. I have a wonderful job, and make decent money, but we all know that we live within our means, which often means living payday to payday. There just isn't much left over to have to pay for the extra unexpected stuff. Thanks for your support!!! Susan

When Nick gets home do you get respite? Here in Ohio, the UCP provides x amount of free respite per month. I used it several times, just paying for the sitter's ( usually a pre-med student) gas and I always tried to tip him as much as I could. It was a Godsend and made life a whole lot easier!! ((((hugs)))) Judy

Hi Judy, I am in the process of trying to finding out exactly which agencies do what in our county. I have an appt for June 2nd to get things going. The agency that I will be utilizing is the one thaty provides respite care, as well as alot of other things as well. Including help in paying for medications, in home therapy, out patient therapy, after school care and therapy. So I am excited that I can get things going for him, as I don't want him to have too much lapse time in between his discharge from the hospital, and his care at home. Thanks! Susan

Susan, You and Nick will certainly be in my prayers. I hope all goes well when he gets home. Deana

Thanks Deana... I too am hoping for a smooth transition once he gets home. I just know it'll be nice to have him back home again. While he does have all of these behavioral issues, most of the time while he is at home he is just like any other kid and not a problem. It mostly at school and daycare while he is in social situations. Thanks again, Susan

Susan- I have so much admiration for you. I think being a single mom is one of the hardest things a woman has to do. Sending prayers your way. I hope you and Nick have many blessings and prosperity come to you both. Kelly

Thanks Kelly.... I'm not sure whether I am worthy of admiration or not... I just do what I have to do the keep my children healthy and happy as any parent would do. Single parenthood is hard at times, but it is also rewarding at times too.... just not so much lately. Everybody keeps telling me God only gives you what you can handle... I guess he has alot of faith in me... Thanks again, Susan

Susan, I'm so glad that things are getting better for you and Nick. I'm sorry that I haven't written, we just got back from Nebraska. Sounds like that they have found a solution for Nick and that is awesome. It's so hard to see our little ones going through so much and we just want to take it on for them. You must be absolutely exhausted with all of the driving that you have been doing, I'm really happy for you that it's almost over. Your in my prayers each day. Take care, Loni -78 lbs.