Update... Sorry I have been MIA...

Hi Everybody... Sorry I haven't been around much either... I have had several really busy weeks also. Not sure if y'all remember back in March/April when my little one was in the hospital or not, but was back in the hospital again for 2 weeks up in Atlanta. We were able to learn some new things with this hospitalization. While I hate the fact that he had to go back in, it was definitely necessary. (For those of you who are new here, my 8 yr old son has some Emotional/Behavioral Disorders.... ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, and Intermittant Explosive Rage Disorder... and the new diagnosis of Anxiety Attacks). What got us to this admission to the hospital was that he had a really destructive fit of rage while at daycare. He tore a sink off of the wall and threw it across the room. There was not a table, chair or bookcase left standing upright. There was books, paper, art supplies and food thrown everywhere. I was called to come to the daycare immediately, and I had only been at work for 25 minutes when they called. I was horribly embarrassed and humiliated when I arrived. The director told me that the staff was totally unable to control him and had to call 911 for help. It took 2 firemen to finally restrain and subdue him. Of course, he was dis-enrolled from yet another daycare. This was the last one that I could use... While my little one was in the hospital this time, one of his fits that he had, the doctor was finally able to witness it. He realized that during thses fits that he is also having anxiety attacks. He get to where he can't breath, and he chokes, etc... We have placed him on yet another 3 more medications to help. He also had to bre put in leather restraints this time, and had to have several different shot (including Haldol... the biggie) to calm him down. But the fact that the doctor was able to witness one of these fits of rage was a good thing. He has also had to be moved from his new school with full day self contained classrooms to another school that has children with Severe Emotional / Behavioral Disorders. This is actually a good thing. While the place is a very old school, it is a very structured place, and they have the knowledge and ability to deal with these kind of kids. This new school however has shorter days than the regular public schools do, and since we have run out of daycares, I have been having to get to work late and leave early to transport him to and from school until the public school transportation dept can get his bus schedule set up to pick him up from my job. It sure is hurting the ol' paycheck. The doctors have said that my little one needs to go into Long term residential treatment which could be for 6-12-18 months. Unfortuantely my health insurance has nearly run out of benefits for the year. I am in the process of trying to get medicaid for him, but being employeed with insurance makes it very difficult. (I make too much for him to get medicaid thru SSI Disability). We applied for a program called the Katie Beckett program back in June. They told me then it could take upwards of 6-9 months for approval. So, until I can get Medicaid, I can't help my child. It kind of breaks my heart... I have always been fairly blessed in that I thought that I could handle my child at home alone. He usually doesn't have any 'full blown fits of rage' at home with me. They usually happen at school and at daycare where he is in large group settings. Well, I finally had to deal with a big one yesterday. We went to Jax, FL for a hockey game on Thursday, and came back that night. He was great on Thursday night... Then on Friday we went to Florence, SC for another game. He was getting very aggitated, and I thought I was gettig him calmed down some. When the game was over, he finally crossed that line. I was absolutely shocked by what I saw in my child. I have seen milder episodes in him, but nothing like this. His face changed, the shape of his body changed, and his voice changed. It scared me... After about an hour, and several of his favorite hockey players helping me to keep him in check, he finally came back around. He took his regular meds, and was his normal sweet and loving self again. He finally fell asleep and slept most of the way home. Today he was perfectly fine... and very remorseful for his behavior... even though he doesn't remember most of it. So, why am I telling you all this???? Well, it is kind of therapeutic for me to put it all down and talk about it.... Plus I know that I can get the best support and plenty of prayers for all of my WLS buddies. I hope you will all keep me and my little one in your thoughts and prayers. While I am doing ok right now, I found that I munched the entire way home from Florence last night. AndI was so stressed that I made excuses to myself that it was ok. I got back on track today with my eating, but if I have too many more days like last night..... shew, I don't even want to think about it. Thanks in advance to everyone who has endured this post to let me vent... Sorry it was sooo sooo long.... Hugs, Susan

Susan, My heart goes out to you! I pray that you find something that helps your son. Mary

Thanks Mary... We're working on it... Hugs, Susan

Susan, My heart is with you and your little one. I know it must be very hard to deal with it and it seems like your all alone with it or do you have loved ones around to help? Your in my thoughts and prayers. Prayer hard and the shall recieve the help that your son needs. Hugs Donna

Susan, My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Hang in there - we're here to listen. Candy

{{{{Susan}}}} Oh Girl my heart goes out to you and your family for what is happening to you all and I"m so sorry for it all. You are a rock for your family, and I don't know what they would do without you. I just hate dealing with the insurance companies and all of they're rules and regulations, it's just ridiculous. Please remember that we are always here for you and if you need us just ask. I"ll be praying for you. Take care, Loni

Hi Susan, (((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))) I am so sorry you are going through this. I have worked w/ troubled children in the division of family services (DFS) I know behavioral children can be so hard to understand and deal with at times but he is very lucky to have such a great mom who wants to help him. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Kelly

Susan. I ma sorry to hear about your son. He is a tough guy .he will pulll throught this. I will be praying for him and ask my wholoe church to pray for him if that is ok with you? I know God will answer our prayers for your son. You look great and May God bless you and your family..