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meeting son's pdoc tomorrow !
We finally have our meeting with my son's doctor regarding his ADHD and medication problems. I want the meeting to be productive, so I don't want to get into the standard of his treatment and leaving an 11 year old to climb the walls and not sleep properly for over 2 weeks now and I won't even go into the advice given by an the emergency cover. It would make your jaw drop open, well it did mine unbelievable! !!!
Where do I start first?
The other doctor agreed that it sounded like he needed to return to his previous medication as this one was obviously not working for him, though he has still been left on it until tomorrow. That to me is wrong in many ways but I have done as they have requested anyway.
I refuse to leave my son another day without the proper support and medication. I am having trouble trying to find a starting point to this meeting, without saying you left us in hell for a week longer than necessary and what are you going to do to treat him now? There is a lot more I would like to say about things but As I said I want to be productive!
Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.-
Where do I start first?
The other doctor agreed that it sounded like he needed to return to his previous medication as this one was obviously not working for him, though he has still been left on it until tomorrow. That to me is wrong in many ways but I have done as they have requested anyway.
I refuse to leave my son another day without the proper support and medication. I am having trouble trying to find a starting point to this meeting, without saying you left us in hell for a week longer than necessary and what are you going to do to treat him now? There is a lot more I would like to say about things but As I said I want to be productive!
Any advice would be welcome. Thank you.-
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hopefully, luck will not be involved. But I not only wish it to you - I think you have earned it!
It might be a good idea to let your husband also go to this meeting. The more ears the better.
and one last thought - if it is not to distasteful for you. Would be to state that at the last meeting (where apparently things fell apart) that due to the circumstances which your pdoc will relate - you were not at your best. Consequently, you would like to apologize if you said anything that upset them. (and you don't really have to believe it). It would set a good tone for the meeting and perhaps throw them off their game.
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!
It might be a good idea to let your husband also go to this meeting. The more ears the better.
and one last thought - if it is not to distasteful for you. Would be to state that at the last meeting (where apparently things fell apart) that due to the circumstances which your pdoc will relate - you were not at your best. Consequently, you would like to apologize if you said anything that upset them. (and you don't really have to believe it). It would set a good tone for the meeting and perhaps throw them off their game.
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!
You make some great points and we have some of thie events logged already but it looks like I am going to have to go back and document the proceedings from their first contact with my eldest son as it is his doctor arranging meeting and who wrote the letter aswell.
My pdoc has extremely strong views on recent proceedings and my eldest son's care especially concerns her, though she has no idea what has happened in the last week yet!
I am Blessed to have a really good relationship with my doctor, who is amazed at how well I cope with 2 children with complicated mental health problems aswell as as trying to cope with my own complicated mental health too. She luckily though my illness is extremely hard to treat., thinks I am also not neither a lunatic or a questionable parent. Thankfully! :-)
Attending the meeting with me will I agree be in my best interest and her view on how much this has all affected my mental health could be invaluable, though that seems to be there angle. A professional statement on my behalf stating she has not only in the last 3 weeks had to adjust my meds twice but at present is actively trying to keep me from having to go into hospital to try to stabilise me a little and make me rest because of what effect this has had on my mental health. Whether that will help or hinder I have no idea but as they are aware of some of the above facts, my current state I guess is going to sound less open for their interpretation coming from my doctor than from me.
I only want my children to get the best care they can, I feel like I've failed in that and now what treatment they were entitled to is going to be overshadowed by this.
In a way I wish I had just not said anything but my husband has said, let them try to question your abilities because for 1) my pdoc will wipe the floor with them 2) my children have 2 parents not just 1 and 3) it doesn't change any of the facts in my son's recent inadequate care even if the previous 2 weren't vaild.
I will let you know how I get on when I have seen my pdoc in a couple of days. Thanks for everything, wish me luck.
My pdoc has extremely strong views on recent proceedings and my eldest son's care especially concerns her, though she has no idea what has happened in the last week yet!
I am Blessed to have a really good relationship with my doctor, who is amazed at how well I cope with 2 children with complicated mental health problems aswell as as trying to cope with my own complicated mental health too. She luckily though my illness is extremely hard to treat., thinks I am also not neither a lunatic or a questionable parent. Thankfully! :-)
Attending the meeting with me will I agree be in my best interest and her view on how much this has all affected my mental health could be invaluable, though that seems to be there angle. A professional statement on my behalf stating she has not only in the last 3 weeks had to adjust my meds twice but at present is actively trying to keep me from having to go into hospital to try to stabilise me a little and make me rest because of what effect this has had on my mental health. Whether that will help or hinder I have no idea but as they are aware of some of the above facts, my current state I guess is going to sound less open for their interpretation coming from my doctor than from me.
I only want my children to get the best care they can, I feel like I've failed in that and now what treatment they were entitled to is going to be overshadowed by this.
In a way I wish I had just not said anything but my husband has said, let them try to question your abilities because for 1) my pdoc will wipe the floor with them 2) my children have 2 parents not just 1 and 3) it doesn't change any of the facts in my son's recent inadequate care even if the previous 2 weren't vaild.
I will let you know how I get on when I have seen my pdoc in a couple of days. Thanks for everything, wish me luck.
COMMUNITY LEADER
It may well be that having your pdoc go with you is the best thing that can happen for you and your child.
I think I would write down the chain of events that have transpired (a lot can come from your posts) to show why you have been so upset with the standard of care. By writing it down you can make sure that it is chronologically clear. Show that to your pdoc so that she understands where you are coming from. You want her coming in with full knowledge of what has been going on.
And ya, its hard to tell where the docs are coming from. From my point of view, I would say that they are the ones who have been affecting your mental health. But remember that "a spoonful of sugar goes a long way" (or however that phrase goes). Your goal (and hopefully your docs) is to help your kids - and it sounds like these are the ones that you will have to work with. I think my major complaint might be the lack of information you have gotten from them, and that certainly not knowing what was going to happen has affected your own issues.
Hope this helps. Let me know what your pdoc thinks.
I think I would write down the chain of events that have transpired (a lot can come from your posts) to show why you have been so upset with the standard of care. By writing it down you can make sure that it is chronologically clear. Show that to your pdoc so that she understands where you are coming from. You want her coming in with full knowledge of what has been going on.
And ya, its hard to tell where the docs are coming from. From my point of view, I would say that they are the ones who have been affecting your mental health. But remember that "a spoonful of sugar goes a long way" (or however that phrase goes). Your goal (and hopefully your docs) is to help your kids - and it sounds like these are the ones that you will have to work with. I think my major complaint might be the lack of information you have gotten from them, and that certainly not knowing what was going to happen has affected your own issues.
Hope this helps. Let me know what your pdoc thinks.
I would like to say thank you for advice and support, making decisions when it comes to my sons treatment has not been easy.
A meeting that was organised by my eldest son's doctor to apparently coordinate their care and help my children has me very concerned on where this situation is leading. Though organised just before the above meeting I have received a letter saying ' they know both both boys have really affected me and maybe my pdoc could attend the joint meeting aswell ! it looks to me like they are going to try to bring my mental health into question and it's affect on my children's mental health !!
Let me start by assuring people that I am not a raving lunatic or have I had any contact with social care .I may have rapid cycling bi-polar with ADHD but I have always done what's best for all my children. My ability as a parent has never been called into question but I feel recent events and decisions are going to be attributed to my mental health.
I have usual meeting with pdoc in the next few days and will voice my concerns. I know that she will support me as a functioning and able person living with a mental health disorder but I am feeling like I am going to be made a scape goat and justifying my abilities as a parent an person. I am not a paranoid person but what other conclusion can I honestly come to.
Any advice would be appreciated as I am falling apart with worry..Thank you in advance.
A meeting that was organised by my eldest son's doctor to apparently coordinate their care and help my children has me very concerned on where this situation is leading. Though organised just before the above meeting I have received a letter saying ' they know both both boys have really affected me and maybe my pdoc could attend the joint meeting aswell ! it looks to me like they are going to try to bring my mental health into question and it's affect on my children's mental health !!
Let me start by assuring people that I am not a raving lunatic or have I had any contact with social care .I may have rapid cycling bi-polar with ADHD but I have always done what's best for all my children. My ability as a parent has never been called into question but I feel recent events and decisions are going to be attributed to my mental health.
I have usual meeting with pdoc in the next few days and will voice my concerns. I know that she will support me as a functioning and able person living with a mental health disorder but I am feeling like I am going to be made a scape goat and justifying my abilities as a parent an person. I am not a paranoid person but what other conclusion can I honestly come to.
Any advice would be appreciated as I am falling apart with worry..Thank you in advance.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Glad to see that your pdoc is in your corner! Hope the new doc works out well for you.
COMMUNITY LEADER
A glutamate problem can really cause a variety of ills. Be careful on the detox for heavy metals. I remember reading some things on the detox that kind of scared me. However, having significant amounts of lead and mercury in your system is definitely not good. Any idea how you would have been exposed to them. They are not that easy to pick up these days. And are you sure that the lead/mercury test was accurate?
you are very right, the standard of care he had been receiving was less than ideal, I can't change that but I guess I can make a difference when it comes down to his future care and making sure that he gets all the support he needs.
I wish my case was an isolated incident but when there is only one center where you live and it's authority appointed your options are limited really.
please don't think I have it in for doctors because my pdoc is wonderful. I cannot praise her enough for the care she given me.She has always encouraged and requested my iinput when it comes to decisions regarding my treatment and any medication changes. I like to think that there are more pdocs like her in the world
I wish my case was an isolated incident but when there is only one center where you live and it's authority appointed your options are limited really.
please don't think I have it in for doctors because my pdoc is wonderful. I cannot praise her enough for the care she given me.She has always encouraged and requested my iinput when it comes to decisions regarding my treatment and any medication changes. I like to think that there are more pdocs like her in the world
Thanks for listening to my story. Sounds like you are doing a great job balancing medication and therapy! You are right the therapy component is so very important, and it sounds like you are really thinking the medication route through and dialoguing with him about it which is really really good. When I told my doc when I was six that I didn't like the meds, they didn't listen, so it sounds like you and your son are on a better path by opening the lines of communication. I found a link that might interest you on the food allergy and behavioral stuff that I was talking about: http://www.foodforthebrain.org/content.asp?id_Content=1676
It's amazing what a difference it can make. Removing the allergens has been really helpful for me and my natropath said it has been really helpful for a lot of his other patients with behavioral issues. I know it sounds like crazy natural health hoopla, but believe me it is real. US Biotek may also have some success stories on their website. Heavy metal test might be a second thing to try. Mine came back with evidence of fairly significant lead and mercury and nickel. I'm doing a detox soon. Neurotransmitter test helped me find the right meds. We had been trying serotonin-focused antidepressants (SSRI's) for me for a while and they never worked. Turns out there was nothing wrong with my serotonin. Instead it was GABA, dopamine, and glutamate. If you can afford a natropath, I highly highly recommend it. I've tried many meds for years and I'm finally getting better thanks to his help. Wishing you and your son the best!
It's amazing what a difference it can make. Removing the allergens has been really helpful for me and my natropath said it has been really helpful for a lot of his other patients with behavioral issues. I know it sounds like crazy natural health hoopla, but believe me it is real. US Biotek may also have some success stories on their website. Heavy metal test might be a second thing to try. Mine came back with evidence of fairly significant lead and mercury and nickel. I'm doing a detox soon. Neurotransmitter test helped me find the right meds. We had been trying serotonin-focused antidepressants (SSRI's) for me for a while and they never worked. Turns out there was nothing wrong with my serotonin. Instead it was GABA, dopamine, and glutamate. If you can afford a natropath, I highly highly recommend it. I've tried many meds for years and I'm finally getting better thanks to his help. Wishing you and your son the best!
Sorry it posted before I finished. :-)
I think medication only treats symptoms and therapy can and has given me coping skills that invaluable.
I take a combination of medications morning and evening,which I don't exactly enjoy but I take because I have to.
We do speak to my son regarding how he feels about taking medication, only he can tell us if it helps. He's only 11 but he has a view that I feel hould be taken into account also. He actually reminds us when he should take his medication, because he says " I can actually think when I take it mum" with the recent medication change he has been very frustrated with the loss of clarity that he gains from taking his medication and he has been so a lot happier since reverting back to equasym.
We take regular input on his progress from school, because of his treatment plan he has been able to stay in main stream school, albeit with compromise and there willingness to accommodate and help him where they can.xperience with ADHD and especially medication has really been an issue that has affected you.
I will certainly read your website with interest.
Take care and thanks :-)
I think medication only treats symptoms and therapy can and has given me coping skills that invaluable.
I take a combination of medications morning and evening,which I don't exactly enjoy but I take because I have to.
We do speak to my son regarding how he feels about taking medication, only he can tell us if it helps. He's only 11 but he has a view that I feel hould be taken into account also. He actually reminds us when he should take his medication, because he says " I can actually think when I take it mum" with the recent medication change he has been very frustrated with the loss of clarity that he gains from taking his medication and he has been so a lot happier since reverting back to equasym.
We take regular input on his progress from school, because of his treatment plan he has been able to stay in main stream school, albeit with compromise and there willingness to accommodate and help him where they can.xperience with ADHD and especially medication has really been an issue that has affected you.
I will certainly read your website with interest.
Take care and thanks :-)
Thank you for taking the time to give a different perspective on ADHD and you're you give a lot of information that could certainly be helpful.
Let me start by assuring you that I don't give medication to him lightly and my son does have a treatment plan that does include weekly therapy sessions, Which he has attended for 3 yrs now. He also has additional sensory problem with emotional and behavioural problems. With ADHD aswell he has a lot to deal with, unfortunately for him aggression and being impulsive are a big problem. I had to seriously weigh up the pro's and con's before we accepted that giving my son medication might help him.
I have rapid cycling bi-polar disorder and ADHD also, which I have dealt with since around 13 years old. I went untreated for both until 11 yrs ago. I know we are all individual so I try to be look at him objectively. I know how it feels to live with a mental health problem untreated, I have also had therapy along side medication because I believe that just medication is a
Let me start by assuring you that I don't give medication to him lightly and my son does have a treatment plan that does include weekly therapy sessions, Which he has attended for 3 yrs now. He also has additional sensory problem with emotional and behavioural problems. With ADHD aswell he has a lot to deal with, unfortunately for him aggression and being impulsive are a big problem. I had to seriously weigh up the pro's and con's before we accepted that giving my son medication might help him.
I have rapid cycling bi-polar disorder and ADHD also, which I have dealt with since around 13 years old. I went untreated for both until 11 yrs ago. I know we are all individual so I try to be look at him objectively. I know how it feels to live with a mental health problem untreated, I have also had therapy along side medication because I believe that just medication is a
Hi there,
I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, six years old, and put on Ritalin, and I deeply regret that that decision was made. I think the long term effects of these stimulant drugs are not worth the short term benefits. I no longer have hyperactivity because now I have severe fatigue and depression. These stimulant drugs work like cocaine and methamphetamine and the long term result can be the same. You build up a tolerance to the drug and are left with more problems than you had to begin with. I have a website called ritalinawareness.com where I talk about my experience and alternatives to medications. I'm sure you have heard other people talk about natural treatments before, but please take what I have to say seriously because this is what I wish my parents had done for me. Food allergies can play a huge role in child behavior. There are two different kinds of allergies. The kind that makes your throat swell up and give you rashes and the kind that can affect your brain and functioning. I found out recently that I am very allergic to eggs and have a lesser allergy to gluten, wheat, and dairy. The test was $250 and could have eliminated years of trying medications. When I started to see benefits from removing allergens from my diet, my natropath told me that he has a patient with severe spelling learning disabilities. The child completely recovered after they found out what his food allergies were and eliminated them. As soon as he eats one of the foods he is allergic to, he goes right back to having problems again. There are also other tests that a natropath can run that a regular doc won't run because they are very focused on the pharmaceutical approach. A natropath can run a heavy metal or toxin test, a neurotransmitter test, and if need be a liver genetics test to see if there are toxins he is not processing. That should be the last test because it's expensive. I recommend US biotek for the food allergy test. The neurotransmitter test was helpful for me too because I found out that my GABA was really low and my glutamate was high and could have been contributing to my ADD. Stimulant meds wont help with either of those neurotransmitters. Research a good natropath and interview them before you pick one. Doesn't mean that you have to stop taking your son to a regular doc, it just broadens your options for treatment. I wish my parents had done it before they let the doc put me on a drug that ultimately just made me feel weird and crazy for twelve years and then left me with depression. Message me if you need more info or help.
I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, six years old, and put on Ritalin, and I deeply regret that that decision was made. I think the long term effects of these stimulant drugs are not worth the short term benefits. I no longer have hyperactivity because now I have severe fatigue and depression. These stimulant drugs work like cocaine and methamphetamine and the long term result can be the same. You build up a tolerance to the drug and are left with more problems than you had to begin with. I have a website called ritalinawareness.com where I talk about my experience and alternatives to medications. I'm sure you have heard other people talk about natural treatments before, but please take what I have to say seriously because this is what I wish my parents had done for me. Food allergies can play a huge role in child behavior. There are two different kinds of allergies. The kind that makes your throat swell up and give you rashes and the kind that can affect your brain and functioning. I found out recently that I am very allergic to eggs and have a lesser allergy to gluten, wheat, and dairy. The test was $250 and could have eliminated years of trying medications. When I started to see benefits from removing allergens from my diet, my natropath told me that he has a patient with severe spelling learning disabilities. The child completely recovered after they found out what his food allergies were and eliminated them. As soon as he eats one of the foods he is allergic to, he goes right back to having problems again. There are also other tests that a natropath can run that a regular doc won't run because they are very focused on the pharmaceutical approach. A natropath can run a heavy metal or toxin test, a neurotransmitter test, and if need be a liver genetics test to see if there are toxins he is not processing. That should be the last test because it's expensive. I recommend US biotek for the food allergy test. The neurotransmitter test was helpful for me too because I found out that my GABA was really low and my glutamate was high and could have been contributing to my ADD. Stimulant meds wont help with either of those neurotransmitters. Research a good natropath and interview them before you pick one. Doesn't mean that you have to stop taking your son to a regular doc, it just broadens your options for treatment. I wish my parents had done it before they let the doc put me on a drug that ultimately just made me feel weird and crazy for twelve years and then left me with depression. Message me if you need more info or help.
It was what we call a c.p.a appointment where both pdoc and therapist attend. Care plan appointment, about his progress and his ongoing treatment plan. I have to laugh at that one.
Anyway, the situation deteriorated further yesterday, went to collect his sleep medication presciption that is paramount to his health as he has trouble sleeping without. It was to be collected from family doctor and they informed me they couldn't give it to me because they now couldn't prescribe only pdoc could as they had been contacted and instructed there was nothing they could do. Printed off, ordered before but now blocked.
We weren't even contacted about it, it was only by chance we found out. Contacted center, after informing them an official complaint would be lodged Monday and withholding treatment was unethical and there would be an enquiry into his code of practice. Immediate return phonce call, released collect when ready.
I am having a breakdown here myself, can't cope with much more if I'm honest,
At least we have both medication for next month while a new pdoc is appointed.
How this man can treat patients I don't know but he certainly will not have anymore contact with my sons treatment and future Care.
Regarding new pdoc, one is appointed by authority after lodged complaint but will be at new center.
Anyway, the situation deteriorated further yesterday, went to collect his sleep medication presciption that is paramount to his health as he has trouble sleeping without. It was to be collected from family doctor and they informed me they couldn't give it to me because they now couldn't prescribe only pdoc could as they had been contacted and instructed there was nothing they could do. Printed off, ordered before but now blocked.
We weren't even contacted about it, it was only by chance we found out. Contacted center, after informing them an official complaint would be lodged Monday and withholding treatment was unethical and there would be an enquiry into his code of practice. Immediate return phonce call, released collect when ready.
I am having a breakdown here myself, can't cope with much more if I'm honest,
At least we have both medication for next month while a new pdoc is appointed.
How this man can treat patients I don't know but he certainly will not have anymore contact with my sons treatment and future Care.
Regarding new pdoc, one is appointed by authority after lodged complaint but will be at new center.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Man, that ***** (as my students used to say). But I am not real surprised. The standard of care you have gotten has certainly not been up to standard. Can't remember. What kind of a doctor (his expertise or license - not your opinion of him - think I know that) was he?
You might also try asking your son's therapist for a recommendation. Lots of times they hear about docs via the grapevine or the people they are working on.
Wait ---- Now I am confused. Just re read your last post. It was your therapist appointment that was a nightmare? And the therapist wanted the pills back? I thought you were seeing a doc. and going to a therapist for help with your son. Are they one and the same? I'm confused :(
You might also try asking your son's therapist for a recommendation. Lots of times they hear about docs via the grapevine or the people they are working on.
Wait ---- Now I am confused. Just re read your last post. It was your therapist appointment that was a nightmare? And the therapist wanted the pills back? I thought you were seeing a doc. and going to a therapist for help with your son. Are they one and the same? I'm confused :(
What I didn't say bless him, was there was my boy listening to all of this and not answering 1 question put to him ( Got to love them haven't you :-) )
Just after his therapist had put to me' was I considering how the change would effect him and there would need to be a handful of transitional sessions for his benefit' he suddenly out of the blue pipes up with " I guess we can meet one last time on Wednesday if it makes you feel better"
I had to try so hard not to smile,
Then it was put to him "would that make you feel ok?"
With that he answers with " not really but I guess I can make it"
I would just like to say " I love you " to my son and you are still my inspiration. X
Just after his therapist had put to me' was I considering how the change would effect him and there would need to be a handful of transitional sessions for his benefit' he suddenly out of the blue pipes up with " I guess we can meet one last time on Wednesday if it makes you feel better"
I had to try so hard not to smile,
Then it was put to him "would that make you feel ok?"
With that he answers with " not really but I guess I can make it"
I would just like to say " I love you " to my son and you are still my inspiration. X
I will try to make this brief, the appointment ended up being a nightmare and a complete disaster! Something that has seriously made me question some of my views on his treatment and that is as far as I will go as this is a public network and I want to safeguard my identity and my son's.
I will say it was left with no presciption written until we return his last 4 tablets to them.( Yes people, I said 4) Never been an issue before, we have requested a referral to see another doctor. That might not have helped but they have had long enough, I think maybe his case would benefit from a fresh pair of eyes, How I politely put it anyway. What a complete mess they have left, what a day!
I will say it was left with no presciption written until we return his last 4 tablets to them.( Yes people, I said 4) Never been an issue before, we have requested a referral to see another doctor. That might not have helped but they have had long enough, I think maybe his case would benefit from a fresh pair of eyes, How I politely put it anyway. What a complete mess they have left, what a day!
Sorry, using damn mobile. I was just going to add that we use some of these strategies already but there are some new ideas to consider. So Thank-you
HI again, what I was going to say is I'm finally going to ask for some details on what is involved in my son's therapy sessions because I feel really stupid saying this but I have never really asked. I've wanted so much to have these sessions for him and that he knows they are for him and he can say what ever he likes and it stays between his therapist and him. I have never questioned methods or anything, is that naive?
I am going to ask about the whole of his treatment, he has been in therapy for over 3 yrs and taking medication for 2 yrs and I would like to know if this current program of treatment isn't working, what are the treatment options left?
By the way a big thank you to sandman2, that book you mentioned is very interesting, we use a lot of these strategies already but cert
I am going to ask about the whole of his treatment, he has been in therapy for over 3 yrs and taking medication for 2 yrs and I would like to know if this current program of treatment isn't working, what are the treatment options left?
By the way a big thank you to sandman2, that book you mentioned is very interesting, we use a lot of these strategies already but cert
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Its very unfortunate, your doctor didn't bother to tell you he was going to take so long (was he on some kind of a vacation?) to adjust the med. But as you said ... you want the meeting to be productive. Sooooo, let him know what has been going on and maybe nicely say that you hope that you can get back to him sooner if the new medication is not working out. And do let us know what happens!
And YES, you do need to talk to his therapist. Not to find out what your son may be saying. You need to know what kind of strategies they are using so that you can reinforce the same thing at home. Also the therapist should be working with you to help him. Don't really understand how they could not be communicating with you. Anyway, keep in touch. Good Luck!!