Where do I go from here?

[chull]

My son has been evaluated by our family doctor, a psychologist, and a recommended pediatrician.  He is a 7 yr old first grader.  I noticed a "problem" with behavior at age 3 and have been struggling ever since.   My son always has to be asked to do things multiple times, he is very "emotional", he still wets the bed nightly, and is a very "physical" child, to mention a few.  He only was aggressive towards children after being on Concerta, which we took him off of.   So in the past three years we have been on Concerta (2 strengths) and they allowed him to "make" it through the school day for about 3 months.  After we went to the higher dose he became very aggressive and easily angered.  So our family doctor recommended a psychologist see him.  After 3 months of testing and counseling sessions....we learned this....he has an high average IQ, he most likely has dyslexia, and ADHD.  She suggested a pediatrician who we went to next.  He placed my son on Focalin.  Again that "worked" for a little while even "switched" up the dosing.   So here we are fixing to try a 3rd medication Stratera, I have to say I am loosing my optimism each visit!!!!   I am pondering the idea of going to a behavioral specialist, which would mean a 2 1/2 hour 1 way drive and $$ we really don't have.  Yet I just feel like this cannot be the answer, switching meds, going through "adjustment" periods.  I am so weary of the whole "process".  Where do I go from here?

[chull]

Thank you for your comment!  I think we will try an elimination diet.  We did a few things but not as "extreme" as the link you sent.   Thank you for the link!!

[chull]

Thank you for your comment!  When I say we live in the "middle of nowhere" I mean it!!  There is not a city over 20,000 for over 100 of miles.  We have double coverage insurance, but it seems both insurance find "loop-wholes" when it comes to behavior as a diagnosis.  I am going to go back and read the bill that the federal gov't passed with the first bail out....I know that they added "mental health" as medical condition.   Thank you for your concern!  It is really nice just to hear that other people have a "similar situation".

[chull]

Thank you for your comment.  My son has only been on medication since he was 5.   And I fought the school for over a semester before I gave in to that idea. (Kindergarten) I did some of the diet....dyes, hormone free milk and poultry.   Also B vit and other "recomended" herbal treatments.  We even did a 1/2 cup of coffee in the morning.  Then when he didn't take to that Mountain Dew.  Our problem is that we live in the middle of NOWHERE!!!  There is 1 health food store in a 60 mile radius. I never really thought about it but I bet I could get some of the "dry good" online.  I think this is the route my husband and I have decided to go! Thanks!

[margypops]

Yes jami 007 is right it is reccomended you do the eliminating way of finding out what suits them and what they could be "allergic" to

[jami00007]

Have you tried any of the elimination diets?  They are a lot of work, but I am presently trying it with my almost 5 year old boy.  He has a lot of energy, but at times he will be less focused and more obstinate.  I went to a psychiatrist only to be told to put him on stratera after 10 minutes and my son wasn't doing anything out of the norm.  
So after 2 weeks of the elimination diet (no dyes, nutrasweet/aspartame, fried foods, sugary foods, junk foods, dairy, chocolate, fruit juices...I know, not much left :-)  he was more receptive, less obstinate and aggressive, and a little more laid back.  He was still Active, but not in a bad way.  Now in the last 3 days, we added dairy back and he's a different child, not in a good way.  So I'm finding he's sensative to that.
Also you can try adding flax seed (has Omega 3) to food without him knowing.
Here's the site in case you are interested in the diet...

http://www.oneaddplace.com/adhd-diet.php

[margypops]

Has your son been on Meds since he was 3year old as sometimes they can escallate the behavior and if you read the threads on the ADD and ADHD forum there are differing  results a lot of them negative , has one of your Doctors ever considered trying Him without Meds and you got  him onto  a good supplement of Vit B Complex and Vit C some parents who dont want to medicate also use Fish oil, sounds simple I know but it wouldnt hurt to try,  run it by your Doc first.

[CG24]

I was in the same boat and used several behavioral specialists to help.  It was worth it - but I know the $$ concern.  I think it is worth explaining your $$ situation to them and see if they will discount their services.  This is usually a pretty compassionate kind of people and they might work with you more on $$ than drs and others. By any chance is there a major university near you that may offer behavioral science as a major?

[chull]

Sorry I thought my earlier question did not go through!