Just let me have my scream

[DerangedSibyl]

Ds1 - age 7 - diagnosis - Autisic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Sensory processing Disorder

I have appointments weekly. how the hell I am supposed to get a job between the OT, the school meetings, the ADHD nurse and the ASD nurse is beyond me. And I don't think they are making any difference after the first one of each.

And something always goes wrong.

Last week, the ADHD nurse was supposed to prescribe ds1's liquid melatonin. he prescribed a particular brand. Not one pharmacy in my town stocks it. I ring him - explain situation. He insists that he has to prescribe this one (KIdMel) and cannot prescribe the one Boots already stocks (KidNaps). I tell him that his budget problems are not my son's issue. Please prescribe an appropriate medication. He prescribes apprpriate medication and posts prescription.

I take prescription to Boots - "Oh, we haven't got any in, we'#ll have to order it - come back in a week"

So... ds1 now has his melatonin.

Another appointment to see ADHD nurse today - apparently this appointment was to discuss further medicating my son.

I don't recall making an appointment for this.

Nevertheless, I have walked out of that apointment with a prescription for methylphenidate in my hand - googling this informs me that he has, in fact, prescribed ritilin, a drug that I very clearly told the last nurse I didn't want my son to take.

How lucky that I have internet access! How lucky that I have both the brains and the cynicism required to wonder what on earth this wonder drug could be! How lucky I was to find a list of side effects as long as my fucking arm that the nurse had not informed me of! And how very fortunate that the nurse filled the prescription form wrong again, causing all the pharmacists to refuse to prescribe it, forcing me to wait, and develope some doubts, and google it.

I understand your frustration. It's a very difficult time for you.

Ritalin is one variety of the family of drugs containing methylphenidate. Others are Concerta, Equasym... and can be very effective in calming the symptoms of ADHD so that the person has time to learn strategies to manage it iyswim.

It's good that you've done all the research. Nurses and doctors don't always know everything about meds like this, so it might be worth looking into the different types to see if there's one your son might benefit from.

In the mean time, have a and a scream

I understand and sympathise. It is hard. A dx like this is a lifestyle for you, always running here and there. Don?t be too hard on yourself and take time to relax. Cool down.

I know with the professionals you have to be in combat mode to get anywhere. Take time to pause, remove your armour for a moment.

Medicating ADHD actually can help you and your DS. It is one thing you can remove from the picture at list for some hours. I have exactly the same with DS1 and DS2 and could not shed severe depression before DS1 got Ritalin. ADHD was just too much for me to handle. And for him too, he had fights, accidents and events all the time. Now we can concentrate on dealing with his ASD.

Ritalin is an old tried and tested tablet that has the least side effects and not very severe at that. Concerta is the same but lasts for 10 hours instead of 4. Stratera and antipsychotic are much uglier.

Dealing with his appointments is harder than dealing with him, much much harder.

The melatonin saved my sanity, I will admit that.

I am so torn.

I want him to have it. I KNOW it will probably improve his behavior. I know that improved concentration will improve his self esteem.

I don't want him to have it. It;s not nicknamed 'kiddie coke' for no reason. the heart-related side effects are too serious to ignore.

I really wish this wasn't up to me.

It's nick named "kiddie coke" but it's actually closer to amphetamine. Do some serious research - medical journals etc, not just google searches (you never know what kind of shite they'll turn up containing the right key words LOL) and discuss it with school, GP's, friends etc. Research the medical name, there are far too many scare stories around regarding "ritalin" as a brand name to get a clear picture.

Oh, and if you do try it bear in mind he'll be started on a very small dose then it'll gradually be increased so if there are any side effects, you can stop immediately hth

Put your cold minded hat on. All medications have side effects. Paracetamol has a long list and you can even die from a high dose. The key thing is that severe side effects are rare, very few people are affected.
Purple is spot on, he'll start from a small dose. You will see whether it works and whether it has side effects. Then you can re-evaluate the benefits and risks.

You are right to research, to be torn and worried. It is only natural. You are doing the right things.