Shelly

by Michelle
(Richland WA)

My daughter has always been different then all my other kids. When first born it was obvious. When reading the check list I could not believe all the checks I made. On some things I have watched my daughter go from one degree to the next. Like as a baby I will never forget her laying there as they fished for a vein. Now she flips out at the mention of one. Swimming was tough and even baths. She would have a full melt down with the idea of getting into water. We have worked through it and she loves the water now but it took years! Could never be swaddled, car rides were a nightmare! She complains about socks or certain shoes. Some clothes she will refuse to wear and say they itch or they feel funny.

Brushing her hair has always been a challenge. Brushing her teeth is rough! The Dentist was an event that took months and it was to the point they were talking about putting her out. That caused a serious melt down kicking the assistant in the knee and splitting it open, took off running when they said she couldnt walk and ran into a table knocking her to the floor. She has always been very strong never realizing that many things she would lift were similar in weight to her. My grandson is half her weight and she will pick him up like he weighs nothing. For this reason I have her in gymnastics. She is very impulsive and quickly irritated over sound, activity ect. Not to compare her to an animal but the only way I can describe it is in likeness to a black lab I once had as a puppy. Completely out of control and in no way aware of her surrounding as she pounces about in a fit of play. She will hurt people and animals having no idea why or how it happened.

There are several other factors that have me questioning what to do. 6 months ago I sought help. I was told she was ODD with ADHD. All this seemed to fit but the thought of medicating my child was horrible. However with much research and many talks with "the professionals" I gave it a try. Now we are dealing with serious melt downs, and irrational moods that change from one second to the next over anything. It can be a simple question.. such as how was your day? Or .. Lets sit down and do your homework... Time for bath ect.

Now I am being told she may have early onset child Bi-Polar disorder even though she tested low for this, and they have prescribed her a mood stabilizer which is also used as a anti seizure medication.They want me to monitor her on these drugs then check back with an appointment weekly till she is stabilized. Then what? A new drug? Is this my daughter's future? Blood draws, new drugs, one for mood disorder, the next for ADHD ect. Then their is the problems with sleep and the list goes on.

NOW I read this... And she fits it all to a T! Believe it or not I would welcome this diagnoses over all the others! At least then I have a fresh new way to help her. Therapy, diet ect. I will be taking this to the doctor. Im also looking for another doctor for a second opinion. Its not denial, I just see other children that have been drugged their whole lives and the turn out has always been ugly. I dont want that as my daughter's future! It seems the drugs make it easier for the parents to cope.. I will admit it is easier to cope when my daughter is not going from one extreme to the next. But in order to live with myself I have to know I did everything I could for her.. All the research I could, looked at every direction! I sure hope this is a light in our 7 year battle of questions.