Navigating Through the Chaos

Posted January 12th, 2010 by KellBell

In the beginning of November Jeremy was diagnosed with ADHD-I (basically what was called ADD before the lumped everything together). Totally not the end of the world and a rather common thing – or so it seems these days. Since then we’ve been trying to figure out the best approach in helping him learn to deal with the issues he faces because of it: often being easily distracted, especially when he’s in class; the constant need to fidget; impulsiveness, etc. So far his grades are not affected by things, but school only gets harder from here on out and if we can’t help him get a handle on everything his love for school will wane and we could face far different issues when he is older.

Fast forward to where we are today and trying to find the right medication for him. I admit, I am having a hard time with it because I still have great reservations about putting him on medication at the age of 8, but when you have to get two households on the same page, well, you go with the path of least resistance. We are currently on drug #2 since the first one, Straterra, didn’t seem to help ease any of his ADHD symptoms. His scores from his teacher on his behaviors were all still on the bad side which negates the whole reason for being on the meds.  So now we are trying Intuniv and hoping that it will be the answer.

Perhaps this post seems a bit premature since we are only on try number two, but after his emotional breakdown over a stuffed animal I am once again questioning if putting an 8 year old on meds is wise. ADHD isn’t a new thing, but why is that teachers, doctors think medication is the best answer. Well wait. I should clarify that. The expectation is that Jeremy would also start cognitive therapy in addition to the meds in order to really help him get a handle on things. The meds are only one answer in terms of calming certain things in his brain, but the therapy will help him cope with other things he faces.

I think it comes down to the fact that I am feeling guilt over my son’s struggle as his body tries to cope with the medicine that is being pumped into him. While many support me, and us, in our decision to pursue this course, I have had several others on the opposing side. I suppose right now I am in search of someone who will tell me that it will be okay. That we made the right decision and that we just need to stick it out because it will be good for Jeremy in the long run. I need someone to tell me that this little hiccup (and we’re only on day 1 of the new meds) is temporary and that it will get better. The only problem is…I don’t think that person exists and until I hear those words these feelings of guilt and overall concern are going to blanket me.