Jack's psychiatrist suggested to me that he doesn't really know where to "take things" at this point, and he doesn't want to "lead (me) on". He suggested that we could try anti-psychotic medication, but that seems too drastic to me (call me crazy!), so I did ask if there was an anxiety med or something we could try first. Not that I really want to do that either, but it seems less drastic somehow. Maybe I'm kidding myself. With another visit 2 months out, and a script for Zoloft in my hands, I decided to take Jack back to the pediatrician to see if he would be willing to do some blood work, to see if anything else might be going on. I mean, it seems reasonable to me to rule everything out before I put my kid on that path.
I know there are plenty of kids out there who desperately need this type of medication. They cannot seem to function without it. I'm not thinking my child is better than those kids, or that he isn't "messed up" enough to justify putting him on anti-psychotics. As a mother, I am looking out for my son. I want him to be in a place emotionally, where he can handle whatever comes his way. Sure, we all struggle sometimes, but I know that he does more than others (by others, I mean his "typical" peers). I also know that he has Autism (be it very high functioning), and I don't know or understand how the challenges he faces are affected by that. The psychiatrist confirmed my belief that kids with Autism are affected somewhat differently by these medications than other children are- their brains are different, so it makes sense. Then you hear about these kids, teens, and adults who have some type of mental disorder (or developmental disorder) and they were either on these drugs, or just stopped taking them, and they "went nuts". It certainly adds to my hesitancy to go this route. So, silly me, I wanted to see what the pediatrician thought before I said "ok".
I took Jack in yesterday, explaining to him right off the bat that he might need to have blood drawn. He did not like this idea AT ALL. He remembers the last time he had a vaccination, and it "hurt really bad!". I'd like to think he'd handle things a bit better this time- unlike when he was in preschool and needed blood drawn. Me and a nurse had to hold him down while another nurse drew blood. It wasn't easy, by any stretch. He's 73 lbs now, so.. yeah. I mentioned the Dr. about the stomach issues, the leg pains, the sudden (noticeable) growth of pubic hair, irritability (always there), and difficulty sleeping. I stressed the thyroid concerns because of his cousin- not to mention how many of his aunts are on thyroid meds. The doctor assured me as best he could that nothing he's seen so far suggests any thyroid problem. The legs could just be suffering from growing pains. The stomach issues might suggest he needs a better diet, and that I might look into fiber gummies, and that probiotics wouldn't hurt. As for the hair, he told me it was due to things rubbing together down there, and not a sign of early puberty. He did not order any blood work. He also said he would be hesitant too, having to try Zoloft, but that maybe I just need to take a leap of faith. Really?
So it's all down to me taking that leap of faith. I was nervous about taking Jack to the pediatrician, but hopeful he would understand my concerns and at least be willing to humor me. I mean, I am paying for it, so what does he care?
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