Two weeks ago yesterday, we took Porter to see a psychiatrist. I thought that day wouldn’t come soon enough. Difficulties were escalating. He was consistently sleeping in the hallway or bathroom. He was having meltdowns at school as frequently as every other day. We were fighting with him at home about home work. He seemed forever “grounded.” This was no way to live.
Clint, Porter and I sat down with the good doctor and related the events of our current situation as well as past examples of Porter’s anxious and compulsive tendencies. He took notes, of course, and came up with three areas of concern. First, anxiety and worry. Yep. Next, sleep. Definitely. And lastly mood, though not as much of a concern as the first two.
He recommended that we immediately start Porter on a medication for his anxiety, which would also help with sleep. Great, a twofer. We discussed our concerns over putting him on medication such as, would it change his personality? Because as you know, Porter has an exceptional personality. Nope, should be no change there. Good. We also wondered how long he’d have to be on it, the answer was: to be determined. After the doctor finished explaining about the medication and what it was intended to do, Porter shot his hand in the air, and enthusiastically said, “We’ll take it!”
And we did. We went and immediately got the prescription filled and he started it that night. By Sunday, just two nights later, he was sleeping in his own bed, which is where he’s been since then (with one exception, but I’m not going to complain). I asked him one morning how he felt and he said “Fabulous!” At school his behavior and performance made a dramatic improvement, and I even got a call from one of his teachers wondering what possibly could have happened. Win win all around.
More than anything, he seems more calm, less worried, and happier. Truly, a miracle pill. We have a follow-up appointment in about 2 weeks. I’ll keep you posted on his progress.
Kellie, I’m so happy for all of you. I’m sure this is such a relief!!!!!
This sounds just like when we started Curtis on ADHD meds. Almost instant results! And, better yet, no change in the cute personality.
I’m so happy for your family!
Whew, before responding I had to take a half hour trip through cyberspace to find out what dystonia was…I am so happy for Porter. Yippee, to be able to sleep and be calm. I want this medication, for ME. Hope your break is going well, despite the weather. I had planned all outdoor activities for the week, am now watching lots of movies and reading. Give those boys a hug. em
I’m so glad you’re finally getting some answers! I miss getting to see you and the little guys once in a while!
I’m interested to know about the medication. We’ve known for a while that my daughter would likely benefit from an anxiety med but I’ve avoided it because she’s only 9. I see so much of myself in her behaviors and reactions, and I didn’t find out what the heck was wrong with me until I was in my late 20s and I wonder if “fixing” her problem early would help to avoid a lot of the anxiety related issues that I know held me back in life.
Porter’s feeling so much better has me wondering if maybe it would be okay to medicate now… I’m going to make an appointment with Behavioral Health at the U this week, unless you super love your psych and would be willing to give me the name?