Read more about the article Hello @AkronChildrens, we meet again
Akron Children's Hospital / Behavioral Health / Elliott / My thoughts

Hello @AkronChildrens, we meet again

So far, my plans for the day are firing on all cylinders. There's not been any hiccups aside from road construction in Akron. I mean seriously Akron, are you ever going to finish? Anyway, Gavin's been dropped off and Mr. Elliott and I are in the waiting room at Akron Children's Hospital. Elliott's not wanting to talk about the things that may or may not be bothering him, so I messaged the the nurse prior to our arrival so he was aware of what is going on. I'm hoping that makes things a bit easier Elliott. Mr. Elliott has kindly agreed that I can speak to what I know or feel he's going through and if he needs to correct me, he will do that. It's not perfect, but at…

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August 28, 2019
Read more about the article Some good news and our plans for the day
Akron Children's Hospital / Behavioral Health / Elliott / My thoughts

Some good news and our plans for the day

Here's some good news for today. Both boys made it to school, without any problems. Elliott was not thrilled but he cooperated 100% and I'm so thankful for that. The plan for the day is pretty simple. I have to pick Elliott up from school a little before noon, drop Gavin off with my Mom and head up to Akron Children's Hospital. Elliott has a followup in the behavioral health clinic. They are helping manage his depression, as well as handling all his medications for it. They're absolutely fantastic and I'm so appreciative for all they do. I promised Elliott that I would take him to lunch afterwards. He gets very anxious about any and all doctor appointments. As a result, he won't eat until after it's over. So, that's…

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August 28, 2019
Read more about the article We take #vaccines VERY seriously but had to play catch-up today with our youngest and here’s why
Akron Children's Hospital / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics / Today's Victory

We take #vaccines VERY seriously but had to play catch-up today with our youngest and here’s why

I'm going to focus on the positive tonight. There was plenty of things that didn't go right, but the ones that did, matter more in this very moment. I mentioned earlier that Emmett had an appointment with his pediatrician today. It was a combination med check; well check and physical. We needed to touch base in regards to his ADHD and Depression medications before his care transfers to the behavioral health clinic at the main Akron Children's Hospital campus. He also needed his 11-year check-up and physical. Part of that included discussing vaccines. Emmett is the only one of our three kids who's technically behind on his vaccines. Emmett has a rare fever disorder and has had it since he was about a year old. His symptoms have evolved over…

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August 2, 2019
Read more about the article Emmett and I are flying solo this afternoon
Akron Children's Hospital / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics

Emmett and I are flying solo this afternoon

We're heading out in a few minutes because Emmett has an appointment with his pediatrician. It's the last med check before his behavioral health care switches over to the main behavioral health center at Akron Children's Hospital next month. This is also going to double as a well check. Emmett recently had a birthday and is due for a well check. Emmett and I are flying solo today because Lizze is not feeling well and it's always better to not take all the kids with us. No bog deal. Emmett and I can totally handle this...even if there will be shots, and there might be shots.

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August 1, 2019
Read more about the article Major Update
Akron Children's Hospital / Autism Parenting Victories / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics

Major Update

Again, I find myself behind the eight ball in regards to writing. I'm really trying to get back into the swing of things, but I'm struggling a bit with my depression lately. That being said, I'm here now, and that's what matters. Last I wrote, I was still going back and forth with Emmett's pediatrician about getting him on an antidepressant. We're not excited by the idea of further medicating him, but everyone agrees that it's absolutely in his best interest. I was experiencing some resistance from the doctor for reasons that didn't make sense. We have a fantastic relationship, and I was very surprised that she seemed unwilling to manage Emmett's depression until September when he gets into the behavioral health clinic at Akron Children's. I've been around the…

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June 29, 2019
Read more about the article If you detect some frustration, you’re not wrong
Akron Children's Hospital / Autism Parenting Woes / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics / Psychiatry

If you detect some frustration, you’re not wrong

I've been struggling to write as much as I'd like if under better circumstances. This last week of my life has been very challenging, and recovering from it is taking some time. We buried my grandmother a week ago today. All of us are still feeling the impact of this, but especially Emmett. As I'm writing this, he's been up for two days now and cannot fall asleep. Melatonin isn't helping, and he's incredibly stressed out. I just got off the phone with his pediatrician's office, and I'm trying to get them to put him on low dose Prozac. Emmett has his first appointment with Akron Children's Behavioral Health in September, and he's on a cancellation list as well. For some reason, his pediatrician, whom we really like, seems resistant…

2 Comments
June 27, 2019
Read more about the article I feel like this is a total victory
Akron Children's Hospital / Gastroenterology / Gavin / My thoughts

I feel like this is a total victory

Gavin's appointment at the always amazing Akron Children's Hospital went very well. Most of his gastro symptoms have subsided, and he does not require regular medication in that area of his life. While he's not really gaining weight, he's maintaining where he is, and that's a good thing. His doctor is happy with his progress in the weight department. Gavin spoke up a few times, but it didn't cause any confusion during the appointment. Sometimes it does because of Gavin wanting to say what he thinks the other person wants to hear. Accuracy is not his thing and makes things more confusing than it has to be. He did an excellent job today. He doesn't even have to come back for 12 months. After that appointment, if all is well,…

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June 3, 2019
Read more about the article Guess where we are today
Akron Children's Hospital / Gastroenterology / Gavin / My thoughts

Guess where we are today

We've made it to see our friends at Akron Children's Hospital, and did so on time. That's quite an accomplishment if you've driven through Akron in recent years. Anyway, this is a follow-up with Gastroenterology for Mr. Gavin. I don't expect anything Earth-shattering to occur today. Gavin's in a pretty good mood, and he's having a decent day thus far. He's a bit animated though. I guess manic would be a better or more accurate word to use, but it's not mania how he's historically experienced mania. He's just really happy, very exaggerated in much of what he does, and is extremely talkative. It's not bad, at least comparatively speaking but it's enough that we can tell something is going on. I do suspect it will be a bit annoying…

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June 3, 2019