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…

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June 27, 2019
Read more about the article So far so good
Akron Children's Hospital / My thoughts / Pediatrics / Psychiatry

So far so good

We've made it halfway through the day, and things have actually gone smoothly. Emmett's back at school, and we're in the waiting room at Akron Children's Hospital for Elliott's appointment. A huge thank you goes out to Lizze's Mom because she was willing to hang out with Gavin after he was done with his blood work. This way we didn't have to drag him around with us all day. It wouldn't have been fun for him, and I needed a break from his constant updates about his new Keyblade. We'll get Elliott some lunch and then head back to pick up the kids when we're done here. We have family therapy at 5 PM, and then we're going to meet my family for dinner. That's a last minute thing, but…

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April 30, 2019
Read more about the article Just added a 3rd doctors appointment this week
Akron Children's Hospital / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics

Just added a 3rd doctors appointment this week

We already have two out of town doctors appointments this week. The first is for Elliott, and it's in Akron, and the second is in Cleveland for Mr. Gavin. This translates to a shitload of driving that will far exceed the actual time spent in each appointment. Now we're adding a third appointment. This one is for Emmett and is in regards to his leg pain. It sounds like it could be growing pains, but with all the crazy things we have going on, we'd feel better having him checked out. I'm a little concerned because he says it's his bones that hurt and that it's not muscle pain. Either way, he's struggling, and if there's something we can do to help him, we want to know what that something…

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April 29, 2019
Read more about the article Today’s Victory: The Good, The Concerning and The Cause for Celebration
ADHD / Akron Children's Hospital / Emmett John / Pediatrics / Today's Victory

Today’s Victory: The Good, The Concerning and The Cause for Celebration

Yesterday after picking the kids up from school, I dropped Elliott off at home before taking Emmett to an ADHD med-check. When a child is on ADHD medication, there are frequent medication checks for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, it's about making sure the medication is still the correct medication for the child in question, the dose is still correct, the child is benefiting from the medication and updating the doctor of any changes in the child's life that should be noted. Secondly, med-checks occur because ADHD medications are usually highly controlled substances and you can't get refills without an appointment. That's just the way it is and while it can be a pain in the ass at times, it's the right approach. We're very careful with medications…

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March 14, 2019
Read more about the article I had to really prepare Emmett for his doctor appointment today
Akron Children's Hospital / Emmett John / My thoughts / Pediatrics

I had to really prepare Emmett for his doctor appointment today

Emmett did really well at his impromptu doctor appointment this morning. He needed to be seen because he's running a fever and presenting with what looks like strep throat. Poor Emmett won't talk because it hurts too much and Advil doesn't seem to help. Anyway, on the way to the appointment I prepped a nervous Emmett for what would most likely be a throat swab. He hates those and I don't blame him, No one likes those but in Emmett's case, it's a sensory challenge. I figured that would likely be the worst case scenario and I was right. He kept backing away from the nurse but ended up doing awesome. We immediately distracted him and got him giggling. Fun fact, Autism parents become masters in the art of redirection…

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February 4, 2019