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 I wish I could take away his pain
Emmett John / My thoughts / PFAPA

I wish I could take away his pain

Emmett's in a great deal of pain today and will be for at least the next few days. Yesterday he broke out with mouth sores again and they're pretty bad. His antivirals are keeping things from being any worse than what they currently are but they aren't stopping them altogether. We began doubling up on his antivirals, as we're supposed to when he's in a flare-up and hopefully they will disappear over the next few days. The sores are related to a very rare fever disorder called PFAPA. He's had this all of his life and while it's evolved over the years, it's very, very disruptive. Emmett used to run fevers of 105°F for about ten days, but not actually be sick. He would then be fine for roughly two…

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July 26, 2019
Read more about the article One on one time with my kids is always a priority
Emmett John / My thoughts

One on one time with my kids is always a priority

This morning I was able to convince Emmett to go walking with me. It's really nice to be able to do that because it's quality time, without the distractions of everything going on at home. I like to get as much one on one time with my kids as possible. I think it's really important. Emmett and I went one lap around the track, and he did great. He has so much energy and can be difficult to contain, but it was fun. I was able to show him the new ducks, and he got to visit his old friend, the lonely duck. I know my walk was shorter today but I gained way more than I lost. 😊❤

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July 17, 2019
Read more about the article Is this an adverse reaction to his antidepressant?
Autism Parenting Struggles / Depression Management / Emmett John / Medications / My thoughts

Is this an adverse reaction to his antidepressant?

Emmett's been on Prozac for about a week or so now, and I noticed something today that I'm a bit concerned about. Frankly, I'm not sure why I didn't connect the dots sooner. Anyway, I've been noticing a significant increase in Emmett's energy levels. At first, I thought we might have to revisit his Adderall dose because his dose is very low. Today, however, it occurred to me that this may be related to going on Prozac. One of the ways that Bipolar is first noticed, especially in children is if they are put on an antidepressant. Use of antidepressants can cause someone who's Bipolar to swing into a manic phase. This is how we first became aware of Gavin having Bipolar disorder when he was little. This isn't an…

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July 8, 2019
Read more about the article How we knew our 11-year-old son was #depressed and how we’re helping him
Autism Parenting Struggles / Depression / Emmett John / Link / My thoughts

How we knew our 11-year-old son was #depressed and how we’re helping him

I've spoken about my personal war with depression many times. This time, I thought I would take a few minutes and provide some insight into how we knew that Emmett was struggling with depression, as well as why we decided medication was in his best interest. Everyone is different, and this is not to be viewed as medical advice or replace seeking help from your doctor. Emmett is our recently turned 11-year-old. He's the youngest of our three autistic kids. He's been through a great deal in his short life from Gavin's extreme behavior to the loss of three family members in the last eight months. Everyone in our house is on at least one medication, and some are on multiple. We take medications very, very seriously, especially for our…

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June 30, 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…

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June 27, 2019