Sunday, July 31, 2005

Sunday or Sundae?

Sunday it is!  I ate too much ice cream already this week and shouldn't have had any.  It's that stress thing...ya know?

My dad is doing well.  His stress test is on 8/10 and we will see if we need to do the open heart because of the blockage they couldn't stent.

Today we started a new medicine for my son, Hammer.  It is called Strattera, and it is a norenephrine specific SSRI.  It has been found to help with focus and impulse issues, which Hammer needs some help with. 

Being on the Autistic Spectrum there are often overlaps with ADHD symptomatically, but they don't respond as well to certain meds.  So, this is a trial and error kind of thing.

Previously, for 3 years, he was on Concerta, once a day in the morning and it lasted for about 10 hours.  It had problems for Hammer because it aggravated some tics he has and also had a crash period at the end.  The Strattera should not increase his tics because it is non-stimulant and is a 24 hour med so there is no drop off once you have modulated the dose.

It is tricky though, and that is something we will be working on this week. 

Other goings on include Fuzzy starting his first season of tackle football.  They only give the standard pads, so we "hadda go to Mo's" and got him the rest.  Rib vest, neck roll, forearms and 2 pairs of special gloves.  Oh yeah, and practice jerseys and "under armour"! 

I am so excited about this as I loooove football!  I watched my cousin, who is 10 years younger than me, play pee-wee's and right up to high school!  It was so great! 

Pumpkin Muffin finishes up her summer dance classes and then we will be focusing on her fall choices.   Never a dull moment around here!!!

Unfortunately, I am in pain today.  My left wrist is a mess.  Swollen and sore.  Bummer.

Be well,

Dawn

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a week and a half hope the meds work for your son hammer and good luck to the son playing football. And Daughter hope she enjoys the classes.
Hope your wrist gets better soon:)

Deb

Anonymous said...

I hope you're feeling better soon!

You've got mail.

Hugs,
Susan

Anonymous said...

Dawn,
You sure have a lot on your plate.  I hope it all gets better soon.  Prayers for Hammer and your dad.  And, you too dear.  Sure sounds exciting about Fuzzy playing football.  I used to love to watch it when I was in HS.  Oh how long ago.  I'm hoping Pumpkin Muffin chooses her fall classes without any problems.

Love bunches,
LuAnne

http://journals.aol.com/thebaabee/LUANNESLIFELIVINGWITHLUPUS

Anonymous said...

I hope the new psychotropics work effectively and reduce the tardive dyskenisa.  I know how frustrating finding the right balance can be.   Good luck!

Chris
http://journals.aol.com/swibirun/Inanethoughtsandinsaneramblings
http://journals.aol.com/swibirun/MyJournalJarSaturdaySixetcanswer

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the message, Chris.   Thankfully, Strattera is not a psychotrophic and there is no listing for tardive dyskenisia as a side effect.

Be well...
Dawn