Too Good To Be True

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Too Good To Be True
11
Tue, 11-28-2006 - 9:03am

I've waited a bit to post this information, as it simply seems too good to be true. But after what happened this morning, I'm convinced it's time to share.

As some of you may recall, I've struggled with the idea of medicating our youngest DD (6 y/o-autism) for a long time. My main concern was the fact that, due to the communication delays, she wouldn't be able to tell us about any side effects. (She's never been able to tell us when she wasn't feeling good, had a headache, etc.)

About two weeks ago, we started her on an extremely low dose (1 ML liquid) of Zoloft in an attempt to help control her anxiety meltdowns and the recent onslaught of depression-like episodes. To be honest, I wasn't expecting any positive effects with the dosage being so small. (Her doc wanted to make sure she didn't have any health issues before giving her a higher dose.)

So far-

*We've had two weeks straight of no "post church meltdowns". (Typically she'd make it through mass, then goes into a crying fit about how Jesus hates her in the parking lot.)

*She not only agreed to, but actually asked multiple times, to take a bath in my mom's whirlpool bathtub. (Previously wouldn't even walk into that bathroom when the jets were on. The noise was terrifying.)

*She's NAMED the hair dryer, Susie, and lets us blow dry her hair without incident- even stands still for it! (Used to run and hide at the sight of the hair dryer.)

*This morning, she actually let me CURL HER HAIR!!! (The curling iron's name is Carly, by the way.) When I was done, she announced, "I look fabulous!"

I am overwhelmed right now. I don't think anybody-present company excluded-can understand how amazing these developments are for our family. After DH and the kids left for school, I sat on the couch and cried. I hate the fact that it took a medicinal intervention to "open the doors" for our daughter, but I'm so grateful to simply be able to curl her hair. I guess being forced to wait 6 years to do so, makes it that much sweeter.

Thanks for letting me share.

Amy

Meez 3D avatar avatars games

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
Wed, 11-29-2006 - 10:06am

Thanks everybody for the support, positive thoughts, etc.

You know, for a while I thought I should make a special journal entry noting the day that such a major event happened. But then I realized, my goal is to get a point where I don't remember ever NOT being able to curl her hair. My prayer is that this once seemingly huge hurdle is behind us now, so why focus on what used to be? Does that make any sense at all? Sorry if I'm babbling...I guess recent progress has made me all contemplative.

Anywhoooo...thanks again.

Amy
Who got to curl her daughter's hair again today!

Meez 3D avatar avatars games

Pages