Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Very Sucessful Appointment, Finally!

Today as many of you know we went to the Melmed Center and saw a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She was amazing. Finally, we found somebody who cares. She was very thorough. She asked McKenzie very good questions, and she asked us good questions. She listened and did not talk down to us. She is very up on childhood bipolar and told us about the cabf website which we already knew about but it was good to know that she was very familar with it. When we asked if she thought she could help us, she replied, "I would like a chance. If I cannot help I will let you know." She even got us in sooner for our next appointment by giving up her lunch hour or dictation hour. WoW! Someone who is willing to go the extra mile! She does believe that McKenzie has bipolar with ADHD and anxiety. She also looked into Aspergers which is also a possibility. She had us do a survey test and it rated "high" for Aspergers. There was also very high, moderate, and low. She is going to be investigating that too. She gave us a name of an in home therapist-someone who will come to our house, observe, and help us. She went up 50 more mg. in the seroquel and gave her 10 mg. of aderall for after school to help with the hyperactivity and impulsiveness. She also wants us to do an OT evaluation to test for the sensing issues (aspergers) to see if that would help as well. See what I mean, she was very thorough. She even gave us a mild sedative to give her when she rages if we feel we need too. I know we still have a ways to go and that this change in medication may or may not be the answer but it is a start. And I feel like finally we have somebody who really cares about our little girl and wants to help her. Praise God! She even gave us a hug at the end and teared up when I did. I am so very hopeful.

5 comments:

  1. Praise God! I am so glad that FINALLY you saw the right person. That will make all the difference. I have great hope for McKenzie! Yay God!!!

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  2. OH AMY!! What amazing, amazing news! I am SO very happy for all of you! What a huge sense of relief you must be going to bed with tonight! And poor Kenzie must have some feeling of hope in her as well! I cannot convey how very happy I am for you. (((hugs))) Sleep well, my friend, there is a light at the end of that dark tunnel and you all are going to find it now! ;)

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  3. Amy -

    I've been reading your blog faithfully, and I have to say that your post from yesterday brought tears to my eyes. I cannot begin to imagine the stress and heartache that you've been dealing with for years. We had a few "episodes" with Maggie when she was younger that sound similar to Kenzie's rages, but nothing on this scale, and things have improved with age. I'm praying for you and your precious family and hope that this is just the first step in finding Kenzie (and the rest of you) the help that you desperately need. One of my very close friends here in Nashville has a son with Aspergers, so if you're ever interested, I will be glad to get you in touch. She would be happy to talk with you or answer questions. You have been so faithful in your journey to find help. I have so much hope that this positive step is a new beginning!

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  4. I am Megan S.'s sister, and have been following your blog and praying for you. So glad to hear of a bright spot for your family! Blessings.

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