The OCD medication is continuing to work it's magic on Sami. She's done many things this week that would have paralyzed her just a couple of weeks ago, such as walking barefoot outside, walking on the back deck barefooted, taking a bath instead of a shower, going to the zoo, using a public restroom, touching the car, wearing flip-flops, and using shower soap. The old Sami is coming back.
She's been doing activities on her exposures list (OCD map). The medicine makes it easier to try the scary things, and I hope that these exposures will make her stronger for the day that she weans off the medication in the far future.
Showing posts with label OCD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OCD. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
OCD and Medication...It's Working
So far, so good on the medication. Even at the low starting dose, I can see a difference in Sami. She wore flip-flops, she's been laying on the ground and burying herself in stuffed toys from the garage box, and she's been able to calm herself down when OCD does try to spiral out of control. She's turning back into the pre-OCD Sami. The OCD isn't gone, but it's more manageable.
I know that the medication in itself is not the answer, and we'll have to continue with exposure and CBT. The medicine has turned out to be a nice addition to our arsenal to fight OCD and get it at a reasonable level. I just want her to feel as normal as possible and be able to fight OCD. She'll have it all her life and the sooner she can effectively deal with it, the better.
My mother in law is understanding, and has experienced OCD in her own life, although her's presented itself differently. She was wanting me to reassure Sami when she has the reassuring OCD moments, because it comforted her when she had those moments. I explained to her (I don't know if she understood) that I can't feed the OCD when it demands that I reassure her. If I reassure her OCD, it will ask again and again and again. I think she thought I was being cruel when the OCD wanted reassured that it was okay to touch something, and my answer would be, "Oh, is that mean old OCD bothering you again?"
Sami knows what she needs. When my mother in law wanted to tell her it was okay to touch something, Sami would correct her and tell her that she can't do that because it makes the OCD stronger. Sami told me in private that Grandma has a good heart and has her heart in the right place. Sami is right, and Grandma really wants her to get better and loves her. Grandma gets to read the OCD book next so that she can better understand how to help Sami.
I know that the medication in itself is not the answer, and we'll have to continue with exposure and CBT. The medicine has turned out to be a nice addition to our arsenal to fight OCD and get it at a reasonable level. I just want her to feel as normal as possible and be able to fight OCD. She'll have it all her life and the sooner she can effectively deal with it, the better.
My mother in law is understanding, and has experienced OCD in her own life, although her's presented itself differently. She was wanting me to reassure Sami when she has the reassuring OCD moments, because it comforted her when she had those moments. I explained to her (I don't know if she understood) that I can't feed the OCD when it demands that I reassure her. If I reassure her OCD, it will ask again and again and again. I think she thought I was being cruel when the OCD wanted reassured that it was okay to touch something, and my answer would be, "Oh, is that mean old OCD bothering you again?"
Sami knows what she needs. When my mother in law wanted to tell her it was okay to touch something, Sami would correct her and tell her that she can't do that because it makes the OCD stronger. Sami told me in private that Grandma has a good heart and has her heart in the right place. Sami is right, and Grandma really wants her to get better and loves her. Grandma gets to read the OCD book next so that she can better understand how to help Sami.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
OCD and Medication
Sami's been doing the exposure therapy for her OCD, and it's working, but she has been struggling so much that we've decided to try medication to help her get over the hump. She spends so much time of the day fighting and resisting the OCD. She is really trying and winning some battles, but when I mentioned medication she jumped on the idea willingly and said that she wanted the help that medication might bring.
I feel horrible about getting her medication. What if I had tried a little harder as a mother? What if I had coached her better? What if we just tried different exposures? What if I had given her a couple more days?
We've never had her "officially" documented as having OCD. I've had personal experience with insurance companies denying me coverage because of a very simple pre-existing condition. We've gone for years without OCD being written in her medical records just for that reason. Now that we are going to get mediation, I don't think we'll be able to avoid that anymore.
Sigh.
I feel horrible about getting her medication. What if I had tried a little harder as a mother? What if I had coached her better? What if we just tried different exposures? What if I had given her a couple more days?
We've never had her "officially" documented as having OCD. I've had personal experience with insurance companies denying me coverage because of a very simple pre-existing condition. We've gone for years without OCD being written in her medical records just for that reason. Now that we are going to get mediation, I don't think we'll be able to avoid that anymore.
Sigh.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
She Touched the Toilet! :)
How many parents can say that they are proud that their daughter touched the toilet? Not only that, but she stuck her hand IN THE WATER?
Apparently Sami's OCD made her use way too much toilet paper after going #1. She flushed, and it clogged the toilet. Sami didn't want it to overflow and she was too embarrassed to ask for help, so all by herself she STUCK HER HAND IN THE TOILET WATER AND PULLED OUT THE CLOGGED PAPER.
She told me afterwards and I whooped for joy! We were both very happy that she was able to kick those OCD germ phobias to the curb for just a few moments and do something that non-OCD people would avoid. She was so proud that she told her grandma and called the other grandma to tell her, too.
How strange is that? Bragging to the grandmothers about sticking her hand in the toilet water? I don't care. We had a real good moment and we were happy.
Apparently Sami's OCD made her use way too much toilet paper after going #1. She flushed, and it clogged the toilet. Sami didn't want it to overflow and she was too embarrassed to ask for help, so all by herself she STUCK HER HAND IN THE TOILET WATER AND PULLED OUT THE CLOGGED PAPER.
She told me afterwards and I whooped for joy! We were both very happy that she was able to kick those OCD germ phobias to the curb for just a few moments and do something that non-OCD people would avoid. She was so proud that she told her grandma and called the other grandma to tell her, too.
How strange is that? Bragging to the grandmothers about sticking her hand in the toilet water? I don't care. We had a real good moment and we were happy.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Forget the Snow Days
Forget the Snow Days. We close down school when it's nice outside! It's the opposite of public schools, where they have school when the weather is decent and close when it's nasty outside. I only knew of one other homeschooling family that did this until I read The Juggling Payne's Blog about the same thing. Surely there must be more.
We snuggle up inside when the weather is bad. We read, do school work, we do unschool work, make crafts, cook food, and draw.
When it's warm and beautiful outside, we drop school and enjoy the day outside. Of course, learning is still happening. The girls don't always know it's happening, but it does. We've been known to take a good book and have read-aloud time together in swing set fort (it's big enough for the three of us, the pug and various cats). They make crafts with natural elements, they run, they pretend, and swing, and they explore.
The bonus is that it helps Sami's OCD. She does better when she is outside in nice weather, and the outside germs just don't bother her as much when she is outside playing (as opposed to being inside and worrying about the outside germs that we carry inside).
Last Friday, the weather was gorgeous and we were going to meet some friends for a park play date. After getting a late start because of an OCD meltdown, we finally got on the way. Sami was worried the whole drive over and was having OCD moments the whole trip. After we got there, it was if OCD had never been there. After a couple of hours of play, Sami didn't want to leave. As Sami put it, "I had two glorious OCD free hours!"
We snuggle up inside when the weather is bad. We read, do school work, we do unschool work, make crafts, cook food, and draw.
When it's warm and beautiful outside, we drop school and enjoy the day outside. Of course, learning is still happening. The girls don't always know it's happening, but it does. We've been known to take a good book and have read-aloud time together in swing set fort (it's big enough for the three of us, the pug and various cats). They make crafts with natural elements, they run, they pretend, and swing, and they explore.
The bonus is that it helps Sami's OCD. She does better when she is outside in nice weather, and the outside germs just don't bother her as much when she is outside playing (as opposed to being inside and worrying about the outside germs that we carry inside).
Last Friday, the weather was gorgeous and we were going to meet some friends for a park play date. After getting a late start because of an OCD meltdown, we finally got on the way. Sami was worried the whole drive over and was having OCD moments the whole trip. After we got there, it was if OCD had never been there. After a couple of hours of play, Sami didn't want to leave. As Sami put it, "I had two glorious OCD free hours!"
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Strep Test Results
The doctor's office called today. Sami has no strep. I'm glad about that because at least she doesn't have any need for antibiotics. That means that it isn't strep that is causing Sami's OCD flare up.
Sami is still fighting the battles, and still winning a lot. Her hands are raw and red from washing, but I'm thankful that she willingly lets me put a soothing, healing lotion on her hands at night.
We are still waning from the very worst days of the last two weeks. I wish I knew why because I would certainly like to keep the waning going. I've made a huge effort to keep us at home a lot more, as that seems to keep her calmer. We did go out on Tuesday to go clothes shopping, quilt piece shopping, and visit with my sister; that did produce a lot of "hiccups" as expected, but she did quite well in fighting OCD.
The extended family has been supportive, but it's obvious that they have no clue what OCD means. She's my daughter, and I'm still struggling with what it means. I am blessed that they try to understand and are doing their best to help, but only Sami can know what it really feels like. They are finally picking up on the fact that no amount of reasoning or cajolling about "there aren't any germs on the toy," will convince OCD otherwise and can actually make OCD worse.
We did get some more homeschooling done yesterday. Both girls built solar projects from a kit and had a great time making them work on our first really sunny day in a long time. Sami is going to talk about her solar project at the library today. Megan worked on a report about the history of LEGOs so she could talk about it in the library; since Megan is a natural speller and fast on the keyboard, she typed it all herself (but I did help with dictation).
We spent a lot of time outside enjoying the 60+ degree weather. I cleaned up the garden area and burned off some dried flower, tomato and herb stems. Megan got covered in mud (thankfully she was wearing old clothes for once). Here's the neat part: Sami played BAREFOOTED OUTSIDE. I was happy that she was barefooted with the outside germs and mud, but I was sad because she thinks that shoes are the germiest things in the world and she hates shoe germs. I'll take every little win we get.
It's nice to get some smoother sailing and it's nice to go in a positive direction.
Sami is still fighting the battles, and still winning a lot. Her hands are raw and red from washing, but I'm thankful that she willingly lets me put a soothing, healing lotion on her hands at night.
We are still waning from the very worst days of the last two weeks. I wish I knew why because I would certainly like to keep the waning going. I've made a huge effort to keep us at home a lot more, as that seems to keep her calmer. We did go out on Tuesday to go clothes shopping, quilt piece shopping, and visit with my sister; that did produce a lot of "hiccups" as expected, but she did quite well in fighting OCD.
The extended family has been supportive, but it's obvious that they have no clue what OCD means. She's my daughter, and I'm still struggling with what it means. I am blessed that they try to understand and are doing their best to help, but only Sami can know what it really feels like. They are finally picking up on the fact that no amount of reasoning or cajolling about "there aren't any germs on the toy," will convince OCD otherwise and can actually make OCD worse.
We did get some more homeschooling done yesterday. Both girls built solar projects from a kit and had a great time making them work on our first really sunny day in a long time. Sami is going to talk about her solar project at the library today. Megan worked on a report about the history of LEGOs so she could talk about it in the library; since Megan is a natural speller and fast on the keyboard, she typed it all herself (but I did help with dictation).
We spent a lot of time outside enjoying the 60+ degree weather. I cleaned up the garden area and burned off some dried flower, tomato and herb stems. Megan got covered in mud (thankfully she was wearing old clothes for once). Here's the neat part: Sami played BAREFOOTED OUTSIDE. I was happy that she was barefooted with the outside germs and mud, but I was sad because she thinks that shoes are the germiest things in the world and she hates shoe germs. I'll take every little win we get.
It's nice to get some smoother sailing and it's nice to go in a positive direction.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Today's Accomplishments
I am happy to say that we all got some meat-and-potatoes homeschool work done yesterday. Sami couldn't sit at the kitchen table while doing her math and other written work, but she did do her work.
Megan fussed about doing her math at first, but she sat down, zipped right through, and (here's the funny part) ASKED FOR MORE. Megan said that she LIKED IT. I am writing in caps because it was that shocking to me. She has never once before mentioned liking math. I am hoping that it is because of my superior parenting skills (*cue crickets chirping*). Seriously, I have been constantly telling her how good she is at it and that she's a natural and how fun math was for me as a kid because it's like solving puzzles...maybe some of that sunk in. I'm just delighted, whatever the reason.
I read out loud about OCD in front of Sami and Meg. Up to this point, Sami wanted to keep it to herself because she was embarrassed, but now she is accepting that Meg is part of the team and it's okay to talk about it in front of her. Never mind that Megan was reading, "Pencil of Doom" by Andy Griffiths at the same time. I didn't stop Megan because I was happy that Sami was including her in the same room.
We had several OCD hiccups today. Sami was able to win some OCD battles today, such as touching the Nintendo DS, sitting on my lap, and calming herself through several episodes of OCD nagging her. She seems to be getting stronger at telling OCD to back off while she delays, changes, or stops the rituals. It's a good start to the CBT, and I'm hoping that the momentum sticks. Even though we've only targeted the smaller of the OCD triggers, she's been working on her least favorite bigger triggers by delaying the rituals. As long as she is happy with her progress and it isn't impossible to keep trying, I think we can bypass any medications.
Megan fussed about doing her math at first, but she sat down, zipped right through, and (here's the funny part) ASKED FOR MORE. Megan said that she LIKED IT. I am writing in caps because it was that shocking to me. She has never once before mentioned liking math. I am hoping that it is because of my superior parenting skills (*cue crickets chirping*). Seriously, I have been constantly telling her how good she is at it and that she's a natural and how fun math was for me as a kid because it's like solving puzzles...maybe some of that sunk in. I'm just delighted, whatever the reason.
I read out loud about OCD in front of Sami and Meg. Up to this point, Sami wanted to keep it to herself because she was embarrassed, but now she is accepting that Meg is part of the team and it's okay to talk about it in front of her. Never mind that Megan was reading, "Pencil of Doom" by Andy Griffiths at the same time. I didn't stop Megan because I was happy that Sami was including her in the same room.
We had several OCD hiccups today. Sami was able to win some OCD battles today, such as touching the Nintendo DS, sitting on my lap, and calming herself through several episodes of OCD nagging her. She seems to be getting stronger at telling OCD to back off while she delays, changes, or stops the rituals. It's a good start to the CBT, and I'm hoping that the momentum sticks. Even though we've only targeted the smaller of the OCD triggers, she's been working on her least favorite bigger triggers by delaying the rituals. As long as she is happy with her progress and it isn't impossible to keep trying, I think we can bypass any medications.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
OCD vs Politics
Sami and I were discussing her OCD last night, and we made a revelation. OCD is like a politician. Now mind you, I am very conservative, but I think this list could work in many cases for liberal or conservative values.
- Bossy
- Won't take "no" for an answer
- Lies about everything but is extremely convincing
- Distorts the truth
- Isn't happy unless you do exactly what it wants, and then it demands even more
- Doesn't do any of the work but expects you to work your butt off for it
- Wants to rule every aspect of your life and take away your freedoms
- Pleasurable things must be taxed
- Takes credit for helping you temporarily feel good
Saturday, February 12, 2011
OCD IV
We're still maintaining in the OCD symptoms. The symptoms are seeming less severe, but still there. Sami seems to be coping with them a little better. Does that mean that she is getting better because of the CBT, or because she is waning (as opposed to waxing) in this bout of OCD?
She was able to sit some today, but only on two chairs, my bed, and the kitchen chair if it was covered in a clean towel (the first two, she was convinced, had touched Lysol from the kitchen table. Never mind that I didn't use Lysol). She's been able to sooth herself and she is learning to wait out the episodes. This is critical because it is a key factor in battling OCD. Showers calm her down a lot, so I quit complaining at the length of her showers and I will just pay the increased water bills with a smile.
Interestingly enough, I've been reading many OCD articles that also include Tourette's Syndrome and tics; OCD and Tourette's/tics are very closely related and many children have both. After learning about tics, I think I've discovered what has been wrong with a couple of other relatives of mine. I'm not a doctor, and maybe the fact that I've been reading so much about it makes me look for it in everyone, but there were so many dots connected that I swear I saw the picture.
I'm looking forward to having a slightly normal homeschool schedule next week. I think it would do us some good to get back into a routine, even if it has bumps.
I do have some good news! I've finally been successfully keeping other people's schedules out of our lives. We've done a couple of things that we wanted to do, but we haven't been constantly running from here to there. It's a good thing, too. It's helped with Sami, and Sami's OCD has forced me to learn to tell people no just to help us have peace in our lives. God shows us the way, doesn't he?
She was able to sit some today, but only on two chairs, my bed, and the kitchen chair if it was covered in a clean towel (the first two, she was convinced, had touched Lysol from the kitchen table. Never mind that I didn't use Lysol). She's been able to sooth herself and she is learning to wait out the episodes. This is critical because it is a key factor in battling OCD. Showers calm her down a lot, so I quit complaining at the length of her showers and I will just pay the increased water bills with a smile.
Interestingly enough, I've been reading many OCD articles that also include Tourette's Syndrome and tics; OCD and Tourette's/tics are very closely related and many children have both. After learning about tics, I think I've discovered what has been wrong with a couple of other relatives of mine. I'm not a doctor, and maybe the fact that I've been reading so much about it makes me look for it in everyone, but there were so many dots connected that I swear I saw the picture.
I'm looking forward to having a slightly normal homeschool schedule next week. I think it would do us some good to get back into a routine, even if it has bumps.
I do have some good news! I've finally been successfully keeping other people's schedules out of our lives. We've done a couple of things that we wanted to do, but we haven't been constantly running from here to there. It's a good thing, too. It's helped with Sami, and Sami's OCD has forced me to learn to tell people no just to help us have peace in our lives. God shows us the way, doesn't he?
Friday, February 11, 2011
OCD III
We've made a little progress in the right direction. With CBT, any little win is actually a HUGE win. Baby steps turn into winning the race. The way OCD came roaring in so hard and fast, it's hard to be patient while it slowly works it's way back out.
Sami was able to sit some today and was able to delay washing her hands for quite a while. She was able to go to the library and participate in Story Time (but she sat in a chair because she couldn't sit on the floor), but I was happy that we made it out of the house at all. She sat at the dinner table while we ate, which was also nice.
OCD has been Sami's homeschooling this week, or at least reading and learning about it. We've read a few other fun books and listened to stories on CD, but that's it this week. That's all we've had the energy to do.
Last night was terrible. She accidentally stepped in a little bit of kitty litter that got knocked out of the litter box sometime during the evening. She just couldn't get it out of her head that it was okay to go to bed with her dirty feet. I gave her a little benedryl at her request to help her sleep, tucked her in when she got nice a sleepy, and had her usual Harry Potter CD to listen to so that her mind would relax. She appeared happy and near sleep.
She came into my bedroom crying a little while later, after I had dozed off. She just couldn't get over having her dirty feet in her bed. She didn't want to sleep with me because my bed was crowded (Meg was already there) but she just couldn't sleep in her bed because her sheets were now dirty. She layed with Meg and me while while I soothed her and calmed her. I thought she was falling asleep, so I dozed again. Apparently she got up and tried to get in her bed third time, but woke me up crying again because she just couldn't do it. She finally decided to stay in bed with us and finally fell asleep somewhere near midnight.
Poor Meg has been left to her own devices a lot this week. Sami didn't want Meg listening to all that OCD was causing and felt imbarassed to have Megan hear about it, but after some mild convincing she now realizes that Meg is one of her biggest cheerleaders and is very supportive. I want to get us all studying this as a family so that Meg doesn't get left out and Sami doesn't feel isolated.
I've been keeping Dave up to date on our progress while he is in Iraq. I don't like burdening him with all that has been going on, but it wouldn't be fair to keep what's going on with our daughter a secret either. Besides, I don't have anyone here who really understands what we are going through. My family is sypathetic, but they just don't get it.
Since Sami survived the library yesterday, I'm feeling hopeful that she'll do okay at the homeschool Valentine's party.
Sami was able to sit some today and was able to delay washing her hands for quite a while. She was able to go to the library and participate in Story Time (but she sat in a chair because she couldn't sit on the floor), but I was happy that we made it out of the house at all. She sat at the dinner table while we ate, which was also nice.
OCD has been Sami's homeschooling this week, or at least reading and learning about it. We've read a few other fun books and listened to stories on CD, but that's it this week. That's all we've had the energy to do.
Last night was terrible. She accidentally stepped in a little bit of kitty litter that got knocked out of the litter box sometime during the evening. She just couldn't get it out of her head that it was okay to go to bed with her dirty feet. I gave her a little benedryl at her request to help her sleep, tucked her in when she got nice a sleepy, and had her usual Harry Potter CD to listen to so that her mind would relax. She appeared happy and near sleep.
She came into my bedroom crying a little while later, after I had dozed off. She just couldn't get over having her dirty feet in her bed. She didn't want to sleep with me because my bed was crowded (Meg was already there) but she just couldn't sleep in her bed because her sheets were now dirty. She layed with Meg and me while while I soothed her and calmed her. I thought she was falling asleep, so I dozed again. Apparently she got up and tried to get in her bed third time, but woke me up crying again because she just couldn't do it. She finally decided to stay in bed with us and finally fell asleep somewhere near midnight.
Poor Meg has been left to her own devices a lot this week. Sami didn't want Meg listening to all that OCD was causing and felt imbarassed to have Megan hear about it, but after some mild convincing she now realizes that Meg is one of her biggest cheerleaders and is very supportive. I want to get us all studying this as a family so that Meg doesn't get left out and Sami doesn't feel isolated.
I've been keeping Dave up to date on our progress while he is in Iraq. I don't like burdening him with all that has been going on, but it wouldn't be fair to keep what's going on with our daughter a secret either. Besides, I don't have anyone here who really understands what we are going through. My family is sypathetic, but they just don't get it.
Since Sami survived the library yesterday, I'm feeling hopeful that she'll do okay at the homeschool Valentine's party.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
OCD 2
We did end up going to the doctor to get Sami tested for the strep virus. I don't know any results yet, but am anxiously awaiting.
This week her OCD syptoms have spiralled out of control. It's been difficult for all of us. We are doing the CBT excercises but it's too early to see any results yet. We did give her OCD a name (Homer), have completed her OCD "map" and put a "temperature" on everything. The map lists all over her obsessions and compulsions, and the temperature puts them in most difficult to resist to easier to resist order. We start with the easiest to battle and work our way up the list little by little.
The hard part is that I HAVE to let Sami be in control or it won't work. I can't resist the urges for her, and it breaks my heart to see her suffer. She wants to be better so badly and she hates what OCD has done to her. We did this once, and we will do it again.
I am very close to going ahead and trying an SSRI on her to give her a boost just to get this train rolling in the right direction.
It's so difficult trying to manage with OCD's demands even when we are at home, but going out has become a nightmare. Activities that we love are making me sick with worry because Homer hates to be out with germs and hates to touch the car. We have story time at the library tomorrow and a Valentine's Day party Friday. I pray that we can actually make it and I pray that once there that everything will go smoothly.
It's night, so I'm signing off. Night time has become extremely difficult as well because Homer won't let her sleep and tells her horrible things. Listening to stories on CD really helps, and I hope it works again tonight. I'm exhausted.
This week her OCD syptoms have spiralled out of control. It's been difficult for all of us. We are doing the CBT excercises but it's too early to see any results yet. We did give her OCD a name (Homer), have completed her OCD "map" and put a "temperature" on everything. The map lists all over her obsessions and compulsions, and the temperature puts them in most difficult to resist to easier to resist order. We start with the easiest to battle and work our way up the list little by little.
The hard part is that I HAVE to let Sami be in control or it won't work. I can't resist the urges for her, and it breaks my heart to see her suffer. She wants to be better so badly and she hates what OCD has done to her. We did this once, and we will do it again.
I am very close to going ahead and trying an SSRI on her to give her a boost just to get this train rolling in the right direction.
It's so difficult trying to manage with OCD's demands even when we are at home, but going out has become a nightmare. Activities that we love are making me sick with worry because Homer hates to be out with germs and hates to touch the car. We have story time at the library tomorrow and a Valentine's Day party Friday. I pray that we can actually make it and I pray that once there that everything will go smoothly.
It's night, so I'm signing off. Night time has become extremely difficult as well because Homer won't let her sleep and tells her horrible things. Listening to stories on CD really helps, and I hope it works again tonight. I'm exhausted.
Monday, January 31, 2011
OCD
Sami and I are journeying through her OCD again. She had a good bout of it during 2007-2008. It started before that, but that's when we recognized it and kicked it to the curb the first time.
Late last fall and early winter, OCD creeped back into our lives. It doesn't seem as bad this time, but it's here none the less. We are fighting it the same way we did last time, by using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) at home. Talking Back to OCD by John March is our guide, and it is very helpful. There is also a good children's book out also called Mr. Worry by Holly Niner. As we read these books together, she keeps pointing out what she has experienced that is similar or exactly as the authors describe it.
I read Saving Sammy by Beth Maloney by myself. It's a heart breaking story about a boy with severe OCD that was caused by a strep infection. It's made me consider getting Sami a blood test to rule that out, just to make our lives easier. I don't think that Sami has ever had strep, but neither did the family in the story. Apparently one can have it and never know it.
It's fortunate that she is older now (ten years old) because she is better able to understand the mechanics behind OCD a little better and she is able to recognize when OCD trying to make her obey it's demands. Vitamin B has helped a lot, and I would let her take antibiotics if she did have any strep, but I don't want her to take other medications like SSRI's if she can control it through CBT. I'm not anti-medicine, but we were able to get OCD at bay before without meds so I want to go that route again first.
I am glad we are homeschooling while she struggles with this. We've made it part of our curriculum, studying and learning about it. Knowing Sami, I think that a public school setting would be difficult under the best of circumstances. While dealing with OCD, I think that she would completely melt down.
Wish us luck!
Late last fall and early winter, OCD creeped back into our lives. It doesn't seem as bad this time, but it's here none the less. We are fighting it the same way we did last time, by using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) at home. Talking Back to OCD by John March is our guide, and it is very helpful. There is also a good children's book out also called Mr. Worry by Holly Niner. As we read these books together, she keeps pointing out what she has experienced that is similar or exactly as the authors describe it.
I read Saving Sammy by Beth Maloney by myself. It's a heart breaking story about a boy with severe OCD that was caused by a strep infection. It's made me consider getting Sami a blood test to rule that out, just to make our lives easier. I don't think that Sami has ever had strep, but neither did the family in the story. Apparently one can have it and never know it.
It's fortunate that she is older now (ten years old) because she is better able to understand the mechanics behind OCD a little better and she is able to recognize when OCD trying to make her obey it's demands. Vitamin B has helped a lot, and I would let her take antibiotics if she did have any strep, but I don't want her to take other medications like SSRI's if she can control it through CBT. I'm not anti-medicine, but we were able to get OCD at bay before without meds so I want to go that route again first.
I am glad we are homeschooling while she struggles with this. We've made it part of our curriculum, studying and learning about it. Knowing Sami, I think that a public school setting would be difficult under the best of circumstances. While dealing with OCD, I think that she would completely melt down.
Wish us luck!
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