Part 1... Diary of A Crazed Mother

[HeadMutha]

Mad Man I was given that nickname for a reason.

He drove me crazy. Many a summer I believed I should have had him on some type of drug (him or me...I was so close calling my doctor for some help!). I have called my Pediatrician crying. This child has made me laugh, scream and has made me cry more times than I can remember.

Those who spend the most time with him believe he is a "funny, smart, amazing little kid." Until you see him pissed off. When this little guy gets mad, it's like watching a train wreck or worse a scene from the Exorcist. It can get that bad. He can be defiant, disrespectful, and straight out mean when he has gone over the edge.

And it can come out of nowhere.

There have been many times that I did not like him. But more often I did not like the person I was when I was around him. I felt like I was being beaten up emotionally by the bully on a regular basis. And even when that bully had a few good days, I couldn't see it. I knew the old "Mad Man" would return. I am so lucky to be married to my husband because he has supported me through all my crises with MMI, and we have worked together to try to keep situations to a minimum.

But bad days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and soon you have a seven year old who still cannot control his volume, who still cannot control his hands and still cannot control his anger.

These are typical Mad Man I behaviors over the past five+ years.

Constant motion
Running instead of walking
Inability to sit still
Inappropriate wiggling of legs/hands
Unresponsiveness to discipline
Unkindness to pets
Poor self-control
Destructive behaviors: throws, breaks things
Little or no recognition of danger to self
Inappropriate noises
Excessive talking
Loud talking
Interrupts often
Abusive behavior
Unpredictable behavior
Aggression
Perseveration/repeating of an activity
Touching things or people excessively
Chewing on clothing, other objects
Scratching, biting & picking at skin Low frustration tolerance
Frequent crying
Demands immediate attention
Irritability
Overreaction to touch, pain, sound, lights
Low self-esteem
Mood swings
Impatience
Distraction
Failure to complete projects
Inability to listen to whole story
Inability to follow directions
Difficulty writing, drawing
Dyslexia/reading problems
Resistance to going to bed
Difficulty falling asleep
Restless / erratic sleep
Nightmares, bad dreams

Sound a bit ADD, ADHD, or ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)?

SURE THE HECK DOES!!! There are so many different situations out there, different stories, different kids, and different families, and I just knew and still know that medication is not what we want right now.

Why? First of all, he wasn't like it ALL the time. I would describe him like a time bomb and we had no idea when he would go off. Secondly, and more importantly, I had heard from friends that some drugs "take that sparkle" away. I couldn't have it.  I was in tears when one friend told me that. I could not take that magic from him. Hoping he "would grow out of it", I let another year go by, and no change in sight.

He was still that ticking time bomb until 3 weeks ago.

Yes, we have found our answer.

more tomorrow...

 

[Allison]

May. 12, 2008 at 11:10 AM ok.... can't wait to read more....

[singtomemommy]

May. 12, 2008 at 11:43 AM

ooh oooh ooh... I have a guess, but I have to wait...... ooh oooh oooh !!!

I am glkad to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

[proudmommy82]

May. 12, 2008 at 11:53 AM WOW the suspense is killing me!!!

[MrsSuperDave]

May. 12, 2008 at 12:19 PM awww Rocky...im gonna be waiting! Im glad you guys have found something...whatever it is! I hate it that so many kids are put on medication too. i know there are cases that probably seriously need it, but I feel its alot of times an easy out for teachers and parents. You are not like that i know. You are an amazing mom with incredible strength Obviously! God bless you and your family! Cant wait to hear the good news.

[Marissa823]

May. 12, 2008 at 12:38 PM I can't wait to find out.

[FIVEHAPPYHEARTS]

May. 12, 2008 at 12:40 PM rocky your som sounds like mine i hope i can get a diffreent prespective i dont like medication but he needs it i hope you have a diffrent solution

[3bs]

May. 12, 2008 at 1:09 PM Wow, poor little man, and poor you....  it looks like y'all are on a road in the right direction.  That is awesome.  Can't wait to find out!!!!

[TracyE5]

May. 12, 2008 at 1:14 PM Love my mad man... I am starting today...I hope it works for me!!! Love ya !!!

[shoefreak]

May. 12, 2008 at 11:04 PM Last fall, my DH was diagnosed with adult ADHD. With the combination of medication on a very low dose and months of therapy that include a whole new nutritional diet, he is a whole new person. After 13 years together we finally found each other. It is an amazing thing to have an answer to the puzzle. And thank you Rocky! In admitting your frustrations as a mother, you once again prove that you are only human do the very best that you can do, but yet in some crazy way, it makes you even more of a super mom. I am so glad that things are looking up for you.

[mykidzmomi]

May. 14, 2008 at 2:46 AM

After readign your post i feel as if I could have written the exact same thing myself.  Are you sure you don't know my Danny?  I am going on to read your continuation of this.  I hope your discoveries can help us in some way because I think I am going to loose it soon if something doesn't change.