Unfortunately, Gavin's having to learn a lesson this morning. Every Monday and Friday morning, Gavin needs his IVIG infusion. This is something he'll have to do for the rest of his life. It's not something that gets better and it's only likely to get worse over time.
We have a rule that Gavin *must* do his IVIG infusion first thing in the morning.
He's supposed to eat breakfast, take his meds and on Mondays and Fridays, get his infusion going.
This morning he ate breakfast, took his meds and went upstairs to play his tablet. When I realized the time, I called him down and questioned him about this. As soon as I pointed out that he had not started his infusion, he immediately reacted by punching himself in the forehead.
I reminded him that he's allowed to be frustrated but he's not allowed to be violent towards himself or others.
It doesn't matter that he has challenges or that he's cognitively regressed. He has very serious health issues. These infusions are extremely important and they must to come first. He has to learn that.
Gavin is paranoid of falling asleep during his infusions because he's afraid the needles will start leaking. One has nothing to do with the other. These fears are absolutely unwarranted and it's an irrational fear. If the needles aren't leaking immediately, they aren't likely to leak later on. He's stuck in a way of thinking that's dictating his behaviors and it's problematic.
Anyway, I told him that he will immediately do his infusion and reminded him that it *must come first. *
He already took his meds and they make him tired. I told him he would have to deal with that this time because he didn't do what he was supposed to. I know he didn't like this but he has to learn. Absolutely none of this will cause him any harm. He might be upset but he must learn a lesson and even if he doesn't learn, I have to continue guiding him in the right direction.
He needs to make sure that his infusions are done before playing his games. I hope this will help him to remember and if it doesn't, we'll travel this road again if need be.
My job is to make sure he's safe and receives the care he needs.
I know he's not likely to remember this lesson but at least I know I tried. We'll just have to keep practicing.
It's been a frustrating morning and not the way I wanted to kick the week off.
