special needs children Archives - Page 170 of 172

I’m seeing much more of Gavin’s delayed emotional age lately and it’s concerning

I've been writing about Gavin's IVIG infusions for many years now. For those who are new to our story, here's the 10 cent tour. A few years ago, it was accidentally discovered that Gavin had lost majority of his immune systems functionality. There's no explanation or theory that seems to hold water. As a result, Gavin must receive donor antibodies in the form of IVIG, twice a week via subcutaneous inversion into his belly. This treatment helps to keep him healthy and gives him an immune system that can fight off the things that would otherwise make him very sick. It's not a perfect solution but it keeps him alive and healthy-ish. I've also mentioned a few times about Gavin seeming to start regressing once again. For the…

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August 4, 2015

My thoughts

Something I noticed after almost a year of sleeping alone

This is sort of a random post but I'm curious if anyone else has noticed this happening in their life. Since my wife left last October, I've spent every night sleeping alone. The obvious exception is when Emmett climbs into my bed at some point each night. Anyway, I noticed that I've recently started sleeping on the opposite side of the bed than I used to sleep on when I was married. For the longest time, I stayed on the left side of the bed, as I've always slept on that side. As I have adjusted to my new life, I've found that I have been moving to the opposite side of the bed. I was wondering if anyone else that has gone through a divorce or break up, continued…

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August 4, 2015

Developmental Delay / Gavin / Meltdowns

Gavin had a heartbreaking meltdown yesterday

I meant to write about this earlier but it somehow slipped my mind. While we were at Dr. Reynolds office yesterday, Gavin got up to use the bathroom during our time with the nurse practitioner. This isn't unusual because he's frequently using the bathroom throughout the day. He was gone about 10 minutes when nurse asked if we should be worried about him. I said no, because he frequently spends a few minutes in the bathroom, just making sure he doesn't have to go. No sooner did I say that, than the nurse was pulled out of the office for an emergency. I had a very bad feeling come over me and so I followed her. Turns out Gavin was the emergency. He had gotten locked in the bathroom…

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August 4, 2015

My thoughts

Today’s been full of parenting challenges

It's been kind of a busy day here. Gavin had an appointment this morning that we never worked out. We waited so long that we got bumped to the nurse practitioner and didn't get to see the doctor. There are just sometimes you have to roll with the punches as a parent. Bigger fish to fry and all that stuff.. I really struggled with Elliott today because he was just so far over the edge that I just couldn't get him back. We had brief moments of calm between the meltdowns but he really had a rough day. The evening was the high point of the day and not just because it brought about bedtime.. Lol I made arrangements for the boys, myself and Maggie to meet my Mom at…

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August 3, 2015

Anxiety / Autism / Elliott / My thoughts

#Autism and #anxiety are kicking my butt today

Anxiety often goes hand and hand with Autism. My kids on the spectrum are no exception and struggle with anxiety almost every single day. As a parent, this can really take its toll after awhile because it's a constant game or putting out fires. For the last few hours, Elliott has been struggling because he's hungry but can't decide what he wants. The only thing he's willing to eat at this point is pancakes and I don't have everything needed to do that. There's plenty of other options but he simply won't budge off the pancakes that I will not be making. It's tough because a large part of this is outside of his control but at the same time, he's trying to guilt me into giving him what…

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August 3, 2015

Autonomic Disorder / Clozapine Crisis / Gavin

Gavin’s blood pressure was really high for him today

Before every appointment at his psychiatrist's office, Gavin has his vitals taken. This allows for the detection of any significant medication related changes to be monitored. Because of Gavin's autonomic disorder, his blood pressure is always really low. The last time it was taken at this doctors office, it was 100/40 and that's about his average since the autonomic issues first started a few years back. When Gavin's blood pressure was take this morning, it was 137/66. That's actually not too bad for the average person but Gavin anything but average. The general consensus is that this may be caused by his medication that helps with the side effects of the Clozapine. Gavin's been taking liquid Pseudoephedrine three times a day to control the bladder issues caused by the…

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August 3, 2015

Emmett's Question of The Day

So Emmett asked the most interesting question today

As a Dad, I'm always fielding questions from my kids, often the questions are repetitive in nature but every once in awhile, Emmett asks a really interesting question that I simply can't answer. This morning, Emmett wanted to know how animals or insects breathe when they're inside on their egg? I've got to admit, I'm completely stumped and told him that we would have to ask Google. For a 7 year old kid, that's a pretty damn good question. I haven't looked it up yet but I thought I would see if anyone knows the answer without having to consult Google. 😉

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August 3, 2015

Emmett John / My thoughts

This #Autism Dad needs his beauty sleep

It was a really rough night for sleep. Emmett climbed into my bed at some point again and from there, proceeded to take it completely over. lol He can't just stick to one side of the bed, he ends up laying across the bed or wrapped around me. He still struggles at night since his Mom left but we are making progress. Anyway, I was up by 8am and I'm sorta dragging right now. 😴 I had a healthy breakfast and I plan on walking today but not until after Gavin's appointment this morning. Hope everyone is having a great morning.. 😀

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August 3, 2015