Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Murphy Update

So, I have not told you about Murphy's doctor's appointment, like two months ago.  Since he's on medication for ADD, he has to be seen regularly by his pediatrician.  As you may already know, the medication for ADD or ADHD is a stimulant, and the main side effect is a major loss of appetite.  This is no joke.  Getting him to eat while on meds is a struggle.  And it was really obvious when they told me that he lost TWO pounds since January!!!

And, at the time, he was really struggling in swim practice.  Honestly, he was eating so little, that I wondered if his body had enough energy to even make it across the pool!

So, his doc and I discussed things and we decided to take him off his meds for the summer.  By the very next day he was eating a considerable amount more than before.  And I heard the words I had not heard in over six months, "I'm hungry, Mommy."  And the very next week he made it across the pool without touching the rope.

Hopefully, he will gain his weight back, and then some, by the start of school (right after Labor Day).  Then, I'm guessing we'll have to put him back on his meds.

Oh, and I have done something I thought I would never be able to do - I have already FINISHED back to school shopping!  EARLY!!!  This year, all three kids had a supply list.  So many supplies, so little time.  But, I am ALL DONE!  Woohoo!

Okay, that's it for tonight.  I am falling asleep as I type.  Goodnight!

Thanks,
Christy

3 comments:

Tanya said...

I can so relate! K is 12. He lost 7 pounds and grew 3 inches in the 7 months he was medicated. Then we took him off for summer and he gained 15 pounds in a month! What a major relief! And he went from dragging himself through a half hour walk in a meadow to doing 5K mountain hikes. He needs the meds. We all know it. But, boy, I'm dreading having to push food at him again when he's just not hungry :-(

Anonymous said...

We're doing the same - we only medicate for school, so our 12 y.o. has a fighting chance, scholastically. During the summer, she actually develops a belly! But we know that within a month of school's start, it will be gone....

Susan said...

Way to go Christie! That must feel good to be ready to go back to school.

I'm glad Murphy has more energy. It's very interesting about the swimming. Poor kid. I'll be curious to hear how things go for the next bit while he's off his meds. It's a tough balancing act isn't it?!!

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