Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Wow


I hesitantly post this realizing that medication is not always looked at fondly for children. However, after realizing that my daughter really no longer had much 'quality' of life I decided she needed the anxiety medication. She's only taken it five days and all I can say is 'wow'. She's a totally different child. She actually slept thru the night by herself in her own bed the night before last. I don't know that that's ever happened. I even had someone tell me that the reason her hair is thin (although you can't tell because her hair is so curly!) and hasn't grown well is because of all the stress she undergoes when dealing with situations. I realize that not every second is going to be blissful - we still see her getting nervous (twisting her shirt, biting her nails, asking the same question over and over and over, etc) but we have seen major improvement. We even took her to walmart last night to get school supplies. Generally when we go there I could hear her screaming several aisles away. Last night, I could hear her talking several aisles away! It felt awesome! (I didn't realize how loud my daughter was until I watched Noel's video of the girls on her blog - my child really has some lungs :). It's kind of funny because sometimes you don't realize how bad it was until it starts getting better. I really felt like all of us were going to snap in two. I'm so thankful my family has been so supportive thru all of this because I really don't know what I would've done without them. (And ofcourse thankful that Bob's folks made the trip here to see us since Payton's anxiety and need for routine were most important). And - ofcourse all the emails and encouragement you all gave me - we needed it and I feel like my family is feeling some peace again. Even after just two days of less screaming and anxiety, we're already finding it easier to get out of bed in the morning. The last picture of Payton reflects how all of us have felt the past two days (even Koen!).

8 comments:

Tes said...

Happiness and content, they wear it well, embrace it and enjoy.
Hugs
Tes

Michelle said...

Payton has such a beautiful smile! and when did Koen get so big?! I'm glad to hear the medication is helping Payton out and that you've noticed a difference. I sometimes wonder if I should pursue meds for Kayla, not for anxiety, but for ADHD. She's never been officially dx with it, but she is so active and just can't sit still, even when she is sitting her legs have to be in constant motion.

Noel said...

I am so glad that the meds have kicked in and are offering some relief. HMMM, maybe it will be in our future too... I often wonder if she would just be on more of an even temperment if she did have some meds for anxiety. I know I could use some myself some days ;)
Hope things continue to look up!
Noel

Michelle said...

That last picture of Payton is amazing! She is so beautiful! I am so glad you are finding peace! I think medication can be a miracle - we may travel down that road before the year is out - so keep good notes! I can feel your joy and sense of relief - enjoy your peace and your joy - they are both well earned and certainly well deserved .

Julie said...

That is such awesome news. I can't tell you how happy I am for you.

Kerry said...

Hey, whatever works, go for it!! I love that last picture of Payton the best - you need it big on your wall!

Heather said...

caleb just saw this picture and said "OH my GOSH!!! She is beautiful!!!"
so glad and relieved for all of you. Hope it continues.

Penny said...

I am so glad you are happy wit h your decision and that you are seeing improvement.

I love the happy faces!