Jack had an appointment yesterday, to see a pediatrician who is connected to the ADHD clinic at the Mis hospital. The appointment took two hours and was comprehensive. At the end of the two hours, yes, Jack has ADHD. No surprise there. He also has a peditrician now, which was a surprise. Jack has seen a doctor maybe five times in his life. His mom wasn't concerned with stuff like that, and then it was hard to find a doctor taking patients. Fortunately, he is a relatively health child but it's so much nicer knowing you have someone who has your back.
There are things we can do to help him. When the doc asked how much milk he drank a day, she was shocked when I told her a litre a day. She told me that he shouldn't have more have 500 ml/day, otherwise it suppresses his appetite too much, and she was concerned he might be anemic. Less milk and a blood req to test for anemia and ferritin stores.
She also told us to not allow him to have more than 2 hours of screen time a day. He usually has more than that, because life. He also needs 2 hours more sleep daily. Lately Jack's been waking up between 4 and 5am because of Halloween excitement and the fucking time change. No TV in the morning when he wakes up, so no reward for waking up early, hopefully equals longer sleeping.
The biggest and probably the hardest thing is 90 minutes of activity a day, preferrably outside. So this morning Jack and I went to Capilano Park, someplace I'd never been. There is a pedestrian bridge across the river. We went early and saw four people. Jack pretended the Siren Heads had killed just about everybody, we were avoiding Siren Heads, and looking for survivors. Not creepy at all but he had a great time running and chatting away. He warned two men on bicycles to watch out for Siren Heads.
The city looked very pretty in the morning light.
That's it. More exercise, less TV, for everyone.
And one last shot, an homage to Steve's street photos.
Bless you for taking such good care of Jack! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's not his fault his parents suck. It's tiring but well worth it.
DeleteCannot believe it's difficult to find a pediatrician taking patients. Here, if a child does not have the regular pediatric check-ups, day care/school informs social services.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you are on top of it. Is there some sort of outdoors kid club? Forest kindergarden, mini scouts?
My children always went to our GP (family doctor). Katie went to a pediatrician, for the first year of her life. There were a lot of tests and no answers.
DeleteJack should have been followed by a pediatrician, he had to be resucitated at birth, but Gracie couldn't be bothered I guess. He's been with us for three years now but it's only been in the last eighteen months that I have been allowed to make medical decisions for him.
Right now in Alberta it's very difficult to get a doctor because your useless government pretty much drove a lot of them out of the province. I'm glad he's going to have a pediatrician now.
I also have ADHD (I am old now and this condition wasn't known when I was a child) and so do many of the next generation. A large amount of physical exercise is very helpful for the ADHD brain in almost every way, the benefits almost cannot be overstated. Is there any young adult, e.g., a Psych college student or similar, who can play hard with Jack outside once or twice a week? It will also help Jack interact with other helpful adults and the student will gain relevant experience. Can Jack join any organized sport? That will also be exercise, build physical and social skills, and self-esteem. You are being so good for Jack. He is fortunate to have you.
ReplyDeleteI also have ADHD and exercise has always been helpful for me. I also was never diagnosed but when my son was diagnosed 35 years ago, I realized I was the same way. There is a lot more research being done on women with ADHD, finally, and it's very helpful I find.
DeleteI would like Jack to get into a swim club or a running club. He loves doing those two things the best. I dropped the ball this summer and we missed out on swim lessons this fall, but there will be more coming for the winter months.
Good to have a diagnosis, advice and a game plan!
ReplyDeleteIt does feel good to have an expert give advice, instead of just flailing about, trying anything to see if it helps.
DeleteIt seems strange Jack was officially diagnosed earlier. It's good that he now receiving appropriate treatment and you receiving some helpful advice. The leaves have really gone now. It is a very good city view, with nice lighting.
ReplyDeleteJack as only just diagnosed on Friday but I've known for a long time that he has ADHD. There is a strong genetic component to it. I have it, two of my children, including Jack's dad, and Jack's maternal grandfather also had it. If I had to guess, I would say my mother too.
DeleteThe leaves are definitely gone now, sigh. I'd never been to that park before and never seen the city from that view. It's was nice.
Good to have a diagnosis and know that there are steps you can take to mitigate the condition.
ReplyDeleteA diagnosis will help with funding for him at school so that he can get extra help when he needs it. I've lived like this my whole life, and although it can be difficult, it also has it's bonuses.
DeleteI think the suggestions about organized sport/outdoor play clubs are wonderful. It would certainly give you a break too. But being Canadian I suppose it won't be too long before he gets into all that too anyway, right? And again, well done you for everything you both do for Jack!
ReplyDeleteI won't be putting Jack into hockey. Those kids start at three and Jack doesn't really have the focus to do that kind of a sport. Swimming and or running seem to suit him though.
DeleteThat's enough changes in routine for your household; a challenge for everyone. I hope they'll go smoothly.
ReplyDeleteWe shall see:) He has been much better behaved these past two days and he's eating better already. Time will tell.
DeleteAlways nice to have an official diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteIt is good, especially for school funding.
DeleteHaving answers and a plan is a good thing. I'm so happy Jack has you.
ReplyDeleteI like to have a plan, especially if I have to go back to a doctor and explain what I've done. It makes me accountable.
DeleteGlad that he now has a diagnosis, a pediatrician and a plan of action. It's HARD to get out for exercise in the winter and difficult to regulate screen time and sleep because, as you wisely said, LIFE. (perhaps more like survival?)
ReplyDeleteThere are a few good indoor play places around here which we go to in the winter. Cutting back on screen time and milk was way easier than we thought it would be, thankfully. It will take effort to get the activity in to the day, and some planning.
DeleteNever knew that about milk.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought upon reading this was that YOU are now going to be getting 90 minutes of physical exercise a day. Ooh boy.
Does he have a trampoline? My grandboys have one and they love it. As soon as they get home from school they run to start jumping on it. I'm sure it helps get their ya-ya's out.
I didn't either. I just thought it was a good thing that he liked milk. Do you think he's a milk addict? OMG, something has to be funny.
DeleteWe don't have a trampoline and have the year there is snow on the ground, but we'll figure something out. He's been getting on my elipptical and lifting light weights which he likes. This morning we had a pillow fight, he sure loved that, so did I actually.
I’ve been following along your blog for a while but have never commented. First, I just wanted to say that Jack is so lucky to have you! Secondly, I am learning a lot from you. My 7 year old drinks a lot of milk and I thought that was a good thing. After reading your post and doing some googling, I see we need to cut down. Thank you for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI already raised a family and I continue to learn new things, this second go round. We never stop learning:)
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