Showing posts with label Clonindine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clonindine. Show all posts

Friday, March 21, 2014

A Friday in the life of a Special Needs Parent: Picking up Brad's Meds.

@2014 Stacie D. Wyatt/Perfect Chaos

@2014 Stacie D. Wyatt/Perfect Chaos

Today, I had to go pick up Brad's Rispercrap and Clone (Clonindine) from the pharmacy at the clinic. I called in the prescription 4 days ago. Since the pills take 3 days to fill, I have to call before it get too low. Too low means he won't have enough meds to get through a school week. My mother drove for almost an hour to get to the psych clinic. 

The last time, I called in meds, the wait was an hour. When I have to walk-in and wait, I have waited for hours. I should have known something was wrong, when the line moved too quick. I arrived at the window with ID in hand, ready to leave Third Ward or whatever part of Houston I was in. Going to the clinic isn't one of my favorite past times. An appointment takes all day. If you have to wait for meds, add a few extra hours. The pharmacist said the Clone was ready, but not the Rispercrap. I can live without the Clone: I have Melatonin as a back-up. I can't live without the Rispercrap. 

First, the pharmacy said the insurance did not cover the meds. Then, they said the amount of refills had expired (still have one more left). The pharmacy just changed over to a new system. Some data had got lost. One dude, had brought his empty pill bottle to show how many refills he had left. The pharmacy lady was very nice. She called Medicaid. She called Brad's psych down the hallway and got him some Rispercrap. I was happy when Brad's name was called and I saw both of his medications in the bag.

I did strike up a conversation, with potential SPED grandparent. She suspects her grandson may have ADHD, but his mother does not want to get him tested. The grandson was two years old. The mama can get him tested through WIC but grandma said mama does not want to get WIC. Wishing Grandma the best. 

I love my boys, but I hate, hate, hate phone calls home from school, asking me to come pick up Brad (with no car) for bad and destructive, Autistic behavior. He already doesn't take his Clone in the mornings, like he supposed to because his teacher said he slept the whole day(s). When he doesn't have his Rispercrap, he can kick, throw, scream, meltdown. The last, level 5 meltdown, she sent Brad to the principals office. This was about a month ago. I was at the psych clinic again, picking up Brad's medications. 

By the time, we got back on our side of town, Brad had a hour left for school. My mother did not want to waste time picking him up, when he would be home soon. Special needs teachers supposed to know how to deal with special needs kids, she said. Plus, you can’t pay me to homeschool again.

Anyway, this is a Friday in the life of a special needs parent. 

Other highlights of my day:


  • Went to take my shower earlier today before we headed to the clinic. Kalen was sleep. When I got back to my room, Kalen was woke. Diaper was off. He smeared poo all over him, my pillows, and sheets. 
  • Early this morning, both Brad and Kalen woke up before 4 a.m. They did not keep quiet, which gave groggy me, a migraine. I gave Brad a Clone earlier, but he left the room quickly after. I am not sure if he took the pill. I had to give him melatonin so he can sleep for school. Brad played on the computer, while Kalen went through the bins and buckets. I had enough when Kalen hit me in the head, with a small box, filled with glassware. Yeah, not a good night. I made Brad turn off the computer and get back in his bed. I prayed for a moment's peace. Of course, I tapped Kalen's leg for trying to kill mama, while groggy. I could not handle all the madness last night. 
One day, one day soon, both kids will be in school. I will have three hours free from Timon and Pumbaa. Have a blessed day. 

Stacie D. Wyatt


Thursday, December 20, 2012

12/20/12

Today is a windy, super cold day. Brad has went part of yesterday and part of today without his Rispercrap. The results were completely evident. Brad kept attacking his brother via pinching and biting. Brad also had more meltdowns, even with melatonin in his system. I even tried playing the infamous Autism CD by Dr. Bates. I can not stand the sound of rain, but I put up with for the sake of my mental stability. I don’t know what set Brad off but he was jumping on sofas, trying to lay on tables, pulling Kalen’s hair, and a slight bit zombie-ish last night. He was staring off into space (something typical of Kalen. Brad has not done this in a long time). Glad I called the doctor for the rest of his medication. The doctor gave me a two-month supply. I assumed the 4 bottles was a two-month supply. Didn’t realize Dr. D gave a refill, since he don’t normally do this. Dr. D called his morning, told me about the refill, and I quickly called CVS. I asked for the Rispercrap only. The Clonindine can wait (melatonin works better anyway). After a few hours of meltdowns, my mother braved the cold and wind to head to CVS to get Brad’s medication. CVS also refilled the Clonindine, because my mother asked them too. (I hate crushing pills).

Early Intervention went great. Ms. Lisa also came bearing gifts: a giant, 46 piece, floor puzzle, and a bubble gun. Brad was calm during the sessions. He played with Sariyah. Tried to block her from coming into the den, but Riah climbed over him and entered the den anyway. Kalen did some cruising, stacking, and shaking today.

I noticed a few minutes ago, Kalen displayed another sign of Autism--well if not just Brad only. He was banging his head against the wall. Brad was a head banger during the first few years after birth. Glad he grew out of it. Not sure if I am ready for another head banger. I know Kalen has characteristics of Autism, but I am more prepared now at 32 than I was at 21.