Migraine

Hi Everyone

I just wanted to update all of you on Andrew. Well, his migraines have gotten better since he went off the neurontin. I think he has had 2 that he needed zomig for in the past 2+ weeks. That is an improvement. I hope it lasts. We have not started the topamax yet since things are under control.

He has caught up in school thank goodness. He is passing all of his classes now. He is excelling in some of them again. That is another relief. A few weeks ago, I was concerned that he may fail some courses for the year or even the year.

He is out of school on homebound instruction too. The school finally got us an instructor after 2+ weeks of him being out. I believe the stress is finally lifting for him.

He told me he wants to get back in school. The school wants him out for 6 weeks (their homebound rules). I think it's a good idea to have some time to regroup after everything that has happened recently, and to see what happens with the migraines. I told him he could go back as soon as May.

His overall attitude is better. His mood is better. He has still been difficult at times, but it is improving. He gets no reaction from me so it is short lived.

He is supposed to be with me this week, but has decided to stay with his father. I'm okay with that. I'm just curious about what he is thinking. I'm not sure if he just needs time away from me or if he wants to get closer with his dad or what is going on.

He doesn't want me to do anything for him. I will ask him if he needs me to do a certain thing for him. He will say no my dad will do it. Oddly enough when I tell my ex husband this, Andrew never mentions it to him. I usually handle a lot of the extra stuff. I almost feel like I am on (well deserved) vacation.

We are seeing a psychologist on Thursday. It's for him. I think he needs some coping skills to help with everything he has been dealing with (being sick, possibly depressed, anxiety and stress over school, being a teenager.)

He got to play in his first JV baseball game tonight. The weather was beautiful. Andrew had 2 great hits and he played really well at 2nd base. Things are finally turning around for him (and me.)

Jean Ann

JeanAnn,

What a great post to see tonight. You must be feeling so much relief. I know there is still possibly a long way to go, but still, only 2 migraines in 2 weeks and his school work is caught up. That is great. It is cause for celebration and yes, you girl a much need break.

I know from what you have said he is relunctant to see a therapist. So I hope that goes well for you. And really, for a guy, some of the best therapy for him is baseball practice and a game going well, just like it did tonight. Nothing makes my baby boy (ok, he's 16 and 6' 4") happier than a day playing ball with his buddies.

Thanks for letting us know how things are going.

Cindy

Jean Ann, I'm so happy to hear that you and Andrew are doing better. It sounds like things are starting to turn around. Cindy's right, this is definitely cause for celebration, so let's have some more cake!

Keep on keeping on, and know that we're here for you both!

Jean Ann, this is good news. Thank you for updating us.

I'm so glad things are looking up!

Thanks for the update.

Glad to hear things are looking up!

How was the first baseball game??? Are the Yankees scouting him yet?? LOL

Yep. You do deserve a break. You've definitely been working your tuckus off over all this.

Huge payoff, and I'm thrilled for you and Andrew both!

Im a day late and a dollar short, but let me celebrate with yall with some cake too!

Its truly wonderful to see the big turn around for Andrew! And to see momma less stressed too! Congrats!


Tawsha

so glad andrew is doing better!!! i sure hope it continues.

jean anne, it's totally normal for a teen boy that age to want to pull away from mom a little and try to manage on his own or even seek a little male reinforcement....just enjoy the break- you deserve it

Wow, I have been off the forums for a while and have really missed some stuff. Jean Ann, my heart truly goes out to you and Andrew. Being a teenager is hard enough without all the extra issues with severe migraines. I am glad that you have gotten a deserved break and that things are looking up at the moment. Andrew will look back as an adult and see how much you have done for him. He will see all that you do out of love!! Maybe this disease will shape him to be a truly compassionate and empathetic adult with many coping skills as someone who has truly suffered tends to develop. I know I wonder how Lauren's experiences will shape her. I have heard of some grown adults who had horrible migraine experiences as children. They tend to grow up with an understanding that some kids never get. I hope that Andrew opens up and builds a good rapor with the psychologist. Good luck to you both!!!
Lynn Zieske

I forgot to mention that Lauren needed "play thereapy" (a form of therapy for kids)at the age of 5. She was showing signs of depression, and had just recovered from the worst period to date in her illness where she had status migrainous and then chronic migraines. She was so young, and was on so many meds we tried the play therapy first. Luckily, with time we saw great improvement and never needed to put her on depression meds. Where she had been so emotional and angry, she gradually became less so. I intend to get her into counseling/therapy (age approriate of course)if she ever gets back to that emotional place again. I think the stress and trauma from this disease is so great. Lauren faced extreme conditions and pain (as well as other weird migraine affects such as extreme dizziness to the point she couldn't walk without getting hurt) that it is little wonder that she regressed and became angry. I will pray for you guys. I hope you feel all the love and good energy we are all out here sending you!!
Lynn Zieske