Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Wednesday - 6 Month Neurology Check

Gracie had a GREAT night's sleep! So did I! Ahhhh, rest!!! She awoke in a good mood and after breakfast we all three (Jeff, Gracie, and I) headed to the clinic for an 8:00 a.m. appointment with Gracie's pediatric neurologist, Dr. N. The desk attendant's, as always, were awesome with her. They take her for walks around the desk area and one from the opposite desk chases her and she finds this to be great fun.

When Dr. N. came in the room, Gracie got all excited and had the biggest smile. She gave her a great big hug and sat on Dr. N.'s lap for a good portion of the visit. At the end, she snuggled in and just didn't want to go. Dr. N. was loving that too. Seizure-wise everything looks great. She's remained at her current weight and height for quite some time (40 lbs., and 41" tall) and as long as she remains there and seizures are under control, we'll keep her at the same med levels. We talked at great length about Gracie's aggressive behavior with tantrums, hair pulling, and biting when she is at home (mostly in the evening). We don't see this behavior too much otherwise, thankfully. We know this has alot to do with her being tired also, but we see it at times even when she is not tired. Interestingly, she doesn't exhibit this behavior at daycare, and she doesn't if she is just one-on-one with Jeff or I, but if we are both home, heaven help us all. I had inquired about B-6 supplements for this behavior and we may consider this down the road. For now, Dr. N. gave us some great advice on how to handle this behavior and how to be consistent 100% of the time. So there were ALOT of time outs at our house tonight.

We do know that escalated tantrums are a characteristic of many kids with Sotos Syndrome and we also know that kids with sensory integration disorder can keep it together quite well through out the day, but at night when they are tired and are home with their parents or the people they are most familiar with, that is when they just lose control. So for now, we will try the advice we received and if that doesn't work, we'll consider other options such as a behavior psychologist, or some more sessions with the sensory integration specialist in OT.

Dr. N. assured us that much of what she is exhibiting is two year old behavior at it's finest. She also said this is a good thing as long as we handle it well, as again it shows she has the knowledge to manipulate the world around her and that means her little neurons are firing beautifully.

Gracie is now sleeping very peacefully. Sweet dreams in Hello Kitty pj's.

Love,
Lisa, Jeff, and Gracie

1 comment:

Brownie said...

My opinion on kids that throw tantrums, etc at home but not out in public or at daycare: it's where they feel the safest. Sure, it's an age thing, and I'm sure her dx has much to do with it - but those things just make her more susceptible to tantrums now.

Kids act up at home because they are unconditionally loved (or should be) - and they're still going to be loved when they act up.

So after a day of working at behaving in public - daycare, school, etc - (and it is WORK for a lot of kids) - they let loose at home because they can relax after a stressful day.

Older kids do it to. I have been praised many times for Blondie's wonderful helpful "servant's heart" in public ... to which I say outwardly "thank you!" and inwardly say "HUH?!"

Just my opinion.... do you read these comments? ROFL!!