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Tuesday, June 26, 2007 7:49 PM CDT
We are still here at Greenville Memorial/Children's hospital and starting our 9th week.
Preston is having surgery tomorrow at 1:30 to have a g-tube put in his tummy. Then the tube can be taken out of his nose. I think that will speed things up as far as his eating without that tube down his throat. I just hope and pray things will go ok and he will not get any infection and that the g-tube works properly.
I am so tired and have been aching all day. Last night, I didn't get much sleep. The feeding machine kept messing up and beeping so loudly. They finally had to get a new one. Tonight they have to start an IV to run fluids through it throughout the night and for the surgery tomorrow. I hate it for him. His PIC line has already been taken out.
I hope I can get some more sleep tonight. I cannot function very long without sleep.
The therapists do not want us to take Preston home without at least 1 week of rehabilitation. So we may have to go with one week, because I tried today to get him up with the physical therapist there to assist me, and I could never do it alone, unless he improves from today. It will be hard enough to change him by myself with Missie's help and pull him up in the bed. She and I can do it with some difficulties, but it is going to take a toll on me. With this fibromyalgia it will be hard. But we feel in the next few months he will slowly regain what he has lost. He is gradually coming back. He has been awake all day and very bright eyed and has laughed a lot. Missie keeps him cheered up and laughing! She is good stimulation for him. Please pray for us that we can make the right decision. We want to go home so bad. But I also want to be able for him to get out bed in the morning for a while, and also when Jr. gets home. Maybe home health could help me get him up, not sure. We have to get more details on all of this.
Norma Gwen
Tuesday, May 22, 2007 9:38 PM CDT
We have been in hospital since April 30, 6 surgeries, and not doing well, please check my blog for all the details and pictures.
http://watsonslives.blogspot.com/
Norma Gwen
Friday, May 4, 2007 8:38 PM CDT
All, Preston went in the hospital Monday for a relatively simple surgery to have his shunt replaced or repaired, and there was a piece of shunt tubing embedded in his brain. They had to get it out, and then busted a blood vessel or something in there and he was bleeding heavily. He had to cut him open more to get in there and stop the bleeding. He was able to do that, but had to staple him up without a shunt. He was moved to regular room, and did ok that night. Tues. he started having a high fever and was not very responsive so they did CT scan and moved him to ICU, thankfully, adult ICU had no beds and they put him in pediatric ICU and we can stay with him. He was critical at this point. The dr. didn't even put him to sleep but put an external shunt from his brain to an outside bag. That relieved the pressure off his brain, his temp came down and things were looking up. He is now able to pee, and not be cathed. He can drink, and is drinking some, but won't eat, but he is getting lots of fluids. He is swollen with fluid, but he knows everyone who comes to see him, and he is able to talk and move his body, so seems he is pretty good as far as brain wise. They were concerned about more brain damage because of the extent of his surgery. He cannot get up until the external shunt is gone. As a result there is a problem with his one lung, he either has a spot of pnemonia or part of his lung has collapsed. They did another chest exray this a.m. and also another CT scan. The fluid coming from Preston's brain has to be clear before they can put an internal shunt in.
Friday update:May 4, 2007
Preston is eating, drinking, getting up with help to go to the bathroom, and is calm as he can be. We are the most surprised at that, I guess. He is so sweet and calm, never getting excited or nervous. I hope this continues forever and ever. He doesn't have any IV's right now! He is off oxygen most of the time during the day, but had to go back on it last night while he was sleeping. Dr. hopes to put the internal shunt in one day next week, but there is still a lot of blood in his spinal fluid, until it becomes clear he will not do it. I feel we are going to be there at least another week, and the dr. said he will be in PICU until the surgery. The external shunt needs extra attention, and infection is a high risk. Today was not the best day on the unit. We had 3 different nurses and I ended up one time having to change Preston alone. I am glad he had a diaper on, but it was still hard, but I managed it. This is the first day we haven't gotten the best of service.
Some dear friends sent Preston a set of I Love Lucy dvds. It helps stimulate his mind and he gets some great laughs from the dvds. He loves the Andy Griffith and I love Lucy ones. It helps pass the long hours for him. I was able to go to a family room today and read my email, and go down for my meals. It gets me out of the room for a little while and he is fine for a while.
I am worn to a frazzle. Missie and I are home tonight to get a good night's rest. Any and every prayer will be much appreciated. Missie is missing her family. She was supposed to stay with someone tonight again, who loves her very much and spoils her, but when they brought her to the hospital she didn't want to leave. So she stayed and Jr., Missie and I ate supper together at the hospital. Bro. Curtis visited with Preston for a few minutes; Preston was so happy to see him. He loves Bro. Curtis, our assistant pastor.
We have decided that Jr. will have to take some days off next week. I just cannot do it all alone next week. God will have to supply the financial need. I cannot even worry about the money part right now, my mind is too tired. It will all work out.
Preston has had many visits from our church family. Our pastor has been there every day but one. It is sooo appreciated. It brightens his days as well as mine or Junior's, whoever is staying with him. He has received cards, money, flowers, gifts, thanks everyone!!! It is all a blessing and shows how much he is loved.
Norma Gwen
Saturday, April 28, 2007 8:49 PM CDT
Well, the time is fast approaching for the surgery. I wish sooo bad he didn't have to have it. He says he wishes God would heal him. I know God is able, he has done it in the past. But I told Preston maybe God knew it was best for him to have it, so he can be well again.
He has had headaches today and fell again. He has laid down and taken a couple of naps. He did ride with his daddy to haul the trash. He dreads the surgery and I do too, but I want him to have a quality of life. He is not having that right now.
We will actually have a pastor present with us while Preston is in surgery. Out of the 13 surgeries Preston has had, we have only had a pastor for 1 of these, this will be the 2nd. We were pastoring when Preston had other 11 surgeries, so we had no pastor. It will be a blessing to have our pastor, Bro. Going, with us. Also, my inlaws are coming down from NC for the surgery. So that will be nice, too. So many surgeries, we were all alone, with no one. So this will be a nice change.
So continued thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.
Norma
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 9:28 PM CDT
Well, Preston is headed for surgery. We took him to neurosurgeon yesterday and he has fluid on his brain, meaning that the shunt is not working properly. In case you don't know what a shunt is, it drains the fluid off of his brain into his abdomen. Anyhow, apparently it is working sometimes but not others. The bad headaches are from the pressure on his brain when it is not working. So now when he feels a headache coming on, I pump it a few times and that seems to help. But tonight he was leaning so bad on his good side, which he has never done before. So I am calling tomorrow and pushing for a surgery date. He was able to get through the day without pain medication but laid down a lot, and took naps. He was able to walk to woodworking shop at end of driveway and tell the guys there he is having surgery. Then later he went to get the mail and when he got back from that he was puffing and little strength left. I will be so glad when it is all over. If everything goes well, he will only have to stay one night in the hospital. His daddy will stay with him. Missie and I will stay here at home. Missie does not want to go to the hospital for his surgery due to her extreme nervousness. I am not sure if my inlaws will come down from SC or not.
So at least we know what is causing Preston's problems and just want to get it fixed so we can get back to normal, which is a strange kind of normal around here.
Saturday, April 14, 2007 2:41 PM CDT
Friday, April 13, 2007
Emergency Room
Well, it has been quite a day.
Preston was having a good day, and was visiting with guys in the woodworking shop at the end of our driveway. He came into the house and told me he couldn't see. He kept saying it. His eyesight is very poor so I thought that was what he meant. He meant more than that. Sometimes he could see, sometimes he couldn't, it was so scary. I called hubby at work and told him to please come home and called the eye dr. They said to bring him in. After going to eye dr. and he couldn't see any problem with Preston's eyes, we were trying to get him back into car to go to ER and he could hardly talk, or hold his head up and said his hand was numb a few minutes before that. We thought he was having a stroke, so we drove to our family dr. and dr. wanted us to take him to ER because of the symptoms so we did that. He made a scene in the waiting room, yelling and saying his head was hurt and why didn't they call him back, etc. etc., finally they called him back and he laid down and almost went to sleep. He started to feel better after he laid down. They did a CT scan on his brain, but had nothing to compare it too. They said his ventricles were a little large in his brain, was that normal? I told the dr. he has hydracephlus and had a shunt for that, and he understood. Whether they are too big we won't know until I can get this cd they made me of the scan, to his neurosurgeon. When we got home he ate and started having a bad headache again and was getting upset. I gave him aleve and told him to lay down and he did and went to sleep and when he woke up he was ok. So I don't know what is going on. If the scan looks ok to the neurosurgeon, then will talk to psychiatrist and see if it could be cymbalta, that is the new medication he is on, and has been having headaches every since he went on it, but then skipped a couple of days after we started giving him the meds. at night, so I didn't even tell the dr. about it Thurs. But will now if the neurosurgeon thinks his shunt is doing ok; ask the psychiatrist about the cymbalta.
Just pray for us the rest of the weekend, that he will be ok, until we can talk to the neurosurgeon on Monday. Not sure any of us can handle another ER experience this weekend.
Missie was with friends, a dear family of 10, all day and this evening went to hear Ryan Dobson speak in Easley with the girls. She is spending the night with them. I guess when you have 8 children, 1 more doesn't make much of a difference??? I guess I won't ever know about that. They are precious, loving people, even the children. We certainly love them.
Well, I need to try and get some sleep. Never know what tomorrow will bring. Only God knows what is wrong with Preston and how to help him, and all of us!
Norma
Sunday, April 1, 2007 8:41 PM CDT
Well, things have taken a twist. For the last 3 Sunday a.m.'s, when I would help Preston with his clothes for church, he would get agitated and start attacking me. It was because he was tired. So Missie and I went on, and he stayed home and Jr. stayed with him. He laid down and slept 2 1/2 more hours. So for right now, he won't be attending SS or morning worship. He hates to miss, but he realizes it is better for him, at least while we are working on his medication. He sleeps almost every a.m. after breakfast. The dr. hoped he would get over the extreme sleepiness as times goes on. We will see.
It is a day by day thing with Preston. One day at a time is the only way to live. We take the good times as they come and the bad times as well. The outbursts and attacks are much fewer so we are thankful for that. He was able to go to church tonight and to the fellowship hall afterwards. But we left quite early because it was very noisy in there and it had been rainy outside. He usually goes out and sits on the step but it was too wet. But it was fine with me to come home. We were all about done anyhow. We have to just keep his stress level as low as possible, and everyone is happier.
Norma
Sunday, March 25, 2007 2:46 PM CDT
Well, things are pretty good here. Preston's new medication, Cymbalta, for depression, is doing a good job for him. Since the dr. has increased his seroquel his outbursts have been a lot less. For this we thank the Lord. The worst time of the week is Sunday because he loves to go to church, but getting dressed in his good clothes is hard for him. Also, getting up and ready to go is hard for him.
It has been an exciting???? week. I had an appt. with the dentist to get my top teeth pulled, I had 6 in the very front. So!!! Preston started to worry about my leaving him and I think he was worried about me, too. So I told him he could ride along with me and sit in the waiting room. So he did, and I think he fell asleep because when I came out he was real dopey and finally I got him roused and we went out. On the way in he kind of tripped over a curb, so when we came out I couldn't talk, my mouth was bleeding, the dentures had been put in and I was biting down on gauze, so I walked over to the spot where he had tripped and used my hand and showed him where to walk. Well, the message never got through to him, and he tripped again and rolled right down on the pavement beside the car. In the process of this, he broke his cell phone. Well, I wondered how I would get him up on his feet again. I set my purse down and gauze etc., and had leaned over and as I did a man came over there and helped me. We got him to sit up, and then we each put a arm under each of his arms and got him on his feet and the man even helped him into the car. Then the gentlemen picked up my purse and my gauze and handed it to me. I thanked him as well as I could with my mouth full. I got in and Preston was worrying about his cell phone. I managed to tell him we would get him another one. Then I couldn't leave right away, as I started gagging and was gagging blood out of the door of the car, and thought I would throw up. Finally I was able to get away. I just asked my hubby, "Why does my life have to be so complicated?" Can't I do anything the normal way??? I didn't need all of that in the same day. But all is well that ends well. He didn't break any bones, thank the Lord for that.
Needless to say, my mouth is very sore and bruised and I am swollen. Missie and I didn't make it to church today.
Preston and Jr. went. Preston had a little episode before leaving this a.m. He has slept for a couple of hours after lunch today.
So we plod on, trusting the Lord to help us daily!
Norma
Sunday, March 11, 2007 8:00 PM CDT
Well, things are going very well. Preston is much calmer now and hasn't attacked me in several days now. The extra seroquel is helping a lot, and he is totally off effexor now and on cymbalta. We go back on Wed. He seems to be still having some depression, but overall he is much better.
He even had a touch of cold and did well through all of that.
Missie is able to tolerate him a lot better now, since he is being nice. So overall, things are much better.
I have a sinus infection or something and have been in bed most of the day today. The time change really messed up Preston too, so we were home today instead of in church. I have been running a fever, and having chills. Tonight my head seems to be clearing out a little bit for which I am thankful.
So tomorrow we are back to normal I hope, with Missie schooling. I hope it is a pretty day so the kids can go outside.
Norma
Thursday, March 1, 2007 10:24 PM CST
Well, it has been a while since I updated.
we have a new psychiatrist for Preston, we have to pay for it all out of pocket, but we had to do something. He is a nice dr. and Preston told him how he felt and really liked him. That is a plus. He is changing his depression medication and we are in the process of doing that now. Also, he upped his seroquel to help keep him calmer. Overall he is doing quite well, but still having some anger outbursts.
We go back in a couple of weeks to the new dr. and see what he says. He wants to get Preston off of xanex if possible or at least on a much reduced dosage. But time will tell. He still gets nervous even with the xanex.
It has been a long day, so will go for now.
Keep praying for us.
Norma
Saturday, February 3, 2007 6:50 PM CST
Well, we have had our ups and downs this week. Thurs. was supposed to be outing day for Preston, and we had sleet and snow and we couldn't get out. He was very depressed that day and had a couple of bad times. It was so discouraging.
Friday I took him out for a few hours and he was sooo happy. Depression is a big part of his problem. So I am going to take him out 2 days/week from now on. Weekends are good for him. Saturday he has 2 radio programs he listens to from 10=1, then he and his daddy haul trash, he gets mail, then showers for Sunday. After all of that he watches dvds and plays on his computer. At 8 he takes his meds and goes to bed by 8:30 or 9, because he has to get up earlier on Sun a.m. Sunday we go to SS and church, home for dinner and quiet afternoon, and back to church at night and fellowship hall afterwards, so on Monday he is wore out, and rests a lot that day. By Wed. he is needing to get out and go somewhere. So Wed. and Fri. I will take him on an outing. Also we cannot find a dr. who takes medicaid, so we have to pay out of pocket to take him to a psychiatrist. I am calling Monday to get his appt. His dr. retired and recommended this dr. All of his records were sent over there. The first visit is $160.
Missie has an absessed tooth and has to have a root canal on Wed. of this coming week. She is very scared but I think she will do just fine. He is a very gentle dentist.
In about 2 weeks I hope to get the rest of my top teeth pulled and get my dentures. I will be glad to have a nice smile again.
Hoping for a better week this coming week.
Norma
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 8:48 AM CST
Well, things are so so around here.
Missie is doing much better. Part of her depression problem was that school and all the upheavel there. So we are not putting her on meds. right now.
Preston is Preston, he flairs up easily, and I am trying to get him into a lady psychiatrist that takes medicaid if the family dr. will write a letter, which he has done. So hopefully that will work out. We need a psychiatrist!!!
Here is something I got in an email and I wanted to post it here, it is so good.
God Has Kept Us Here For A Reason!
God has kept us here for a reason.
We have overcome so much because He has a plan for us.
Most of us endured, survived and overcame so much this past year.
As I think of all of you dear friends, I recall so many challenges and trials.
So many heartaches, disappointments, long illnesses, loss and grief.
I am so blessed to know you and to be a part of
your lives and to share your triumphs and trials.
To be here today typing this email to honor all of you
for all that you have accomplished and triumphed over
and for all the prayer requests we have agreed together with.
It was just a really rough year; yet here we are.
Amazing, isn't it?
Some of us suffered through chronic illness, surgery, recovering from addictions, the heartache of leaving relationships, consequences of poor decisions, bad credit or no credit at all. Repossessions, foreclosures, losing jobs, not working for so long; it gets really scary. The deaths of our loved ones, betrayal from family and/or friends, negative thoughts, depression, lack of support, fears that are unspeakable.
We made it because we are blessed with the love of God.
Let the Love of God guide you in saying...
I release and let go of all past hurts, misunderstandings and grudges
because I am abundantly blessed! I refuse to dwell on the dark and fearful moments of my life. I recognize them as the illusions they are. Trials to kill my spirit, steal my joy, and destroy my faith; for God is all there is.
Now give yourself a hug, wipe your tears away and walk in the joy of your life!!!
I love you, but more importantly God loves you BEST!
Be blessed and know that you are one with
THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD!
And may the Lord keep watch between you and me
when we are absent, one from another.
Always remember...
The WILL of GOD will never take you
where the GRACE of GOD will not protect you.
Trust always in the LOVE of GOD
say this blessing to yourself... for yourself... till you 'get it'.
Then, when you 'get it'... Say Thank You... and keep saying this affirmation.
"I am willing to accept all the blessings God wants me to have now!"
( Not last year... not next week.... Right now!)
Sunday, January 14, 2007 8:06 AM CST
Well, another week has passed. Preston has improved but Missie has hit rock bottom. There have been problems at her school for a while, but this week it all blew up and
left her crying, and very depressed. She has been off her
depression meds. since this past summer. Well, I am taking her to the dr. on Tues., she needs to go back on
them for a while. The people who run the school are a 60 yr. old couple. He is very easy going and even fun at times, but she is a terror. She yells at everyone, is sarcastic, etc. etc. She was trying to get Missie to confess to something she didn't say. Missie started crying and asking to call home, because my husband had told
her if there was any more trouble for her to ask to call home and if they wouldn't let her, they would have to deal with her. They wouldn't. So she threatened to walk out the door. We had told her never to do that, and I don't really think she would have. Anyhow when they couldn't get her to calm down and cooperate, they called me. I called Jr. at work and he said go and get her. That I did! Missie said she never wanted to go back. She finished her work for the week and I took it in and turned in her textbooks and they didn't want her back anyhow. So the Lord worked it all out and she will be homeschooling until May at least. But she has depression, causing bad dreams, feeling like crying and crying easily, not wanting to be around a lot of people, etc. So I am asking for prayers for her too.
Preston did good with just him and I. It is quieter and then changes are very hard for him. He is uneasy about her homeschooling. So my load will be heavy until we get into a routine and he accepts the change.
So I can only hope this coming week is much better than the past one.
Norma
Sunday, January 7, 2007 8:25 PM CST
If you read this, I ask for prayer for us, please. It seems when things start getting better, then they start again to go backwards. We have prayed and others have prayed for Preston's rages. I know God can touch him. Sat. he had a bad rage, and finished breaking his bedroom window, he has cardboard, garbage bags and towels over it, until we can get some wood on the outside. This a.m. he started again and then his meds. kicked in and he was fine, but Missie was so scared of him blowing up again in the car, that she didn't want to go to church, so I stayed home with her. Today I held hands with each of the children and we prayed and I felt the Lord's presence. I know He can help us; we really need His touch right now, and His help.
Hoping for a good week, this past one was not too good. I think he might have been fighting an infection and that always causes problems.
Norma
Tuesday, December 26, 2006 9:30 PM CST
Well, Christmas has come and gone.
We made it to Dec. 20 and Preston's anxiety level was rising, so we opened our gifts. Missie was ok with that. The kids loved their gifts. So on Christmas Day, yesterday, we just ate, talked, laughed, played games, relaxed. Overall Christmas was very good this year.
Preston is doing much better. Rages are diminished and we are so thankful. God is answering prayer in that area.
Missie is doing good. She will be glad when school starts back though, I think. She gets bored.
So all in all, things are good here and I am soooo thankful.
Norma
Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:52 AM CST
I found some errors in the previous update so am starting over.
Preston had a terrible 2 weeks around the first of Dec. One rage attack happened in the car and it was a nightmare.
Anyhow, on Dec. 8th was his last bad attack. Since then he has been doing better. We increased his xanex and depakote and we pray a lot! I pray for the violence to come under control so we can keep him here at home with us. I cannot bear the thought of his not being with us.
I went through quite a bad depression where I wanted to stay in bed all of the time, but that has lifted, thank the Lord.
We are anticipating having a normal Christmas this year. Missie is happy that we are getting to wait until Christmas a.m. to open our gifts. Usually Preston worries so bad we have to open them early.
So, God is good.
Norma
Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:48 AM CST
Well, it has been a long time again since I updated the journal. Some things have happened that I find it hard to even talk about. Suffice it to say, things have been quite bad with Preston for about 2 weeks. Extreme bouts of rage, and left me so depressed that all I wanted to do was to stay in bed.
BUT!!!! Since Nov. 8 things have been looking up! He is doing better again, thank the Lord. We upped his xanex and depakote. Anxiety is a killer for him.
Usually every year he starts worrying about Christmas and we have to have it early, but this year??? He is doing fabulous! We are actually going to get to wait until Christmas a.m. to open our gifts. Missie likes that much better.
We found a natural product that is helping Missie's anxiety; we are so happy about that.
So all in all, for the present,things are looking up. I pray a lot, that God will touch this violence in Preston, so we can continue to keep him at home. I cannot bear the thought of his not being with us.
Norma
Monday, November 13, 2006 10:05 AM CST
My goodness, where does time go!
Well, things have been kind of rough around here.
Preston's dr. is retiring at the end of this year. He has been PReston's drs. for several years. We lived in SC from the time Preston was 3 until he was 7, moved to TN for almost 5 years and then moved back to SC 6 years ago. He was Preston's dr. before we moved the 1st time, and since we have been back this last 6 years. So it is hard on us to lose him. He was a dr. and a friend. I could call him at home, email him, and he was always there for us! He has helped Preston by giving him anxiety meds. Anyhow, it is hard to find a psychiatrist that taked medicaid and that is all Preston has. So the family dr. which has also been Preston's dr. both times we have lived here, is going to write all of his perscriptions for now. He takes medicaid. So thank the Lord for that.
We have had a few times with Preston, where he goes to pieces and throws stuff, knocks stuff over, calls 911 before we can stop him, hits us, etc. This is always the worst time of the year for him. Usually in Jan. things start getting better. We keep the holidays very low key but even then it is hard for him. But he isn't asking for Christmas gifts every day like he usually does. We usually end up having Christmas early so he will quit worrying about them.
Both drs. feel it is time for a group home. At times we do too, but other times we want to keep him here. I cannot imagine him in a group home and they would keep him doped to the hilt and I am afraid he would not have any quality of life. My mother's heart doesn't want to let him go. I have heard horror stories and also used to work in nursing homes and the people are not always treated right. It breaks my heart to think about it. My husband has come up with a new idea. He thinks Preston might need more space and independance, and even the dr. said that he probably needs more independance. Jr. wants Preston to a sitting room, a bathroom, kind of like a small apartment of his, attached to our house. We won't go in there unless we are invited. It is a thought. He couldn't go somewhere and live alone, but yet he would be independant and have us close by. The Lord will have to help us work it out. Financially we cannot do a thing to add on to our house. But we are either going to have to add on or move, because Missie needs more room, too. The house is just too small overall for us. Missie is on Mannatech plus and it is really helping her anxiety! I am taking it too. She is resting better at night, and actually playing outside, etc., instead of sitting and worrying about when Preston might get upset again. So I am glad for that. There are problems at her school, though, which has been a great disappointment for us. She may not be going back after Christmas break. I will have to homeschool her the last semester, because we cannot afford to put her in another school in Jan, with matriculation fees, etc. We just cannot do it.
Hope to be back sooner next time!
Norma
Monday, October 9, 2006 10:25 AM CDT
Well, the last few weeks have been up and down.
Some days are good; some are not so good.
I am so torn sometimes, wondering what the right thing is to do.
Preston is a great person and can pretty well fend for himself but the big problem is his explosive behavior. He can fly mad without warning and would destroy the whole house in a moment's time. He could hurt us badly. It is all my husband can do to even begin to restrain him. He scratches, hits, bites, etc. Our dd who is 12 lives in constant fear that this behavior will erupt. I have learned to take it as it comes, and so has dh, but she is just a child, and she is afraid to let down her guard, and relax. It hurts me to see her so nervous all of the time. But yet, he is my baby too, and I want to continue to care for him. If I take him for outings a couple of times a week, then Sat. and Sundays are busy days for him, he does much better. We are trying to talk to him about a clubhouse for disabled and mentally ill people that he could go too and visit with others like himself, but so far, he won't even consider it. I filled out papers at the Board of Disabilities today to see if he is eligible for services through them, and once we know that, we can see what is available.
So if you read this, pray for us.
He has done quite well the past 2 weeks. Also, change of routine or anything different messes him up. But it is hard to keep everything the same day in and day out.
Norma
Thursday, September 14, 2006 8:54 PM CDT
I can't believe I have let so much time pass again between writing. I have to do better.
Preston is doing much better. I increased his xanex and it is working great. If we can keep his anxiety under control, we have it made! He has even gone places with me this week. This is usually the worst time of the year, well from fall to Jan. I am hoping it will be much better this year since he is on xanex.
Missie is doing great and loving school! It is so much driving for me each day, but it is a must for her. She has a book report and another project that she is working on, besides her regular school work. She is learning some Spanish too, which she has wanted to do for a long time! This school is a good match for her.
Hubby has been working overtime this week, thank the Lord. We need every cent we can get and then some! The brake pads need to be replaced, thankfully he can do the labor himself. He may have to work late tomorrow and also some on Sat. That would make for a nice paycheck for him, but he will be very tired.
I went to a rhumatoid dr. and he doesn't think I have much arthritis, just the fibromyalgia. I may have to go for physical therapy. It is scary to do that when you are already hurting, but he said it would help. He did some blood work; haven't gotten the results from that yet.
Norma
Monday, August 21, 2006 4:30 PM CDT
Well, things are pretty good here.
Last week on Wed. we didn't have a good day. Preston had to go to the dr. and he didn't want to go, so he worried but we finally got there, and when we did, he started to be rude to everyone! It hurt me so bad that he acted that way to his dr. and I started crying. They took us on back and he calmed down and he told me he was sorry. He hates for me or Missie to cry. Since then he has been fine. He started to worry a little tonight because our schedule is a little different with Jr. working 10 hrs/day. He has asked to work 10 hrs./day to help us financially. With Missie in school, we need extra money. We are hoping they will continue to let him do this.
Missie loves her new school. She is happy there and I am glad. I take her and pick her up every day. She was going to ride with one of the teacher's but in order to do that, Missie has to be at her house at 7 a.m. She need that extra rest I feel as school doesn't start until 8:10. So I take her. We plan to get another vehicle as soon as we can afford it, so Jr. will have his own vehicle for to and from work. He does have a ride each a.m. which helps me a lot. He has to be at work at 6 a.m. so I would have to take him about 5:30. That would be hard every day.
Preston had a wonderful weekend. He enjoyed SS, church, and fellowship afterwards. It is such a blessing that he loves to go. It is so uplifting for me to get to church.
Preston is having quite severe cramps and felt sick to his stomach, this evening, hope he isn't getting the flu or a virus. It hits him so much harder than normal people, and he is not a good patient!
So that is the latest update on our lives.
Norma
Friday, August 11, 2006 10:02 PM CDT
Oh my goodness, I mean to do better about writing here, but fail every time.
Well, things are going quite well here.
Dh and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. And today I turned 49 :( I am glad to be alive but I wish I were a little younger.
Missie starts a new school on Monday. I met one of the moms tonight and they are skirts only as we are (for women) and also she and her daughter have long hair, and they are going to be going into the same grade, and sit beside each other. Isn't that great? God is so good. So she will have someone who dresses and believes basically like she does. This school has about 50 students. It is starting in its 4th year and they started with 17 students. So they are growing. A husband wife team run the school and they seem wonderful. They are middle aged I would say. Dr. Ohleson will be Missie's teacher. They use mainly Bob Jones and some ABeka. She starts on Monday and is happy and excited about that. I will miss her a lot, but I know it is the best thing for her.
Preston is doing great right now. He stays in his room a lot watching dvds or playing on his laptop. He is content and happy to be on a normal routine. He has few meltdowns, so we are thankful for that.
Well, will try and do better about writing!
Norma
Wednesday, July 5, 2006 10:55 AM CDT
Well, it is almost a month since I have written. We have had our ups and downs but we are still here, and surviving.
Missie is completely off her depression meds. and doing good except for times of worrying. She worries that Preston will have a melt=down, but those are fewer and farther between, thank the Lord. She is so excited about going back to school, starts Aug. 3. I know, that is early! But she loves it. She will be going to a new school, but she will make friends. It is much closer to our home and tuition is a little cheaper, so with the difference in gas and cheaper tuition, it will help us.
Preston's adult SSI came though. He is not getting as much as we thought at first, but thank the Lord for what he is getting. It is helping a lot!!! He has never worked so that might be part of the reason.
Dh is on holidays this week, so we have been running around doing things, and it has gone well. Missie is volunteering in a thrift store for Safe Harbor, and she loves it. She worked Tues. and is working today for about 6 hours. That girl is a go getter. She helps me so much around the house, she is so smart. She is truly our gift from God. Not that Preston is not a gift, but she is so outgoing, thoughful, and loves to work! She is 12 now. She is going into 7th grade.
Well, I hope to be back sooner this next time.
Norma
Saturday, June 10, 2006 8:34 PM CDT
Well, Preston has not been the best the last few days. He has a cold, and anytime he is sick, it causes him problems. He is extra grumpy and easily angered. He worried today and begged two different times to go to the ER. I just hope he doesn't have pnemonia. Dh and I both listened to his lungs and they sounded clear. He is weak and some coughing, but we didn't hear a bit of wheezing, we tend to think it is in his throat. Anyhow, he had a major meltdown today, and it was very hard on us all. When it was over, Missie broke into tears and has been so nervous. I gave him extra xanex, and he did fine the rest of the evening. He apologized to us, but that doesn't fix everything. If he just wasn't so big and so strong, even with the CP, when he is mad. It was very hard on dh. It is hard on all of us, nerve wise.
Missie is leaving on Monday to go to Knoxville Bible Methodist of TN youth camp. She is so excited about that. I have to meet a friend just over the NC line and she is taking her on to TN. She will be back on Friday. I told Preston we would leave early on Fri. and go out to eat, he and I, then go on and get Missie at the same place where I drop her off. He might enjoy the ride. As long as he keeps something on his mind, he does pretty good. If he sits and rocks he starts to worry.
He will be 18 on June 20, hard to believe. It has been a long hard 18 years but we are proud of all of his accomplishments and except for the occasional meltdown, he is doing much better. But these ocassional meltdowns are going to be the death of us.
Tomorrow we will go to SS and church, and he will sleep most of the afternoon, and back to church at night and fellowship afterwards. He enjoys Sunday even though it is tiresome for him. He doesn't want to miss tomorrow, even though he doesn't feel the best. If we didn't take him, he would miss it so bad and have a bad day. So as far as I know he will go.
Norma
Monday, June 5, 2006 4:54 PM CDT
Well, today has been a good day. Yesterday was our usual busy Sunday and last night Preston had a good time at the fellowship hall with one of his friends, who is actually about 60 years old and has bipolar. But they love each other and have formed a friendship. This man lost his son a week ago, just 26 in a car wreck. He and his wife are precious people. Anyhow, Preston has been taking Sunday afternoon naps, and that helps him.
The youth emsemble sang at church last night and Missie was on the front row and you could hear her beautiful voice. On Father's Day she and 2 other girls about her age sing as a trio. She won't tell me what they are singing, LOL, but that is ok. We are so proud of her.
We have postponed our trip to Canada to the end of June. It doesn't matter when we go as long as we get to go. That is important to me. I haven't seen my mom in 2 years. She will be 74 at the end of this month. She is in good health, but I want to see her. She is so looking forward to us coming! We are looking forward to going too. The trip itself is about 20 hrs. and we take 2 days for it. We get to stay 5 days then take 2 days to come home. It will be the first trip in a small car too, and not having our mini van. That will be the hard part.
So things are good here. Preston did have a meltdown on Sat. about going to Lowes with his daddy. Thank goodness they are few and far between.
Missie is off her anti depressant now, but she is not as happy. I am giving her B complex and that is really helping her anxiety, but she seems a little down but I am hoping that will level off. I hope she can stay off the anti depressants for good now.
Norma
Thursday, May 25, 2006 8:21 PM CDT
Well, today was a good day. Preston has a routine that he has started lately. He will get up, check weather on the computer, go and shower if it is shower day, get dressed, listen to story cd until he is hungry, come out and eat, brush his teeth, go back in and maybe listen to another story or play on his laptop usually until supper. After supper he watches a dvd, then plays on his laptop. He did go and get the mail this afternoon in between times. It is much better than his just sitting, rocking, and worrying. If he keeps his mind occupied, it is much better.
Today Missie was home, her 1st day of the summer vacation. She cleaned out her bookcase and typed up a list of over 40 books that we will try and sell. She helped me get my pkgs. of things I had sold ready to mail, she and I played some games, and when dh got home from work, we went to Dollar General, Bi-Lo, the post office and got take out of Chinese food, and made car payment. So we have had a busy day. She is being weaned off prozac and I have started her on B complex to help with her anxiety and hope it works. We are glad for the break from school and being able to stay home. Dh is off on Monday, and except for going to church on Sunday, we plan to stay home for the weekend. There are some things around here that we want to get done.
Norma
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 8:41 PM CDT
Hi, we are still here. Things are going quite well. Preston is doing great. Sunday I tried to cut back on the noon dosage of xanex and it was a disaster. So! No more cutting back on the meds., he just needs it and I will give it. Missie is still going to school until the 26th. I still have a little freedom. I take her to school and can go to the store if I need too, then in the afternoons Preston stays alone while I get Jr. at work, and for the last 2 days we have gone straight from dh's work to get Missie and home. He did great. We have the cell so he can call us if he gets anxious. He listens to cds and hardly ever calls in the afternoons. So things are improving.
Missie will be 12 on Tues. It is hard to believe. I need to post a new picture of her in the photo album. She is a sweet young lady. Preston will be 18 in June. Time has flown by.
Well, bedtime for me.
Wanted to check in and let you know things are going good.
Missie is still experiencing some nervousness and I am praying with her over that and she is taking prozac.
Norma
Sunday, May 7, 2006 7:59 PM CDT
Well, several months have passed since I have written, that is awful. Sometimes I just cannot keep up with everything. So I let this go, but maybe I will do better now.
We tried to take Preston off some of his meds. but as a result we had some really rough times. So he is back on them and also xanex as well. He is doing MUCH better. He stays by himself in the a.m. when I take Missie to school, and if I need to go the grocery store I can. He stays in bed until 9:30 or so anyhow.
Then in the afternoon he stays alone while I go to pick up hubby from work. Then I drop hubby home to be here for Preston, and go on and get Missie. Needless to say, I will be happy for the summer vacation, and we hope to have another vehicle by Aug. before Missie starts back to school.
So right now things are pretty good with Preston. Missie has been experiencing anxiety, worrying about Preston blowing up and getting mad. She got scared when we were trying to get him off the meds. and even though he is doing better, she still worries about it. The dr. changed her depression to try and help with the anxiety.
We are hoping for a trip to Canada in June. We will be driving, it is about 20 hrs. and we stop and get a motel in between. It will be harder this time since we have the Ford escort rather than a mini van. I miss our van so much. Preston did great last time we went, 2 years ago. My mom, and brother and family and sister and family live up there, and I want to go and see them. We are planning to go in June, Lord willing. That will be the highlight of our summer.
Norma
Monday, December 12, 2005 9:07 PM CST
Oh my goodness, I cannot believe how long I have neglected this! Anyhow, I am back, finally.
Some things have changed since I wrote last.
Preston has had a medication change from respiradol to seroquel. But I cannot get him completely off respiradol, because he gets aggressive. So I sent the dr. an email today to let him know that. He is still having to have 1 at bedtime, along with the seroquel and he is taking 3 - 25mg. of seroquel 3 times/day.
Missie will start private school on Jan. 3rd. She is very excited. Our lives will be a lot different. I will miss her a lot; she is a big help to me. But it is what the dr. feels she needs to help her with her depression. So we will try it from Jan-May. We will see how she feels by the end of May. It will be a lot different for her than homeschooling. Preston and I will do fine on our own.
He is really into listening to old time radio cd's. He loves the Great Gildersleeve. He will listen for hours and we can hear him laughing up a storm in his room while listening.
Missie and I went to a Mom's meeting tonight for homeschooling moms not far from here. The lady who is starting these meetings, is a personal friend of mine. We enjoyed just talking for about 1 1/2 hrs. while the kids were in another place watching kids movies. Preston stayed with his daddy and listened to some cd's.
He always gets so anxious this time of the year. But we fooled him this year. We gave both of the children some of their gifts, but he thinks he got them all. Missie wanted to wait so I keep about 3 gifts or so each, to give them on Christmas. He will be so surprised. Not sure I will get by with it next year, but for this year it has worked.
We are starting Christmas break from our homeschooling on Fri. Dec. 16, until Jan 3rd. I plan to get lots of house cleaning done!
Our church is having service on Christmas morning. I am so thrilled about it. So many churches have cancelled, but not ours. It will be a blessing to go on Christmas morning to God's house.
That is about all of the news for this time.
Norma
Sunday, November 13, 2005 9:18 PM CST
I am finally back. It has been a bit of a rough ride since last time I wrote. Preston was crying a lot, depression problems. So Thurs. I had to take both children to the dr., both see Dr. Weathers at Children's hospital. The dr. told me he had to take his hat off to me, he didn't know how I done it for all these years. I told him I was about at my wit's end. Because Missie hasn't been doing so well either. He said she needs to go to school in Jan. for the 2nd semester. So that poses more problems. We only have one car, and no money to pay a school bill. So I am asking friends and family to sponsor her at $25/month. We only need 10 people to pay $25/month and we have 3 that have committed themselves already. So I have letters printed up and ready to mail out to friends and family explaining the situation, and I feel some more family members will help.
There is a family that lives close to us whose children attend a Christian schoool where most of our church kids go, and we may be able to pay them to transport her. My husband happens to work with the father of this family, so he is going to talk to him. It would be hard to drag Preston out every day to pick up dh at work and then go the opposite direction to get Missie.
Anyhow, Preston is on a new medication=seroquel, and I am weaning him off the respiradol. It seems to be doing great! I think it is a good medication change. He can tell the difference too. Also the dr. increased his depression medication. So all in all things are much better, but I guess I am just soooo tired from the ups and downs of the past 17 years. But I love him to death, he is my firstborn and will care for him until I cannot care for him any longer.
Norma
Monday, November 7, 2005 9:09 PM CST
WELL! What a day we had today. Preston was fine until about 2:30 and he started to worry and cry about Christmas. He wanted us to have Christmas now. I finally told him he could have what I had for him, but the stuff wouldn't work because I hadn't bought batteries yet. He said no, but would still cry and worry about it. It was about 6 p.m. before I talked him into getting a shower. I called the dr.'s office and left a message for the nurse, and sent the dr. an email, so will probably hear from them in a.m. We go to the dr. on Thurs. and I am very glad. Anxiety is still his number one problem. He is over the preferred dosage in buspar which is for anxiety. Not sure if we can increase it anymore or not. It has no side effects, thankfully. So here's hoping for a better day tomorrow. Missie ended up crying too because he got on her nerves so bad and I was a nervous wreck. I pray tomorrow will be better.
We had a big weekend, so that may have added to it.
Sat. we went to our local homeschool group get to gether and they had Christian cowboys there, and it turned out great, and the kids had a ball. Then Sun to church and dinner on the grounds, and back to church last night. So he is probably winding down from all of that.
Norma
Thursday, October 27, 2005 9:03 PM CDT
Well, today has been a good day. Yesterday and today have been much better. Preston has stayed outside on the trampoline a lot today. That is relaxing to him. He lies down on it a lot, LOL. But having him happy and relaxed is sooooo wonderful. I can hardly wait until this school year is over. I will be done in May of 2006 teaching Preston and Missie is going to go to private school next year. It will be a load off of me. I have homeschooled Preston for 7 years, and about 5 years for Missie and I am sooo tired. She will be happier with friends.
Tomorrow and Sat. we are going to try and find a cheap vehicle to buy, so we can return the loaner. It will be such a load of my mind when we get another vehicle.
Norma
Wednesday, October 26, 2005 7:20 PM CDT
Well, I cannot believe I have not written in so long.
Things are kind of hard right now.
Preston got a cold, and any cold meds. mess up his regular meds. So we have had some problems. One night he was up all night and didn't sleep a wink! Missie was up too and they played all night. Come to find out, he had had caffeine twice during the night, by Missie, and when we got up he was shaking. Caffeine and his meds. don't work. So no more caffeine for him. We don't do caffeine usually but Missie had had some coffee cooler in milk at a friend's and really liked it. So we got some and they drank too much of it. Also, this time of year is hard for him. He worries about Christmas. We usually have our Christmas on Thanksgiving so we all can enjoy the month of December. It works better for us that way.
Well, Preston started with the cold and sore throat, then Missie got it, then Junior and now I have it. Junior is still having problems with coughing.
About 3 weeks ago, Junior had a terrible wreck and totalled our only running vehicle, our mini van. When you think things cannot be much worse then something else happens. But we are so thankful to the Lord that he was not killed. He was in a seatbelt and was bruised and hurting on his shoulder for a while. It is about well now. We have been lent a vehicle from a family in our church. It is a nice vehicle, but we want to give it back asap. We have an older car someone gave us about 2 years ago, and Junior tore it all down and it has a cracked head. So we are discouraged about fixing it up. We spent almost $400 already on it, but haven't opened any of the parts, so they can be returned. We think it will be better to use that to put on another vehicle. We need something, and are praying God will show us the right thing concerning this situation.
So it all has taken its toll on us all. Changes are real hard for our family.
Try to do better about writing, but I know I have said that before, ha.
Norma
Friday, September 30, 2005 12:48 AM CDT
Well, it is the last day of September, where has time gone? I love the fall, but the shorter days, and upcoming holidays causes Preston much stress. So we are always thankful when January rolls around. Even more so, this year, because in the spring we are moving to PA. We are all looking forward to that. Missie is desperately needing friends. She has lost 3 best friends in the last few months. Preston doesn't need it like she does. He doesn't mind being alone here at here with people coming in and visiting. Jr. and I are quite happy that way too, but Missie is a different story. The area we are moving too has sooo many activities and so many young people who have a lot of the same values and beliefs that we have. It will open a whole new world for her and it is what she needs.
So from now until January, will be quite hard for us, as Preston has a hard time dealing with this time of year. This is the worst time of the year for mentally ill people.
I have threatened to quit having Christmas because of it. But last year we had Christmas at Thanksgiving and he did sooo much better during the month of December. Missie says she has not had Christmas on Christmas morning once in her life. She probably is right. I feel bad for her, that she cannot have a more normal life, but it is part of the cross that we have bear, having a special needs child in the family. I hope it makes her a better person. She is so caring for others, so it looks like she will be a better person because of having Preston for a brother.
Anyhow, pray for us and I will try to write more often.
Norma
Saturday, September 17, 2005 6:36 AM CDT
Wow, I cannot believe how fast time flies.
Preston is off the luvox for depression and on effexor. He is much more alert and not near so sleepy during the day. So he is doing quite well with it.
Missie got her 1st pair of glasses. They are driving her crazy. She can see so much better but her ears are sore, etc. etc. She has been having headaches, too. This is all normal, but it has taken some of the joy out of it for her. She could hardly wait to get them, a typical kid. I warned her, but you know how kids are.
Homeschooling is doing great. But I am still glad this is my last year.
So things are going along pretty well here.
Have a great weekend,
Norma
Thursday, September 8, 2005 9:06 PM CDT
Oh my goodness, it is awful that I haven't written sooner.
Things are about the same here. Preston has been taken off luvox (generic) for depression and is now on effexor. He does quite well with that. If he keeps busy he does great, but if he sits and rocks very long, he will worry. Since it is cooling off here, he goes outside more often now, and that helps a lot too. He jumps and lies down on the trampoline, and the fresh air is good for him.
Missie has had the stomach flu and we are hoping and praying that Preston doesn't get it. He usually ends up at the ER if he gets to throwing up, since it is hard for him to quit.
He is doing well with school. I read to the children a lot for school and both are enjoying that. Missie would love to read aloud but Preston would rather me read. She reads real fast sometimes and it is hard for him to catch all of the words.
So, things are pretty good here.
Norma
Thursday, August 18, 2005 1:59 PM CDT
Well, today has been quite a normal day around here, but then again, it is not over yet. LOL
I couldn't get to sleep too good last night, and finally got up around 1 a.m. and took tylenol for my restless leg syndrome, and went to sleep after that. So I stayed in bed later this a.m. Both children beat me getting up this a.m. I felt so tired. But I did get up and tried to get going.
Preston's depression meds. is being changed at the present. He is off luvox completely and on effexor XR. He is just on 1 75 mg. so far, but will be going up to 150 mg. next week. I have changed the dosages of his anxiety meds. and that seems to helping him too. Instead of giving 3 in a.m. and 3 in afternoon, I give him 2 in a.m,. 2 at lunch, 2 at supper. It keeps him more on an even keel this way. The pain in his side is not mentioned now, so whatever that was, seems to be better. Giving him an anti acid pill in a.m. helps him not to be nauseated during the day, so that is good, too. Missie had a bout of stomach flu on Tues. p.m. and still didn't feel too good yesterday. But she is better now.
We did school and cleaned house, so it has been a profitable day. Missie has her horse riding lesson today at 4. She is so excited about this. This is her 2nd lesson. She was nervous the first time but really enjoyed it. It has been a dream of hers for a while.
Well, I don't have a driver's license right now. I went to get them renewed, but they had to send me to a different town to the DMV and I still couldn't get them. My SS card had gotten torn up and I had gone in and applied for a new one, same number, just a new copy of it. This was back in May. They said in about 4 weeks I should have it. This is Aug. and it has not arrived. The letter I had from SS showing I had applied for a new one, was not accepted by the DMV. So I go back to SS, wait 1 1/2 hrs. with hubby and kids, and when I get up to the window finally, they tell me they cannot give the letter needed for the DMV. So I couldn't go and get my license renewed. What a mess. It is hard for me to not be able to drive. If I get pulled over and my license have expired, then it would cost a big fine, probably. If I were to have a wreck, that would be even worse. So I cannot drive ANYWHERE. I am on hold right now with the SS office, checking to see if they have heard anything.
Supper tonight is red beans and rice, and smoked turkey sausage and tortillas. Missie loves the red beans and rice in tortillas. I think this week I will get groceries at the Walmart Supercenter and see how I do. Some things do seem a lot cheaper there. Preston has some money he wants to spend so we can kill 2 birds with 1 stone, so to speak. It is hard for me to take Preston to Walmart because he needs to ride in the wheelchair and it is hard for me to get it in and out of the van and even pushing him hurts my arms. Then I cannot push a cart, too. So it is better if hubby can be with me, to push him. Preston legs get so tired walking all over the store, it is so big.
Well, I guess that is all the news for today!
Norma
Sunday, August 14, 2005 8:42 PM CDT
Well, Preston hasn't been feeling too well since I last wrote. He has a pain in his side going around to lower back. He also has been having so much nauseous. So we think his ulcer is acting up again. So I gave him an anti-acid when we get home from church this a.m. and it did help the pain in his stomach and the nauseated feeling. Thank the Lord for that. He got in his pj's for the afternoon, and listened to an old time radio cd, and relaxed. We gave him another anti-acid for his stomach tonight, and also a tylenol arthritis for his side/back pain. He keeps asking us to take him to the dr. Well, I don't have a driver's license right now, so I cannot take him anywhere. Jr. is supposed to work 10 hrs/day this week. I am praying he will get better without having to go. He used to hate going to the dr. but wants to go it seems to just be going someplace. But tomorrow we will be schooling, and hoping the meds we are giving him will help. A few years back he was in hospital for excessive bleeding through his bowels and they said he had an ulcer. All they did after getting fluids into him, was to give him an anti-acid, so we have tried that sometimes since then when he has stomach problems. He seems to have a lot of gas too.
So we went to SS, worship service, worship service tonight and then ate afterwards at the fellowship hall. We had taco salad tonight, and lots of other food. And too many good desserts, LOL. So we are all tired and everyone but myself is in bed. I will go soon. I have felt so tired today. I even laid down and slept for about an hour.
So here is hoping that Preston will feel better tomorrow and it will be a wonderful day for us all.
Norma
Thursday, August 11, 2005 8:48 PM CDT
Well, things have changed around here again. Life is so unpredictable and not sure what other word to use. Preston has been super the past 2 days. I talked to the dr. about changing his meds. and now he is doing fine, on the old meds. Now what do I do!
Missie is in NC at her grandparents with her aunt and cousins. She left yesterday with my sister in law and her 2 daughters. I talked to her tonight. They will be home tomorrow.
Preston and I went to town today, and it was a bit of a hassle, but through it all, he did great! I went to 2 DMV's to get my driver's license renewed and still didn't get it renewed. My SS card got torn up and I have applied for another, and it was supposed to be here in 4 weeks and it has been 3 months, and no sign of it and I didn't realize I needed it to get my driver's license. Part of the problem is because I am not a US citizen. So it doesn't look like I'll be driving for a while. I have to call the SS office in the morning and see what they have to say. Preston said the one lady was snippy with me, LOL. He said this was not my day, and on my birthday too! Oh me!
But he was so calm today! And didn't even have any anxiety meds. this afternoon. He is so unpredictable. I guess some days he feels better than others physically and that has something to do with it. I just wish I knew what all was going on inside his body and his head, LOL. It would help me!
Well, I just wanted to let you know the last 2 days have been wonderful!
Norma
Sunday, August 7, 2005 9:47 PM CDT
Well, we begin another week. Today has not been a good day. Preston, Missie and I were so tired this a.m. I was aching from head to toe with fibromyalgia and I have wanted to sleep all day. We could have made it for the preaching sevice, but we all ended up laying back down. I wanted to stay in bed all day, but couldn't, of course. Anyhow, tonight we went and had a quartet from Union Bible Seminary and they were wonderful. We had Italian themed food afterwards in the fellowship hall. But we left by 8:30 to come home.
This has not been a good week. Preston has been having some headaches. I think he has sinus congestion in his head and that messes up his meds. and affects his mental illnesses. So it has been a hard week. One day he sat and rocked and worried for hours! Missie was in tears and I was very stressed out. I hope and pray this week is better.
It seems we just survive ourselves on a day to day basis, and live pretty much to ourselves. We don't have anything to offer right now. We are so tired mentally, physically, and emotionally. We finally feel we have a pastor that truly loves his people. He asked me tonight if I felt missed this a.m. He said we were missed. And he wants to know where we live so he can come and visit us. It may sound like we are childlish, but we need someone to care right now. We need someone to reach out to us. We pastored for 12 years and reached out to people, all of those 12 years. Now we need someone to reach out to us. Does that make sense?
Anyhow, hoping and praying for a better week.
Norma
Monday, August 1, 2005 8:39 PM CDT
I cannot believe it is Aug. 1st. One wonderful thing about this month is, that hubby and I have been married 25 years! Isn't that wonderful?
Anyhow, we are settling in our new church quite well. Preston loves his Sunday School class, and his teacher. Missie is now in a pre-teen class rather than with all of the little ones, and she is much happier too. We have a wonderful SS teacher, as well. Each Sunday p.m. we all take food and eat together in the fellowship hall. Preston really enjoys this, and it is fellowship for us. But on Mondays, he is very tired. All of the stimulation, and going to all of the services is hard on him, but he wouldn't miss it for the world!
Today he went to get the mail, and received his SSI check. Well, when he got in the house, it was not with the mail. I panicked, as it was going toward our house payment. So I sent Missie down the driveway to find it. I prayed, let me tell you, that she would find it! He got very upset that I sent her instead of letting him go, but she can move so much faster than he can. So we had a pretty rough time for a while and I had to put him in his room about 3 times for a while. But, praise the Lord, Missie found the check at the end of the neighbor's driveway. Preston had dropped it. He loves to get the mail, and that is one of the highlights of his day. So I don't see that I want to change that, just hoping he doesn't lose much mail :)
God is sooo good and we were able to make the house payment. His SSI is sooo hit and miss, it is discouraging. On July 1st he didn't get any, and on Sept. 1st he didn't get any. If my husband works overtime, it messes up Preston's SSI, but that is soon over, because next summer he will be 18 and will be a disabled adult and will get a check and dh's income won't affect it at all. In about 10 months he will be 18. It is so hard to believe. What a long journey but worthwhile one!
Hoping he will be more rested tomorrow and we have a great day.
Norma
Saturday, July 23, 2005 9:21 PM CDT
Well, this has been quite a good week.
We schooled Mon., Tues., Wed., cleaned house and the children read books and heard tapes on Thurs. and Fri. we had an unexpected field trip! My friend, Norma, came up and got us and took us to a horse farm where her son was in horse riding camp. They did a program and Preston and Missie really enjoyed it. This horse farm has a theraputic riding program for handicapped or children with an illness. Preston showed some interest in the program. I think it would be wonderful for him and build his self esteem. Missie is begging for lessons. She can get group lessons for $25/lesson. We wouldn't be able to do it every week, that would be $100/month, but maybe 2 times/month. We will see. She loves horses. After the program, we all went to Wendy's for lunch, and then came back to our house. Preston did super! It is so nice to be able to take him places now. His behavior has improved, and it is such a blessing. We found him a wooden glider rocker at a yard sale today for $35. He was happy about that. He rocks constantly. That is the autism coming through.
Missie has had Bible School all week and Preston did great staying with his daddy most of the nights. He wanted to go, but we felt he was a little old for it. He said he wanted some young people in his life, too! I thought that was cute for him to say that. Today was the picnic for Bible School and he had wanted to go for that. Well, our friend invited us to their cookout, it was a going away party for her husband who is going in active army duty and leaves on Aug. 4th. So we took Missie to her picnic, then picked her up and went on to the other cookout. Preston enjoyed the food and did good. We stayed not quite 2 hours. It was quite hot, so he did good.
Tomorrow is church, so it will be full day.
So all in all, it has been a good week.
Norma
Tuesday, July 19, 2005 9:02 PM CDT
It is hard to believe that it has been 9 days since I wrote. But I am back. We have started schooling again, so we can get a headstart so when we move we will be close to being done. We have really cleaned out stuff! Even Preston cleaned out his stuffed animals, his toys, etc. His room looks better and is not quite so full. He actually got rid of more than Missie did. He used to would never get rid of anything, but he is growing up now, and doesn't want a lot of the babyish things. He is 17 and really I wouldn't have to school him anymore. But it gives him something to do and he enjoys it. We have put Missie in Switched on Schoolhouse, school on computer cd's and they do the grading and it is wonderful. It has really freed up some time for me. My load doesn't feel as heavy this year. I even had time today to make some bookmarkers.
Sunday was the last day for our church to be open. We hated for it to close. But the children and I didn't go in a.m. but hubby went as he had to teach. Sunday night we went to a friend's church. So until we move, we have to decide on the church situation. Missie is going all week to the church we visited on Sun. p.m. for VBS. She has a good friend there, and wants to go there all of the time. There are pros and cons to attending there, but we realize it is just until we move. The pastor is wonderful, and we really enjoyed his message Sun. p.m. But changes are hard on us, as a family. Preston doesn't feel at home there as much but he may as time goes on if we decide to attend there full time.
So all in all, things are pretty good here. Sunday was not a good day for Preston, but as I said, changes are hard on us. He didn't want to go to the other church on Sun night but I won the battle and we all went as a family and he did fine.
Campmeeting close to here starts on the 29th. He has asked me several times if I would take him to campmeeting. Dh cannot handle going in the evenings in the heat, after working all day. He has to work out in the shop sometimes where there is no air, and it makes him very hot and tired. Missie has reasons she doesn't want to attend so she and her daddy will stay home and I will take Preston. He loves campmeeting and has many friends. His relationships are not complicated like some of ours are. He is loved by everyone, and loves everyone. He doesn't know all of the things that have happened. I am not too thrilled about going, but I will go for him. He loves to eat in the dining hall, but I told him we wouldn't do that this year probably.
So that is the latest!
Norma
Sunday, July 10, 2005 4:43 PM CDT
Well, today has a been a day of all days. A most terrible one, to be exact.
It started with Preston being up at 5 a.m. getting a drink, but not going back to sleep. So by the time we got up at 8 he was tired, of course, and didn't want to go to church. Well, I told him I would stay with him. He then decided about 10 minutes before it was time to leave, that he would go. So that worked out ok, as I was already ready anyhow. Well, Missie cried during the worship service, because one of her best friends and her family had moved away, and this was the first Sunday without her. She wanted to sit with a family that has a little girl, but the seat was full with relatives of their's. So she was so sad and crying and got me to crying. I told her I know how it is to lose friends, as I had to leave one of my best friends ever when we moved back to SC from TN. She was just a soul mate! Anyhow, back to my story. THEN, the pastor gets up and says our church is closing its doors. Next Sunday is the last Sunday. He is in his 80's and it has been hard to get and keep a pastor and a family of 5 just moved to another state, and that hurt us, too. Changes are so hard for our family. Missie had wanted to go home with some of the people today and spend the day, but Preston didn't want her to go, and she was crying and he was beating on the van window. Finally got him home and got some meds. into him, and he calmed down and we ate lunch. He and Missie decided to clean out his desk today, and that took a while, and he did good during that time. He got rid of a lot of stuff I didn't think he would get rid of. He is getting ready to move, he says. We are planning, Lord willing, to move to PA in the spring. There are churches that believe like we do, a good school for Missie, lots of activities for her, and we have some family up there, and then the rest of my family is only 6-7 hrs. away instead of 22 hrs. So we are all planning toward that. It is something to look forward too. I wish we could go right now, but it takes a lot of money to move and have lights turned on and deposits made on a house, etc. So we have to wait, unless the Lord works a miracle for us in the money department!
So we are not going to go to church tonight, at least Preston and I are not. He will go to bed early, and we should have a better day tomorrow. It has to be better or I will not survive. Preston is having full fledged depression. We are increasing his meds. but it is generic as they stopped making the name brand medication he was on. So we have struggled every since then. Not sure what the dr. would try next. He has been on prozac, lexapro, effexor, nothing works like the luvox did. Why did they have to stop making it? Anyhow, that is the story for today.
Norma
Tuesday, July 5, 2005 8:50 PM CDT
Well, we had a good July 4th. Dh's sister and family have moved to Greer from CO! So we had a family get-together in Greer yesterday. One of dh's sisters and her dd were the only ones missing. She is the wild one of the family, and would worry my inlaws to death if she lived close. Preston WAS SUPER GOOD! He was so polite and quiet, and relaxed. It was wonderful. But after about 2 1/2 hrs. he was ready to go he said, but we actually stayed from about 12 noon to about 3:15 so that was very good. Our brother in law has bipolar and last time he and Preston were together, he was mouthy to Preston, so I was a bit concerned about that. But I told Preston to just ignore him and not sass him back. But yesterday he spoke to Preston when we got there and was fine. I guess he has his days like Preston does.
I am concerned, though, as Preston told me this a.m. he wanted to die. He is still battling depression, and I am not sure what to do. We have tried a lot of anti depressants. The one that worked sooo well in name brand, was taken off the market, and only made in generic. Generic meds. do not work very well for Preston. He is wanting to sleep a lot, too. He went to bed at 8 p.m. tonight and lays down several times during the day. Yesterday when we got back from the get together, he slept for about 2 hrs. That is not like Preston. So we are still fighting the battle of his depression.
But we were so proud of his behavior yesterday! He promised to be on his best behavior and he was.
Norma
Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:39 PM CDT
Well, I am back. It is not a good week. Missie did get home ok, for which we are thankful. But she had a bad case of poison ivy, and it still hasn't completely cleared up. Then she took a terrible cold, and is having a hard time shaking that. Preston is worrying us to death. He is nervous, and said he feels angry when we are talking. He hates for the telephone to ring so much, as it did this evening. I have sent the dr. an email asking what we can do for the increased anxiety. The anxiety meds. don't seem to be working as well. So I will see what he says. If he is in tomorrow, he will call me when he gets the message.
So I kind of feel at my wit's end. The lack of sunshine, and the rains we are having about every day, hasn't helped any of us. When dh. got home, we went to the pizza buffet, I just felt I HAD to get out. We all enjoyed the meal.
So here's hoping tomorrow will be better.
Norma
Wednesday, June 15, 2005 11:11 PM CDT
Well, I am glad this week is passing, because we have really missed Missie. Preston got the mail today and was very excited that we got a letter from Missie. She said she is having fun and has new buddies! So that relieved my mind. Preston told me this evening that he was having depression. I told him it is because Missie is gone. She motivates him and they do things together. He feels lost without her. Tomorrow he will clean his room, and we will try to get our day in, Fri., I have to keep the van, pay bills, get dh from work, then PICK MISSIE UP! I can hardly wait to have her back home again. But I wanted her to have a good time, and it appears that she is.
So hopefully Preston will feel better tomorrow. I finally got him to play a computer game this evening, and that helped get his mind off of it.
Norma
Monday, June 13, 2005 8:23 PM CDT
Hi, well, another week is in progress. But it is a different kind of a week for us, and I am feeling some anxiety. Missie is gone to girl scout camp. I am very attached to my children, and am over protective. We realize she needs this. It is hard for her to have her only sibling special needs. Being around "normal" kids is a break for her. Preston is also missing her a lot. I took him out today to a bunch of thrift stores in Greenville and out for lunch. Now tomorrow will be another story. Just he and I will be here, and I hope and pray he doesn't worry all day about her being gone. He will probably sleep late in the a.m. He did well today and enjoyed himself, but when we got home, he started to worry. But in a little while, he calmed down, and is gone to bed. So pray that this week will be ok for all of us. We are a very close family, as a lot of times we don't socialize a lot. We just have each other really, and have learned to function without any outside help. That is probably not good, but when we pastoring this became the norm, and we are still that way.
Norma
Friday, June 10, 2005 10:20 PM CDT
Oh my goodness, I haven't written in a while. but we are still here. School is done until August, YIPPEE! I am cleaning out cabinents etc., having a ball getting some things done I don't usually get done when homeschooling.
Preston has been worrying some because friends promised to take him and Missie out to eat, and they got tied up with a job, and haven't gotten to take them yet. He talks about it everyday. It doesn't matter that we have taken him out a few times. It matters that they are supposed too and haven't. I am going to tell them next time to just decide one a.m. and call and tell me. That way there will be no anxiety for Preston in waiting. Missie is leaving Sun afternoon for girl scout camp so she will be gone all next week. Preston will miss her. One day I told him I would take him out to all of the thrift stores and for lunch. That is what he likes to do. Missie had said she wouldn't go and I had already emailed them and told them, because her good friend from church, is moving away, and she wanted to be with her next week. But this a.m. she decided she did want to go and called them back and she can still go! Her teeth are hurting, like they might be absessing again, so she has started back rinsing her mouth with the special mouthwash that helps teeth with problems. I hope they are ok by Sunday. Preston will really miss her, but it is good for her to do things like normal people do, whatever normal is. She is such a social fun loving little girl, that it will be good for her. I will miss her, too.
So here's hoping our friends will call soon and set up a day to take Preston out to eat! Then we can all quit hearing about it.
Norma
Sunday, May 29, 2005 11:02 AM CDT
Well, another week has come and gone. We are trying to finish our homeschooling so we can be done by June 3. What a relief it will be to have the summer off.
The flu bug has hit our house this week. Hubby got it Thurs. p.m. and during the night threw up for the 1st time in 25 years! He slept most of Fri., and Sat. and is laying down today. Preston and I have had some diarrhea, but no throwing up, thank the Lord. If Preston starts throwing up, he cannot stop and usually has to go to ER. So I hope the rest of don't start throwing up. Needless to say, none of us made it to church this a.m.
Preston is extremely tired during the days. So I am going to cut back on 1/2 respiradol that he usually takes in the a.m. for aggressiveness. Hopefully the 2 he takes at bedtime, will carry him over to his afternoon dose. He will continue to take his buspar at breakfast for anxiety. So this week we will try this and see if that helps his sleepiness. He just told me his stomach is upset and he doesn't feel too well, and he thinks he is getting the flu. Oh no! Please, Lord, no! So who knows what this day will bring. I feel so tired and had a headache last night and couldn't get to sleep right away, and woke up with the same headache, took more meds. and laid back down. Finally got back up at 10:30, and dh had fixed a can of cinnamon rolls.
So that is the latest from the Watson household.
Norma
Sunday, May 22, 2005 9:25 PM CDT
Well, today was not the usual Sunday. I woke up aching and sooo tired. I have fibromyalgia and arthritis. I didn't feel like getting dressed and going to church. Preston decided to stay home with me. He loves church, but the Sunday clothes are a trial to him, because during week he wears pants with elastic waist and let's his shirt hang out since he is quite big. He says his Sunday clothes feel like "heavy armor." So he stayed home with me. It was so nice out today, not very hot. He went outside some, and played his computer some. Missie and dh went to church in a.m. and we all stayed home tonight.
Tomorrow we plan to go to the library and get a few things at grocery store. It is supposed to rain, so it will be a nice outing for us.
Until next time,
Norma
Saturday, May 21, 2005 9:43 AM CDT
Well, Missie was supposed to go on a trip with her scout troop to Savannah, GA and it didn't work out. She was very disappointed. So last night we took the children out to eat at a favorite place, The Orient, and they each had birthday money to spend. Missie's birthday is Monday and she will be 11. Preston's is June 20 and he will be 17, unbelievable! Anyhow, we celebrate them together because it is hard on Preston for Missie to get gifts and not him, so we found it less stressful on all of us, to celebrate them together. Today I am taking Missie and one of her friends to a fun park. It is noisy and Preston would become overstimulated, so he will stay with his daddy. I feel sooo tired. It seems we have a lot going on right now. I will be real glad to finish school for this school year on June 2. Then I will have more time.
Monday is actually Missie's birthday so I have bought a cake they both liked and had their names put on. They each picked out the number candles for their ages to put on it. We will have a family friend and her son on Mon. p.m. for gifts, cake and ice cream.
About last night. We took Preston shopping to a place where they sell zipper ties. Yes, neckties with zippers. Being crippled in his one hand, he cannot do regular ties. But he can do zipper ties and he loves all different ties. He spent his birthday money on 2 ties. Then a friend at a place of business gave the children each $10. We went to a thrift store and he bought 2 bats. He has a bunch of bats and hardly ever uses them, but he collects baseball bats. He saved some for tithe and then used the rest for brownies, LOL. Definately the way to Preston's heart is through his stomach! He loves to eat better than anything in this world. So he was happy with getting the ties and going out to eat.
So, that is my update for this time.
Norma
Monday, May 16, 2005 8:22 PM CDT
We had a busy but great weekend.
Preston did super when his grandparents came. He was very sweet and kept wanting to give him grandma hugs before she left. I am so glad he is that way now. He used to not be so lovable. Anyhow, he was happy, and wanted to ride in Papa's truck. So Papa, hubby, Preston and Missie went to see some friends of ours. Preston enjoyed the outing in Papa's truck. Sunday was our usual busy day. Sunday school, morning worship, then to a friend's house for dinner, as we were celebrating her birthday. Dh and I did get a nap in the afternoon, and back to church again at night. AFter church on Sun p.m. we also go to a home for fellowship and food, and Preston enjoys it so much, but he is zonked by the time we get home. He is always glad to get out of his Sunday clothes, too.
He got up about 10:30 this a.m. We did school, and then he and I had to ride to the SS office. They sent Preston a check for back pay and had another woman's name on it, instead of mine. They have no idea how it happened, but in 7-10 days they will reissue it. We needed the money yesterday, but will have to wait to it to arrive. We are wanting to get the car fixed so the children and I will have transportation during the day when dh is at work.
So all in all, Preston has had a good day.
He is so much happier than he used to be, we are so thankful for that.
Norma
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 8:36 PM CDT
Well, I am back. Preston has been experiencing stress due to the fact that his grandparents (my inlaws) will be in about 9 a.m. on Sat. Just the anticipation of it worries him. So we had a couple of bad times today. I made him write lines. He HATES to write lines. I told him he either had to write lines or miss his adventures in Odyssey program tonight. So he sat down and wrote his lines. I HAVE to be in control. But the year he was 10, he wouldn't have written the lines. So things are sooo much better. We even had company tonight and he did pretty good. He burned his mouth at supper and got a bit upset and lashed out at me. He told the people who were here that he didn't want them to come, LOL. What a boy! There is never a dull moment around here. Boredom???? What is that??? So anyhow, I promised him a reward tonight, if he did well tomorrow and Fri., and did not lash out, worry aloud, and he is quite happy to try and do better. So I hope he can earn his reward. I have promised Missie one, too. I cannot leave her out. And she has been having some issues, because she is so tired of school and wants to be outside in the mornings since it is so pretty. I do let her go out and then she comes in and does school. So I hope they can both earn their rewards. It is $5 each. Preston loves to get money. Missie's birthday is May 23, and that is one reason my inlaws are coming in. We celebrate both of the children's birthdays together, as it is less stressful on all of us. So they are giving Preston money, and my mom is giving him money and then I will give him the $5 if he behaves himself. He wants to go to Hamricks and buy a couple of zipper ties. He loves nice ties, and only wants the zipper. He can do them with one hand, since his other hand is crippled. So he is excited about picking out ties. The first thing he notices about a man if he is wearing a tie, is his tie. He is always telling men he likes their ties. They are one of his latest obsessions. Better than buying junk, though. He loves wearing different ties each Sunday.
Well, we will see how the rest of the week goes.
Norma
Thursday, May 5, 2005 8:06 PM CDT
Well, where does time go?
Preston did fine with his sedation and dental work. Glad that is behind us.
We went to the Children's Hospital on Monday, both of the children see Dr. Weathers there. He is such a wonderful doctor. He was so pleased with how the children were doing. He was a little concerned that Preston had gained 10 lbs. in the last 6 months, and told Preston not to eat any french fries at fast food places. I told him we hardly ever go to fast food places anyhow. We don't eat out much at all, due to the cost. But Preston has decided he wants us to eat out on Sat. for Mother's Day. I finally ask him if he wanted us to go out for ME and for HIM? He said, "Both." Gotta love him! He is honest, for sure. Instead of him and his daddy going to find me something, he wants us to go out to eat. I enjoy that, so it is fine with me. Missie and I found a couple of things at Walmart for me to wear and that is from her! She picked me out a card and will give it to me on Sun. My children are so precious. I cannot imagine life without them. God has so blessed me with these children. For 8 years, I was barren. I prayed for a child, and God sent Preston. Then 6 years later, He sent Missie.
We are still schooling, trying to get done by the end of May. I am looking forward to the summer off! We have a pool and the children will be in it when it is so hot here. I dread the intense heat of South Carolina.
Until next time,
Norma
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 6:29 PM CDT
Well, a whole week has passed since I posted. Today I got up at 6:30 and the children had to get up too by 7 and we left at 8. We put the dog in the carrier to take her to have her stitches out from her surgery. First we went to the dentist, and Preston had his dental work done. He did fine, was just groggy and kept telling me the same thing over and over, LOL. Before we got to the dentist, the dog had thrown up 2 or 3 times in the carrier. The smell was not good. When we got to the dentist, Missie went in and asked for a garbage bag and got paper towels. I got that mess cleaned up and took Preston into the dentist. We went to the vet after the dentist and later Preston didn't remember we had been there. He is doing much better tonight. He is very tired and will rest well tonight.
Missie got 2 hamsters and 2 cages. Thankfully, she gave one away. But we are having a problem with the hamster waking her up and she is not getting her sleep out. That makes for a grouchy Missie, sometimes. He is so cute, but not worth losing sleep over. There just isn't any place in this house to put him at night where some of us will not be awakened by him. So not sure what the answer is.
Missie has a girl scout camp this weekend at Camp Wabak. She is very excited about that. The camp is "World Thinking Day, 2005." Her troops country is Madagascar.
When Missie has activities, Preston realizes the differences in them. He will say his life is boring, etc. etc. But when it comes right down to it, he is not able to do all that Missie does. I try to do special things for him that he enjoys. One of his favorite things to do is go out and eat. So I take him out to eat, and he loves to go to thrift stores, too. So we do our best for both of our children, and they are total opposites as far as their needs.
Norma
Thursday, April 21, 2005 9:17 PM CDT
Well, yesterday Preston had to go to the dentist. We made a day of it. He went back alone and got his teeth cleaned. He and the nurse had a great visit. She said he did very well. He has a cavity and needs more sealant put on his molars. So Wed. he has to be sedated and have his dental work done. Because of his autism, he goes to pieces when his mouth starts to go numb, so it is much easier to have him sedated. Of course he is more at risk than normal people, when he is put to sleep. He will be sleepy most of the day probably.
Yesterday we had a good day. We hit 2 goodwills in Greenville. Preston got tired and sat down and let me finish looking! It used to be when he was done looking, everyone was done!!! But now he will sit and wait for me. Such an improvement. He didn't actually find much he wanted yesterday. I think all he wanted was one hat, and I got him that. Missie found some shirts, nightgowns, jumper, etc. We went to Zaxby's for lunch. Then we had to go and get dh at work. Preston did great.
Today he has not felt well. He has been really tired and draggy. Sat and rocked most of the day. But at least he didn't fuss. He is doing so well. Dh and I were talking last night about what a fine young man he is becoming! God is sooo good.
We will see how he feels tomorrow. He may be fighting an infection.
Norma
Sunday, April 17, 2005 8:21 PM CDT
Well, today did not go as planned. Hubby started to get a sore throat yesterday. Got up this a.m. with a sore throat and headache, and didn't feel like going to church. Preston decided he wanted to stay home with him. He loves church, but hates getting dressed up for church. He calls the clothing his "armour." I guess it feels like that to him. He wears pants with elastic waists and lets his shirts hang out everyday. But for Sunday he wants to be dressed up and wear a tie. But wearing a belt, and dress clothes are not comfortable for him.
We have not had any outside help with Preston for the past few years. So we deal with it all on our own, as far as humanly speaking. I think sometimes exhaustion sets in. But he is maturing and is little trouble. He played a game on his laptop computer this afternoon while the rest of us slept. We are so proud of his maturity and progress. We have so much to be thankful for.
Trusting the Lord for a good week. He has a dentist appt. on Wed. He does well for those, now, and I am glad for that. It is for a cleaning and checkup.
Norma
Friday, April 15, 2005 9:00 PM CDT
This week is about over, hard to believe. It has been a good week. Preston is greatly improved on the luvox for depression.
He feels sad sometimes, because Missie has so many friends and so many places to go, and he told me a few times this week I shouldn't have had him. I say that is not so. Emotionally and physically he cannot tolerate what she does. But it is lonely for him when she is gone. She went to see the Sound of Music last night, tonight went to friends at 4 and to spend the night, has to be at a birthday party tomorrow at 11. He was kind of sad. He loves to go out and eat, so I told him when we pick his daddy up from work tomorrow at 12, we will take him out to eat. He was very happy about that. I also gave him a set of Odyssey tapes I had gotten for his birthday. He loves to hear tapes when we are in the van. I think these things have cheered him up.
Sunday we all, as a family, go to friend's house for dinner, with other families and he loves that. And then Sun night after church to other friend's. He loves that, and is always so exhausted that he sleeps late on Mon. a.m.
So that is the latest news. My friend came, without her son (since Missie wasn't here to play with him) and he didn't like that setup, but did good. She and I played skip bo for hours and he listened to stories in his room. Dh was on the computer and went to bed early to get up early in a.m. for work.
Tomorrow is a new day. But the days are so much better for us. Thank the Lord for Dr. Weathers at Children's Hospital!
Norma
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 8:12 PM CDT
Wow, its been a whole week since I posted. Time sure goes fast.
Today was not a usual day for us. I was up at 6:30 (unheard of for me) and I woke the kids up at 7 a.m. Preston was tired, but got up and dressed. We had to have our puppy to the vet by 9 to be spayed. After we dropped her off, we went out for breakfast. Then we hit some thrift stores which Preston loves to do! He did great the whole day. We were gone from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We went to the library too. His legs were aching quite bad from all of the walking; that is a result of the cerebral palsy, I guess. He just doesn't have the strength like other boys his age. I bragged on him tonight and told him how well he did. He has come such a long ways. He was ready for bed tonight and will probably sleep late in a.m. but that is ok. It is supposed to rain tomorrow. We will school, and try to keep busy; rainy days are the hardest for him. He loves to be outside if it is pretty.
The luvox is working so much better for him for his depression, than the other meds. did. I am glad the dr. suggested we try the generic luvox. The name brand luvox worked so well for him, but they quit making it. Generic meds. do not usually work very well. But he is doing soooo much better, so it must be working!
Norma
Tuesday, April 5, 2005 8:48 PM CDT
The days are swiftly passing by. This is a hard time change for us. Sunday we had the usual full day. Sunday School and worship service in the a.m. then to friend's for dinner, home about 3 to rest until we had to leave again at 6. Then to friends after the evening service, and it was about 10 p.m. when we got home. Preston did good all day. He loves being with people, and eating, LOL. Monday a.m. he was very tired, though, and slept until about 11. We took yesterday and today off school, as a partial spring break. The children want the whole week off. But I like to get done at the end of May if at all possible. If we take the whole week off, it will be the first week of June before we are done. It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so I told the children we might as well do school. Preston asked to keep the van so we could go to some thrift stores tomorrow, but we have no money to spend. So Fri. we plan to keep the van and go to a few thrift stores. He loves to do that and I do too!
We had company today from about 1 to 7 this evening. Preston spent a lot of time outside with the children. So the fresh air and activity is sooo good for him.
He is doing much better on the new anti depressant! It has made a difference, so I am so happy about that.
Norma
Saturday, April 2, 2005 7:52 PM CST
Well, we made it through today and actually it went pretty well. We even went to Walmart! Now I hate Walmart but I go when I have too, and that is not often. Each of the children had $5 and wanted to go to Walmart. So I tolerated it for them. We have a wheel chair for Preston, and a handicap tag now, so that helps a lot. But all of the handicapped parking spots were taken. His daddy pushed him in the wheelchair and I took the cart. He ended up buying a cake with his money to take to the place were are going to eat tomorrow for dinner. Some families from the church meet at one family's house in Easley, and we all take food. So he bought a Cookie and Creme cake to take there. Missie enjoyed shopping. He had generic buspar this a.m. and about 2 this afternoon, after we got out of Walmart, I gave him 3 of the name brand. I have 6 of the name brand for tomorrow.
I hate this stupid time change. It will be hard. It took us about 2 weeks last year to get used to it. I wish we could just leave the time alone.
So Preston went to bed about 8 p.m. the old time tonight. Getting Missie settled is another story. She is a prowler.
Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.
Norma
Friday, April 1, 2005 10:25 PM CST
Well, today has been quite good. We have had medication problems. He has a hard time getting generic meds. to work for him. So! The pharmacy hasn't been able to get his buspar for anxiety in name brand, and they only had 9 so I got those. He takes 6/day. So I am saving 6 of them for Sunday when he will be around people. So today he has 4 generic. Now he kept saying they would mess him up and I kept trying to reassure him that he would do ok. Because if he gets it into his head they are not working, they won't work! Because he will worry us all to death about it, and get himself into a frenzy about it. So I am staying very positive about it, for his sake. There was a couple of worrying times for him today, but overall he has done quite well. The name brand meds are supposed to be in Mon. a.m. Not too soon for me!
It has rained a lot again today. He did go and get the mail, otherwise has been inside. But we finished school for the week, and we cleaned house. He dusted and vacuumed his room, put away some clean clothes, did little errands for me. Then we had company come for several hours this evening, and it was story night on the radio. So he was in his room listening to stories. So all in all it was a good day. Dh has to work again in a.m. When he gets home I have to go and get some groceries, and if it is not a very nice day, Preston will go with me. He enjoys doing that sometimes. I might get by cheaper if I go alone, though. I usually have to tell him several times that we cannot buy something he wants because we cannot afford it. But at least he doesn't pitch a royal fit in the store about it. He accepts it and is happy with what we can get. He has made such good progress, over the years. I never give up on him, and keep reminding him each day of things that I would like to see improve etc. He takes it to heart too, because he wants me to be proud of him, and happy with him. If I am not smiling, he will get anxious. So if I tell him I am very disappointed in him, he immediately humbles down and apologizes, most of the time. He is my sweet boy!
Norma
Thursday, March 31, 2005 9:37 PM CST
This has been a sad day. The death of Terri has saddened me deeply. Some day this could be my son. I hope her so called husband had the right motive for what he did. I also understand the parents feelings. I have refused to give up on Preston, and continue to refuse to give up on him. I tell him the same things over and over again every day; I will not give up on him. I am sure her parents felt the same way. I just fear this is the beginning of getting rid of people who cannot contribute to society, or who cost the government money. I hope it is not so, but I am afraid it will be.
Preston did quite well today. It was a rainy, dreary day. He and I both need sunshine! We are that type of person. I don't feel as happy without sunshine. We schooled and there was a period of time that he was whiney and bored because of the weather, and his not being able to get outside. Then it stopped raining and he did go out and wait for the mail. Fresh air is so good for him. Missie tried to get him to play with her, but he didn't want too.
He told me today that the new meds. are helping him. I really believe they are too. I am glad we made this change.
Norma
Wednesday, March 30, 2005 9:44 PM CST
Hello everyone! It seems like the newest anti-depressant is helping Preston. He has been getting outside in the lovely weather, more, and I really believe it is helping. It was so pretty this a.m. that he tried to beg out school, so he and Missie could go outside. Missie was already outside. So I told him to go on out, while it was nice and cool, and I would take my shower, get dressed, fix my hair etc. So he did. They stayed out for a while, and I was able to get ready for the day. Then they came in and we schooled. Then they were back out this afternoon. It got up to about 82 here today. Then friends came in about 4:15 and the kids were outside, and we all ate supper together. Then Missie and I wanted to go to our friend's prayermeeting. Preston started to worry, and rock, and whine about his not wanting me to go. But he calmed down, and was fine when I left and did great with his daddy. But he won't go to bed if I am not here. I have to tuck him in each night! Dh was already in bed when I got home and Preston was at the front door when we drove in. He is so attached to me and wants me to be here. He feels secure when I am here. Not very often am I away from him.
So all in all, it has been another good day.
I was thinking tonight on the way to church: I am glad that God's grace is sufficient, and the days we need more grace, He supplies! What a wonderful God we serve.
Norma
Monday, March 28, 2005 9:05 PM CST
Easter has come and gone. We had a full day yesterday and Preston did super! Of course, there was SS and worship service in a.m. celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. The Easter hymns we sang were just beautiful. Then we had a family of 5 for dinner. We rested between dinner and the night service. Then we went to church in p.m. in the pouring rain, and then went to friend's after church and didn't get home until about 10 p.m. Preston was very tired and slept until 11 a.m this morning, but that is ok! He did super yesterday and today has done super as well. He is now on the new anti depressants so we will see how that does.
Norma
Thursday, March 24, 2005 11:27 PM CST
Well, would you believe it? Without the new medication even started yet, Preston had a wonderful day today. So I am so thankful to the Lord that he is doing better. Could have been trying to get sick; could have been the overstimulation of Sunday, could have had sinus congestion. Also I did make one change today. He had been taking adult multi vitamins and I didn't give him one today. Maybe they were interfering with his perscription meds. Who knows! It is usually a guessing game. But I am thankful for all of the prayers and wanted to let you know he had a much happier day today.
We did start the new meds. tonight, so will see how that goes in the next week or two.
Norma
Wednesday, March 23, 2005 9:26 PM CST
Well today was not a very good day. I emailed the dr. last night; thank the Lord for Dr. Weathers at Children's Hospital in Greenville. He is a gem! He read my email this a.m. and called me on the phone. We are taking him off effexor and putting him on another anti depressant. I am almost tempted to take him off anti depressants and see how it goes. I might do that yet! I have tried it with other meds. and taken him off. Dr. Weathers trust us with this medication stuff. I am so glad, but because as bad as he is right now, most drs. would want him in the hospital, and I don't want him back in a psych. hospital, not ever, if I can prevent it.
So we will try the new medication I guess, actually he was on it before in name brand, but they quit making name brand and have only generic. Generic drugs usually don't help Preston, but the dr. wants to try this. He did so well on Luvox, I hated they quit making the name brand. So I get to the pharmacy today to pick it up, and they didn't have it, of course. So tomorrow when dh gets home, another trip will be needed to get the meds.
Missie went with me to town, and she really needed the break away from Preston. She suffers too, and I worry about her. I hope it makes her a stronger person.
Norma
Tuesday, March 22, 2005 9:04 PM CST
I am so weary tonight. Weary of having to deal with Preston's extreme anxiety the last 2 days. He has been aggressive, and I have had to put him in his room and stand against his door. That plus the weather has my fibromyalgia acting up. I just feel so tired. It appears Preston is having anxiety about our trip on the weekend of April 9 to NC to go to my inlaws and a wedding. So I just told him today we were not going. He then said he wanted to go, and would miss going to the wedding. But I cannot handle the stress of his worrying everyday all day until then. It would be much easier to not go. I gave him extra anxiety meds today but not sure I can continue to do that. I have to get a message to the dr. and find out how many he can have maximum in a day. I think the real problem is the anti depressant meds. They are not doing the job, and we don't know what to try anymore. I am sending an email to the dr. tonight. My muscles are tense and aching.
I called my friend and asked her and her son to come up today. Preston loves them to come. Well, it would have better if it had not been so cold and then started to rain. So they had to play inside. He did pretty good after I gave him the extra medication.
I worry about the future. He is a big boy, my health and nerves are not what they used to be, Missie doesn't want to be around him when he is like this. What is the answer??? I know praying helps, and God is all that has really kept us all together. Will he have to go in a group home eventually? I know he would for sure if anything happens to me where I cannot take care of him. But even though he is very attached to me and wants me to be happy with him, the last 2 days have been so difficult. We need prayers that he will snap out of this. Missie and I cannot take much more of this. Pray we can get the proper meds. to help him, too.
Norma
Monday, March 21, 2005 10:44 PM CST
Yesterday was a busy day. We went to our own church in a.m, then several of us took food and went to Easley to a family's house and stayed until about 2:30. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. We came home and Jr. slept for a couple of hours then we got ready to go to Sonshyne (Jo's) church for their Easter drama. Jo's husband was the narrator and did a beautiful job and also his song, "I will stand by the cross" was great. What talent! Two of her children were also in it. I hugged Sarah afterward and told her I was so proud of her. She said the best part was 13 people were saved but there were others out there that needed to be reached for the Lord. What an awesome teenager she is. John also did a great job as one of the disciples. One problem we did have, was that our usual middle row seat was taken by the time we got there and we ended up close to a big speaker. Preston was startled several times during the drama due to the noise. But he enjoyed most of it. I hope next year to get there early enough to sit in the middle. We couldn't see as well on the right hand side of the church, but we saw most of it.
We took the day off school today and I got some things done I have wanted to get done. I am cleaning out cabinets and closets etc. Preston and Missie stayed outside a lot as it was so nice.
Preston had a couple of bad times today. He was aggressive and had to sit in his room for a while. He seems to be worried about a trip we are making in a couple of weeks to NC to a friend's wedding. We are spending a couple of nights with my in laws and attending the wedding. He is looking forward to it, yet worrying about it. That is normal for him.
HOping tomorrow will be a good day, we will be schooling.
Norma
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 8:27 PM CST
Well, today was a much better day. Preston did great. We did our homeschooling and then the children went outside for a while. I did some housework and worked on computer. I played a couple of word games on the computer; they are relaxing for me.
Preston is maturing in some ways and I am so thankful for that. It is much easier now than it was. The year he was 10, was the worse year for him. And it was very hard for us. But since we left pastoring and focus on taking care of US, he has improved greatly, and it is such a relief. Although he has extensive brain damage, I am so thankful he functions as he does! He can do most everything for himself, even with a crippled hand. He showers, dresses, puts away clean clothes, sets table, dusts and vacuums his room. He loves to get the mail every day. He feeds the dogs sometimes for me. I am so thankful he can do all that he does. God is so good. When he had the cerebral hemmorage the drs. couldn't promise us anything, concerning his future, because they didn't know. We have had to take one day at a time. He has had lots of therapy too in the past, and they taught him to dress himself, etc. with one hand. So he has come such a long ways.
Norma
Monday, March 14, 2005 8:28 PM CST
Well, this has been an extremely nerve wrecking day. We had unexpected company and the child that came had a bad attitude and had both of my children upset. Preston started to get aggressive because of the stress of it all, and hit me in the chest with his elbow. Then he kind of spit in my face. I was crushed. But I am proud to say that he immediately apologized and hugged me. He really did good in the midst of the problems. When dh got home, we all went to the next town to the new library, and out for supper. Preston did well at both places. It was a nice outing, and one we needed after today.
I am glad it will just be us here tomorrow, and our homeschooling will go a lot easier!
Norma
Saturday, March 12, 2005 8:30 PM CST
Today was a super day! We had company all last evening, then the children's friend, Joshua, spent the night and was here all day today. Preston did super! We realized about 5 p.m. or so that he hadn't taken his afternoon meds. And he was doing good! He didn't want to go anywhere today, so dh and three kids stayed home and I got to go alone to town!! I mailed all of my pkgs. from internet sales, went to grocery store, then went to Hamricks and leisurely looked there. It was nice to be alone, but I don't know how to act hardly. Preston asked the boy to stay again tonight. But he didn't. I am so pleased with how Preston is doing right now. We are sooo blessed in so many ways, with Preston. He is a conscientous boy who is a stickler for doing the right thing. I am so glad he is not sneaky, or deceptive. We have so much to be thankful for. He is a dear boy, loving, for the most part. How different that is from years back.
Tomorrow, we are off to church. He loves church and fellowship, but hates getting dressed in Sunday clothes. They are a sore trial for him. I try to get him to get into jogging pants and a T shirt for Sunday afternoon so he can be more comfortable, but no way. Getting dressed twice in his dress up clothes, would be earth shattering. So he stays in his good clothes all day. Poor guy, I wish he could relax on Sun afternoon in pj's. Maybe if I keep trying, I will convince him to try it.
Norma
Friday, March 11, 2005 10:08 PM CST
Well, today is one of Preston's favorite days! He loves Friday night stories on the radio. From 6-7, 8-10 p.m. he is in his room listening to stories. We will hear him laugh or talk to the radio from time to time. You know, in so many ways we are blessed! Most of the time he is happy and loving. He will come to me for a hug and I put my arms around my big boy and hug him, and kiss him on the cheek. He will kiss me too. It used to be he didn't want any loving touches, but he is so sweet now. I am so glad. He is truly a momma's boy, for the most part. There is a special bond there as I care for him all of the time, as dh is at work. He does do things with his daddy. When dh went to bank today and to a store to get some items, Preston rode with him. He likes to go for the ride and hear story tapes. He doesn't always go in the store. I will leave the key on so he can hear tapes while we run into store. He is sooo big now, I don't worry about anyone trying to kidnap him as much. The van has electric locks and we knows to not let anyone in or roll down the windows for anyone. It has helped me so much to be able to leave him in the van. We have a handicapped tag too so we can park close to the store in the handicapped parking space.
Tomorrow I am taking him to the library. He gets books and tapes and listen to one each day for school. It helps his reading skills. He dusted and vacuumed his room today. He is super neat. Everything has a place and it had better stay there! Wish my dd was more that way, LOL.
We have had a wonderful day and our favorite friends over, and he did super. His maturing has helped a lot.
Norma
Thursday, March 10, 2005 7:03 PM CST
Well, we had another good day today. Schooled and then the children went out to play. We got a call that our special friends were coming over, and that was good. Preston, Missie, and Joshua played out most of the afternoon and evening, and my friend, who is also Norma, play skip bo with me. We are addicted to that game and play by the hour. It is relaxing to us. Preston did great with the company. He loves them a lot, and considers Joshua his best friend. He really is like part of our family.
So Preston should sleep well tonight, from all of the fresh air and activity. So I am thankful for another good day!
Praise the Lord.
Norma
Wednesday, March 9, 2005 8:40 PM CST
Well, thank the Lord, today was a much better day. Preston did great. We did school, he went outside with Missie for a while on the trampoline, came in for a while, then they went to wait for the mail lady. The fresh air, although today was a bit nippy, is so good for him, and the exercise. He is happy and relaxed at home. So we try to keep our activities to a minimum. I love being home too. So it pleases me.
Thank the Lord for the good days. And the Lord does give strength for the bad days, or I would never make it.
Norma
Tuesday, March 8, 2005 9:42 PM CST
Well, I must say, I am glad this day is over.
Preston was awakened about 9 a.m. so he could prepare to go to the dentist. He didn't want to shower, he didn't want to get dressed, he didn't want to go anywhere. Well, finally I agreed to let him shower tonight, and he did get dressed. I got to the pharmacy and would you know it, but they had NOT called in his antibiotic. He cannot have his teeth cleaned without an antibiotic due to his shunt. Well, she was sorry, blah, blah, blah and could I hold and she would talk to someone, but I told her he was having major stress about the appt, then we get to pharmacy and the antibiotics were not called in. So I told we would just cancel today and reschedule later. He didn't really want to go anywhere and wanted to come home and stay home, and not even pick his daddy up from work. I knew if we did come home, it would be hard to get him back out to get Jr. at work. Now he can stay alone for a few minutes, but not in the mood he was in today. He has this thing about calling 911. He probably would have called it if I had left him here. So we went to some thrift stores, and I bought him and Missie lunch at Hardees and we managed to fill our time until time to get Jr. When coming out of Hardees, I had a black man approach us, saying his wallet and gas credit card had been stolen and he was out of gas, could I give him $2? I said no, I couldn't, shut and locked the van doors. He went to other vehicles for help.
So all in all, I am very glad this day is over and hoping for a better one tomorrow.
Norma
Sunday, March 6, 2005 9:23 PM CST
My heart is so full tonight. I was viewing another family's caring bridge page and the tears began to flow. Yes, it is a long hard journey with a sick child, but oh, so rewarding in so many ways. God has done so much for us. From the moment of Preston's birth, until now, God has been God! Preston should have died the first moment he was born, but he is now 16 1/2 and does so many things we didn't know if he would ever do. God is real! God is on His throne. He can do what no one else can do. Prayer works and prayer changes things. People all over US and Canada were praying for Preston. Today he can walk, talk, loves church, and loves God's people. Yes, he is mentally deficient in some ways, but we will never have the sorrow with him that other parents of teenage sons may have. My husband and I have discussed this frequently. When we hear of heartaches and sin that other teenagers get into it, we know we won't have to face that with Preston. He has a conscience and is so quick to confess to me, and ask forgiveness of myself and the Lord. What more could I ask for??? He loves church, and loves God's people. That is the highlight of his life, attending church, and seeing God move. God is so good. My heart is so full, I don't feel I can thank God enough for what He has done.
Today we didn't get to church. My husband and I were sick all night, and not able to take the children. Missie went with the little neighbor girl to her church, and Preston stayed with us. He was sad at having missed church, and would say things like, "Bro. Batton is teaching right about now." "It is almost time for the preaching to start." He truly missed it. I was sad because he had to miss. Getting dressed in dress clothes in a struggle for him. He calls them his "armor." I try to tell my Missie that everything he does is a struggle, whereas things are so easy for her. She has other battles though, of course. She has come through a very devastating time in her life for a little 10 yr. old girl. It has broken our hearts, but God has blessed her through praying with her, that she is coming through victorious because she has done the right thing. He has blessed her with more friends than she has lost. God is truly God, I cannot say this often enough.
Norma
Wednesday, March 2, 2005 10:19 PM CST
Hello, I am back.
Yesterday we had a field trip to a Christian radio station. We really enjoyed it. Last night God's Bible School was in Easley, so Missie and I went to hear them. It was almost 10 p.m. when we got home. Preston does not want to go to bed until I am home to tuck him in. So needless to say, he was pretty tired today. He worried some, then cried with tears rolling down his face. I told him he needs to let his daddy put him to bed and then when I get home I will go in his room and kiss him goodbye. But he didn't like that idea at all. He is more comfortable and secure when I am with him. With Jr. having to be gone to work, he is used to being with me. But I felt it was important for Missie to see these young people living for the Lord. Jr. works 9 hrs./day and doesn't feel like going anywhere in the evenings, as he has to get up so early in a.m. He just doesn't want to be around people in the evenings, but us, after being with people at work all day. He is a supervisor, so is in constant contact with people.
One of the little girls that Missie sat beside last night at the choir service, has been throwing up today. I pray that stomach flu misses our family! Preston usually ends up at ER when he gets it, as he cannot stop throwing up. God is able to protect our family from it.
So we will see what tomorrow brings!
Norma
Saturday, February 26, 2005 4:20 PM CST
Well, Preston seems to be doing better. We are so thankful for that. Yesterday we had 2 sets of company and he did great!
He is truly a mommy's boy! He wants me to be happy with him. He searches my face to see if I am happy with him or not. If I am not smiling, he will worry about it. We have a special bond. I have been caring for him for 16 1/2 years and he is such a part of me. I cannot imagine life without him.
Missie has had a big weekend. She was with 2 different friends yesterday and last evening. Then today she has been selling girl scout cookies with her troop and went home with a friend in her troop. Her daddy is going to get her soon. She has had an absess tooth since last weekend. But she is gradually recovering with antibiotics.
I am so thankful for my beautiful children. And so thankful that I have such a wonderful caring husband. God has truly us as a family, with harmony and love.
Well, tomorrow is Sunday, and always a busy but happy day.
Norma
Thursday, February 24, 2005 9:15 PM CST
Well, thank the Lord, Preston's physical is over. He did great for it. His blood pressure was good, but he had gained over 40 lbs. since the family dr. had seen him. He doctored Preston when he was 3 until we moved away to TN for 5 years, and is once again our family dr. We will get the results of the bloodwork next week. Preston has been irritable the last couple of days. Hope it is just stress from the appt. His stomach was upset tonight, so maybe he has a touch of something. That always makes him irritable and interferes with his meds. if he doesn't feel well.
Norma
Wednesday, February 23, 2005 2:30 PM CST
Well, it is Wed. already, and so far the week has been very good. Sunday we had a big day and Preston survived it all. He didn't even take a nap, but I did, on Sunday afternoon. We went to SS and church, and by the way, we have a new church, and we LOVE it. We still love the people at our other church, but there were some situations and a lot of things have happened, and we just had to work away from it. It is so peaceful at our new church, and we all love it. Missie has a little friend there, and she loves her SS teacher. Anyhow, after worship service, we went to Greer, about 30 min. or so from the church, and ate dinner with dh's aunt, uncle, cousin, and grandma. Dh's grandma was visiting there from TX and we wanted to see her before she left to go back. She has had cancer surgery since we last saw her, and was much smaller. She has aged quite a bit, but after all, she is almost 83. Then we got home about 3:45 and we rested, and I fell asleep. Preston woke me up at 5:10 and we got up and hurried because we were going to revival at a friend's church and it started at 6. So we went down there for church, and it was sooo good. Needless to say, Preston was wore out by the time we got home Sun p.m. but did soooo good with it all. Tomorrow he has a physical and then he and his daddy will go out for breakfast. He has actually lost 1.4 lbs. according to our scales at home. That is a good thing!!! But he doesn't think so. He thinks gaining weight is the best policy. Oh me! It is a struggle because he wants to eat so much and so often!
Norma
Thursday, February 17, 2005 8:40 PM CST
Well, we had an unexpected blessing today. Our favorite company came a little after lunch and stayed until 6:30. Preston was outside with Missie and the son of our company, all afternoon and evening until about 6:30. He enjoyed it so much. The stimulation is so good for him. I told him he will sleep well tonight from all of the fresh air.
I have made a decision about his schooling. In the state of SC you only have to be schooled until age 17. But I feel like he needs the schooling if no other reason, than to have something to occupy his mind. So I told him I will school him again next year. He seems satisfied with that. I am pretty sure, due to not being able to afford a private school, that Missie will be homeschooled again next year. So I will school them both, Lord willing. After that, we will see what takes place.
A troublesome neighbor came down here today, and Preston came inside like a raging bull and called her a troublemaker and she actually cried!!! She knows he is mentally ill, but she is too, and usually mentally ill people cannot cope with each other. It is a trial for me to have her come, but I try to be Christ-like and as nice as I can be. She had been living with her boyfriend and it had been so peaceful without her. Not that I agreed with that or wanted her to live in sin, but I had prayed for deliverance from her, and she was gone for a while. But she is back home now, so I am afraid my trouble is beginning again. I may just have to tell her she cannot come on acct. of it upsetting Preston. My dh cannot even stand to stay in the same room with her. She is not a wholesome person, and I have enough on my plate without her and all of her problems, and she always has loads of them.
Norma
Monday, February 14, 2005 9:51 PM CST
Wow, how time flies.
Preston is doing better.
The increase in his effexor for depression seems to be working.
We had a valentine's party here today. There were 3 homeschooling families here, with a total of 3 moms, and 12 children. It was lots of fun. Preston finally had enough and told them all to go home. I am glad they understand his mental illness and didn't take offense. But the party was from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or so. So that was pretty good.
All in all, things are improving.
Norma
Tuesday, February 8, 2005 10:04 PM CST
Hello! Today was not a real good day.
Mon. and today, Preston has stayed in bed for too long, and didn't want to get up. Then he seems very depressed, and wanting to die. So I emailed the dr. and we are increasing his depression meds. and see if that helps. He was doing so well on luvox and then they quit making the namebrand. The generic just doesn't do as well. So we have been in trouble every since trying to get a depression medication that will work.
I hate to see him like this. I hope soon we will see a change in him.
Norma
Saturday, February 5, 2005 9:48 PM CST
Hi, I have a huge brag today!
Preston, Missie, and a special friend (who is like our child, too) went to a play today. It was called Tuck Everlasting. It was about 2 hrs. long. Preston did super and really enjoyed it. This is the 3rd play he has been too. The first one was Helen Keller, then Little Women, and then today. He really enjoys them and gets so much out of them. Dh and I had a wonderful time together, for almost 2 hrs. We browsed some shops downtown Greenville, had some homemade ice cream, and just relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. It was a treat.
There was a time that Preston couldn't have done this. But he has improved so much with the anti anxiety meds, and they have made such a change in our lives. Thank the Lord for Dr. Weathers. He has been a lifesaver for us.
Norma
Thursday, February 3, 2005 8:44 PM CST
Well, today was not the day we had planned. We had an emergency this a.m and had to go to town. Now usually when I get tensed up Preston does too, and then he acts out and I have my own nerves to deal with as well as his. Well, today he did wonderful! I told him we had to go to town, and that I would take the kids out for lunch. We loves to go out and I figured that would help ease the stress of our having to go to town today. He did super! We got the business taken care of, then went out to eat. They were crowded in there and taking too long to get the orders out, and he still did great! We went to a thrift store after that, and he did great. Then to pick up dh at work, and never a complaint. I told him I was so proud of him, and bragged on him to his daddy. I wish everyday was this good. But he seems to be feeling better and that helps. Some days he just doesn't feel well. With all of his problems that is to be expected. But it makes him grouchy.
We also have good news from the neurosurgeon. There is enough tubing in there for now and maybe never will he have to have surgery to add to it. But at the rate he is going, I am thinking he may have to in a couple of years or so.
Weight gain is a problem. He is up to 190 lbs. I feel one of the medications is contributing to this, but we all need for him to stay on this medication. He is going to have a physical this month and we will see what the dr. says about the weight problem. He is so proud of his weight and thinks it is wonderful to gain weight. He loves to tell people how much he weighs!
Well, friends are coming up tomorrow and we are all going out to eat at Cracker Barrel. He is so excited about that, for sure!
Norma
Tuesday, February 1, 2005 8:30 PM CST
Well, I am back. On Sat. and Sun. we had ice and were homebound. We played games, baked cookies, just relaxed, but it put Preston off as he is not used to being home on Sunday all day. So we planned on Mon. (yesterday) to go to the library. Well, he got up grouchy and had a headache around his shunt most of the day. We did go to the library, 1 thrift store and to get dh at work. But he was so mouthy and aggressive at times. He just didn't feel well and I had gotten him up at 10 a.m. I guess he needed more rest.
Today was much better. But he is staying in bed too long. Sometimes he will stay in bed 13 hrs. I don't know what the answer is. I think it is depression, but we don't know what meds. to try next! He is talking again about wanting to die. He does better when he is busy. We do school, and then he wants to sit and rock. Well, friends were coming today, and he was glad about that. So he went to the mail box to check the mail and when dh got home, he rode with me to the post office. Then he took a shower and set the table for supper. Then from 6-7 is radio programs that he listens too. At 7, usually, we have family altar. Tonight we had guests so it was a little later. He and Missie played a game of uno, so he got the evening in. He has gobs of computer cd's but hasn't been in the mood for play anything! How to get him motivated is the problem.
Anyhow, we had a better day today, and for that, I am grateful.
Norma
Tuesday, January 25, 2005 8:45 PM CST
Well, thanks be to the Lord, Preston had his appt. today, with the dr. that SSI required and he did fine. It was at 5:30 this evening, which is a late appt. From 6-7 each evening, he listens to his radio in his room. He didn't get to do that tonight, but he was cooperative at the appt. and when he got back home. The dr. did say he meets most of the criteria for asperger syndrome which is a type of autism. We already knew that and it is in diagnosis at Children's Hospital in Greenville. But it was nice for this new dr. to agree. Preston was able to tell him about his mental breakdown when we lived in TN, and a lot of factual things. That is the way Asperger works. These kids can learn facts, websites etc. by heart, yet other things are hard for them to learn such as math, etc. At least Math is hard for Preston. Some asperger children can excel in math.
Anyhow, I am so glad it is over.
Thurs. at 12 we have an appt. with Dr. Johnson, the neurosurgeon. We will find out how soon Preston will have to have tubing added to the shunt. He has grown so much that he doesn't have any coiled up now in his tummy. We are dreading this surgery, as infection could happen and go up to the brain, and that is very serious. But we have the Lord to trust in. I am so thankful for that.
Norma
Wednesday, January 19, 2005 8:54 PM CST
Well, Preston has been stressed this week. Part of the problem is he had 3 dr.'s appts. scheduled for next week. I called today and rescheduled one of them, so now he will just have 2. One is to a doctor we have never been to before, but is required by SSI. So I will be glad when it is over. I get so tired of messing with the government. It is such a hassle, but he deserves SSI with his handicap, and when he gets 18 he can get his own check and it won't be geared to my husband's income. So that will be good, as he loves to eat out and he will learn about money hopefully.
Another problem is the colder weather. He doesn't want to go outside when it is cold. We didn't get out of the 30's today and to him that is cold. He did go out for a little while, thank the Lord, to wait for the mailman. He worries if he isn't occupying his time. We do school, but then he doesn't want to go outside or play games on his computer, and he rocks and rocks and worries and worries. It about drives me and Missie crazy, and dh too when he arrives home from work. So I have got to try and set up a schedule for him in afternoon to keep him busy. I haven't felt too well this week, and it is so hard when he worries and I am already feeling bad.
Norma
Monday, January 17, 2005 9:50 PM CST
Well, Preston told me today his neck is completely better. So we are thankful for that.
We were all tired today. We had a busy day yesterday.
We had church yesterday a.m. and dinner on the grounds afterwards, then home for about 3 hrs. and back to church at night! It was a good service. My best friend and her son came up in the afternoon; we were only home about 3 1/2 hrs. in afternoon. Preston loves having them come. Joshua and Preston have been friends since they were real little, but actually Joshua and Missie play more together now than he and Joshua. But he loves Joshua a lot! We needed each other yesterday! We don't normally get together on Sunday, but it was good that we did.
Due to our being tired and it being a holiday in the public schools, we took today off from schooling, but back to the grind tomorrow.
Next week will be busy. Preston has 2 appts. And I have to call tomorrow and schedule him a physical, so that will be soon too.
Norma
Friday, January 14, 2005 12:43 AM CST
Well, thank the Lord, Preston didn't get up until about 9 a.m. and his neck is some better. He rested well last night, and his face is not red like it was either. So we think he probably just slept on it wrong the night before. He is still tilting his one to the left side some, but the pain is much better, and I am soooo thankful. It is so scary to have him go through so many things. He gets very discouraged too. He said he asked the Lord this a.m. why He created him. But I told him he has blessed people, and that God gave him to us because he knew we would love him and care for him. He does to neurosurgeon on Jan 27 so if he is still experiencing some difficulty, we will tell him about it.
We finished school today, for the week, and cleaned house. We are waiting for dh to get home so we can go and pay bills.
Norma
Thursday, January 13, 2005 9:52 PM CST
Well, this a.m. Preston was up about 7 which is very unusual for
him. He came in and woke me up and said his neck was hurting, that
he had a crick in it. All day it has hurt despite pain medication,
and he has held his head to the left side. The thing that worries me
is that his shunt in on the side that was hurting. I hope the tubing
isn't kinked or something. Then this evening, his face was so red,
and dh took his blood pressure and it was about 160/100. We thought
we might have to take him to ER. We checked it a while later and it
had come down. He is sleeping peacefully right now, thank the Lord,
and I am so hoping and praying he will feel much better in a.m. with
this neck problem. If not, we will try and get him into dr. tomorrow.
So Missie and I have worried over him today! She gets angry with him
sometimes, but she really does worry over him and it tears her nerves
up for him to be sick in any way.
Any prayers would be much appreciated.
Norma
Thursday, December 30, 2004 5:48 PM CST
I have to share how well Preston did the week of Christmas. On Thurs. myinlaws came in for a few hours with gifts. They got here before 1 in the afternoon and dh didn't get home until about 3. Preston actually visited, and rocked, etc., and didn't get all upset because he couldn't open his gifts until dh got here! It is such an improvement! My inlaws see such a big improvement in him. He took Papa in his room and
showed him his stuff, and brought out gifts he had already received, etc. It was a nice time together. Then we all had Walmart gift cards, and I said, "Let's be reckless and go to Walmart." We NEVER do that in the evenings. So we all went to Walmart and he figured out what he wanted with his giftcard and then let us look for what we wanted. Missie said it seemed we were a normal family!
Then on Christmas eve day our former landlord came and got both children, from 11-2. She took them out to eat, and also had her son. Her son is moderately mental retarded and has dyslexia, and has been in a group home
most of his life. His father got him out when he turned 18, and he actually does well now. Anyhow, they all went out to eat, then she took them to the western wear store and bought Preston a $50 real cowboy hat. He is sooo proud of that. Then, believe it or not, they went to Walmart!!!
Dora said he did great! She confessed after they got back, she had been a little worried about taking him. But she was so proud of him, and we were too! She gave dh and I $20 and told us to go out and eat ALONE!!! And we did, and it was
wonderful!
Then on Christmas Day we went to friends. They have 8 children and the grandparents were there, too, so there was a crowd. But we stayed there for 3 hrs. and he did super!
We are so pleased with the improvements we see! It has been a long hard road, to get to where we are today. But it is worth it. He stills has his times, of course, and we still have to keep his life as stress free as possible, but it is much better. Except when he gets sick with a cold or something; then he is a bear, for sure.
Both children got lots of wonderful gifts; they were so blessed.
Also, the neighbor lady's church has a food bank. So the neighbors went and got us 10 lbs. of potatoes, bag of oranges and about 6 bags of groceries! We were so amazed. We received some gift cards as well. Jr.'s boss gave
him $100 gift card, he said he wanted to be sure our children had something for Christmas, since Jr. had had to miss almost a week of work when he had the lawnmower accident.
We were blessed.
Happy New Year to you all,
Wednesday, December 22, 2004 7:57 PM CST
Well, dh is better and back to work. Thank the Lord for that! Only will work 4 days this week and next, due to the holidays, but 4 days pay is better than none! The Lord has been blessing us this week. We were brought in about 6 bags of groceries from a food bank at Cedar Rock Baptist Church, where our neighbors go! It was such a surprise and blessing. Then we received a gift of money in the mail and that will go toward the house payment. God is so good.
Preston has had a cold. So he hasn't been the best! Sunday was a horrible day, but although there is at least 1 bad time per day, it is not an all day thing. But he has been anxious because my inlaws are coming in tomorrow to spend a few hours with us and exchange gifts. Anticipation of anything is hard on him. Then on Christmas we are to go friend's house. They have 8 children, and Jo's parents will be there as well. He is probably anxious about that, as he keeps asking if we are going. Missie is quite sick with a cold, and dh feels like he might be getting it. So we may end up not going anywhere. Time will tell.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.
Norma
Sunday, December 19, 2004 9:29 PM CST
Well, today has been a very hard day. In fact the whole week has been hard. My husband has an accident with the riding lawer mower. He was a hill, and the mower started rolling back, and he couldn't stop it and it went backwards over a 3 ft. wall made from railway ties. It threw him to the ground and the mower was standing up on its end. Well, for a couple of days he didn't feel too bad, but by Wed. he could not stand up straight and was in so much pain. So he went to our family dr. and they exrayed and it showed fractured ribs. One rib had quite a severe crack in it. All they could do was give him pain meds. He was to stay off for the rest of the week, and go back tomorrow on light duty. Well, things went so so until Sat. Preston started to get a cold. Then things begin to go downhill. He wasn't feeling up to getting dressed for church, so Missie and I went on to church, and Jr. and Preston stayed home. Well, I have been aching terribly all day, even my fingers. Preston started worrying because Missie is going with a family to volunteer at Salvation Army. He wanted to have an outing too, but we have no vehicle during the day. So he cried and cried and begged to have an outing, then would say he wanted to just stay home, then set in again crying. He was rough with Missie a couple of times, too. He didn't want any of us to go to church tonight, so we all stayed home. So it has been a rough day. I hope and pray tomorrow will be better and I will be glad when the holidays are over and we can get to our normal routine. Routines are so important to him. Sometimes we feel so alone in our situation. We are isolated from people for the most part, as we only have one running vehicle, and hardly anyone ever comes by to visit. Missie and I had a cry together. We feel so lonely sometimes. She and I need people more than Jr. and Preston. I know we have each other, but sometimes we feel the lack of family and even friends who will reach out to us, and it is understandable that people do not understand. So we are hoping and praying he will feel better tomorrow and I can have some peace when Missie is gone. I usually feel lost without her. She is like my right arm! So it will be Preston and I here tomorrow. Maybe things will be better.
Norma
Monday, December 13, 2004 7:36 PM CST
Well, things are not too good. Sunday Preston didn't do too well, I guess because of stress with going to another church on Sun p.m. for a program. He knew we were going, and he wanted to go, but to him, it was stressful. It is hard to make sense out of it all sometimes. Today was another not so good of a day. Hubby was home from work, with maybe cracked ribs, and our day was different, and then he was worrying over getting gifts in the mail from relatives. So we received a box today and he was happy, but tonight has been worrying again. It is all driving me crazy and I feel so depressed. I am always so glad when Christmas is over. I wish it didn't have to be this way. Things were better than some years until the last week and things got bad again. People don't understand why we are not at everything but if they had to live here for 1 day, there would be no frowns, no questions, nothing!!!! They would know we are doing the best we can in our situation. Getting to church is a wonderful thing for us. Other activities? We don't worry too much about them. My friend and 6 of her 8 children came over today. He didn't want them to come, but it went pretty good. He went outside with the kids on the trampoline and then came in and got his shower. She had brought hot dogs so I cooked them, and we all ate. Then after they left, and after our family altar, he started to worry again. But now he is in bed. Hoping for a better day tomorrow.
We are not going to NC for Christmas. It is just too stressful for Preston and in turn, myself. So we are just staying home and relax. Suits me fine!
Norma
Saturday, December 11, 2004 9:13 PM CST
It has been quite a good day. This a.m. Preston listened to stories on the radio. That is the norm for him on Sat. a.m. and he loves it. When that was over we left about 11:30. We went out to eat at one of our favorite places and then to a Christmas parade. And I had forgotten to take his afternoon meds. I keep anxiety meds. in my pocketbook, but has used the last of them yesterday, so there were none in there. But he did ok without them. There were a couple of times he was starting to worry, but overall did great. He and Missie enjoyed the parade and Missie got lots of candy. We were home by 4:30. Preston was getting his shower and the water stopped. He was covered in soap and our water went out. We are on city water and have to pay for it, and our neighbors were all without water too. So he had to get out and we tried to wipe the soap off of him the best we could. Later the water was restored, so the rest of us could take showers.
Tomorrow is church. The hardest thing for us on Sundays is getting up and ready to go and get there. We are not used to having to get up and get ready in a.m.'s. That is one of the joys of homeschooling. I try to go to bed earlier on Sat. p.m. so I can get up and around.
Norma
Wednesday, December 8, 2004 6:02 PM CST
Well, I am finally back. We have had some good days, and some bad days. This is the hardest time of the year for Preston. Having our Christmas at Thanksgiving has helped. But he has been getting all stressed out about some of the places were were to go; one of them being our church supper and chinese auction. So we decided to go out to eat as a family to one of our favorite places, and then take in a Christmas parade that is at 3 in afternoon. That way, we won't have to be out late on Sat. p.m. It is better for us to be home on Sat. evenings since we attend church twice on Sunday. This past Sunday we went to a huge church for a program called "The Price." Preston did great. He really enjoyed it. But the service was going kind of late, after the play, and we finally got up about 9:20 and left. Then on Monday he was stressing and worrying and it dawned on me it was probably the Christmas supper for our church. Sure enough, it was. Then it helped when we made plans to do something as a family instead. So we all give and take to have a happy home. Sunday we are going to our church in a.m and then to a friend's church for their program Sun. p.m. Twice on Sunday to attend church is the norm for him. He is lost if we cannot make it for some reason.
I love the holiday season, but it is always better when it is over and life goes back to normal, at least what normal is for us. It is a different kind of normal, LOL.
Norma
Friday, December 3, 2004 10:42 PM CST
Well, I am glad today is Friday, but we have a busy weekend coming up. I just hope Preston doesn't go into "shut down" mode. This is common for him. When it is time to go somewhere he will sit and rock and say he is not going. It gets very aggravating!!! Usually he will end up going. Tomorrow we have to go to a friend's for my husband to fix her heater. Then we have to get groceries, and then about 4:30 we leave for the Christmas parade. Preston and Missie are very excited about the Greenville parade. This will be our 1st year to go to the Greenville one. Then Sun a.m. we will be attending a friend's church for an awesome drama called "The Price." We go there each Christmas as they have wonderful programs, also at Easter. This is a busy time of the year, but we have to keep things as low key as possible to keep Preston's anxiety at a low level.
We are still homebound due to my car having blown a head gasket. But we did get to have the van for about 3 hrs. on Wed. afternoon. It was a real treat. We hit about 3 thrift stores and we enjoyed that. Preston did good. He loves looking in thrift stores, especially for computer cd's. That is his biggest obsession. Missie counted and he has about 70 I think. He just loves having them even though many of them never get played for months on end.
His laptop computer, bought by Make-A-Wish has been such a blessing!
Hoping for a good weekend,
Norma
Tuesday, November 30, 2004 3:06 PM CST
Well, I am back. Things are pretty smooth, with a few upheavels from time to time, in Preston's life. If he gets mad about something, then he starts to get aggressive. Today he and Missie were on trampoline and something happened to make him upset, so we had a few minutes of his worrying, wanting to die, etc. I got his medication into him and in a few minutes he was fine. Life is never boring around here.
We took the mother dog, and 3 puppies to the humane society yesterday. Missie cried but she is fine today. We kept the runt of the liter and she is working on training her to obey. The mother did not obey and was a trial in our lives. But she was Missie's dog and she loved her. Preston did fine with our taking them, but when I drove in from being gone, (I also had to go to post office) he was shaking his finger at me, because he thought I had been gone too long. But he didn't want to go, so it was his fault. I had stopped and got subs from Subway for supper so that pacified him, LOL.
I think having Christmas early has really helped. I don't hear about his gifts every day. That is a relief. He gets so anxious and would want to open them every day. But this way, he has them and is happy! So I think it was a good idea. I would like to surprise them and have them each a gift to open Christmas a.m. We will see how that goes. It is hard because Preston gets the mail every day and loves to do that. So he sees every pkg. that comes in. Sometimes I have them mailed to my friend, Norma's house.
Dh is back to working 10 hrs./day but we are so thankful he has a job. God has been so good to us.
I am trying to go off my effexor, for depression, due to it being $300/bottle. So far so good. I just hope I don't crash! I prayed for the Lord's help in trying to go off of this, and it only through Him I can do it. Without it, I relive Preston's problems at birth and for his entire life time and cry a lot. But so far I am doing well. Dh also takes it and is reducing his too. We cannot afford $600 for 2 bottles of medication. We miss our insurance.
Norma
Saturday, November 27, 2004 12:21 AM CST
Hello from the Watson household. We are all surviving this time of the year. Both of the children had a dr.'s appt. on Wednesday with Dr. Weathers at Children's Hospital. It was pouring rain on the way there, and the serpentine belt came off of our van. My car is still broke down. Well, dh was able to get to the hospital and while I took the children in, he was able to put the belt back on. The dr. asked me if I had refilled Missie's prescription since we lost our insurance. I said no. So he went and got a bunch of samples that will last until Spring. Missie is on depression medication. Close to the end of the samples, we are going to try and wean her off the lexapro. He also wrote no charge on her chart for the office visit! He said he wanted to help! The lexapro is over $100/bottle each month, so that helped so much for him to give us samples and to give us the office visit at no charge.
Then we stopped at a pizza buffet to eat supper and they wouldn't take my paypal card. So we were turning to leave and my friend, her husband, and their 8 children walked in and we were all so excited to see each other! They didn't want us to leave, so they said they would pay for our supper! It was a wonderful time of eating and fellowship! They don't live too far from us. They have been here a couple of times for supper, so they had mentioned taking us out to Ci=Ci's anyhow, and it worked out that night! People were looking! It took 3 tables to seat us all. 4 adults and 10 children. Their oldest is the age of Preston and Preston loves John. So Preston enjoyed his supper!
At his appt. he had gained 10 lbs. more, and the top number of his blood pressure was up. He weighs 179 lbs. and is about 5'5" inches tall. It is sooo hard to try and get him to cut back on food. He is an eater! But I will be honest. He was so skinny and sick looking for years, I think he looks much better now! I am going to try and post some pictures of his pictures when he was younger in the photo album.
We had a good Thanksgiving Day. It was just us 4. We had our family Christmas that day. I know it is early, but Preston has so much anxiety, that we thought we would try it this way. Then in Dec. we are hoping we can attend certain things to celebrate and he will be less pressured. Also Christmas evening, we want to go to our inlaws in NC and visit a church close to there that has a Christian school, and we are considering moving there to have a good school for Missie.
Well, I will update again when I get a chance.
Norma
Tuesday, November 23, 2004 8:39 PM CST
Well, we got through today. It was rainy all day. So the children were inside except when they went to end of driveway to see if mail had run yet. They did this a couple of times. We were busy all day rearranging furniture, and Preston always hates to change anything even if it isn't in his room. He did pretty good though, and we even got him helping carry books to put back in the bookcases that I and Missie had moved. The reason for the moving things around was to get Missie a little room of her own. It is little but we made the foyer that goes out on the back deck into a little room for her. She was so excited. Overall, Preston did pretty good with the day.
He is doing much better now that he is back on 1 effexor at night instead of 2. Tomorrow he goes to his doctor. So I will find out if we stay on 1 effexor or if we need to take him off completely. My guess is he will stay on 1.
My car is still broke down, so the children and I are homebound. That is very hard especially since my husband has been working 10 hr. days. I cannot see good to drive at night especially when it is rainy. But we are not sure how soon we can have the money to repair the car. Thank the Lord the van, even though it is older, has a smashed front fender, and has high mileage, is running. We are thankful that my husband has a job now. But he, myself, and Missie have no medical insurance. Medications are very high. There is a possibility that Missie can get on medicaid but not my husband or I. Preston has tefra-medicaid since he is handicapped.
Crazy as it may seem, we are having our family Christmas on Thurs., Thanksgiving Day. We are hoping this will help relieve Preston's stress so that we can all enjoy Christmas programs, festivities, meals, etc. that we will be attending. Both of the children are happy with this arrangement and they will be receiving gifts from family and friends in Dec., so it will all work out.
Norma
Saturday, November 20, 2004 5:01 PM CST
Well, things are much better! Wed. the dr. said to back off on the effexor, from 75 mg. to 37.5 for a week then quit it altogether. Well, for the past two nights he has just taken it once, and he is back to his happy self. What a relief that is. It must have been the 75 mg. of effexor was too much for him along with the other medications that he takes. So I am so thankful!!!! Today we left about 12:20 p.m. and didn't get back until about 5 p.m. and he did wonderful! He even said to me once, "Am I being good?" He will ask me that sometimes when we are out places. Initially, he didn't want to go away today. He goes into shut down mode when we are planning to go somewhere. But I helped him get his boots on and he did wonderful. I think we have stayed home so long that none of us want to go anywhere, sometimes. We are operating on one vehicle right now, until we have funds to fix our car. So! I wanted to update Preston's page this evening. I am so thankful to the Lord that he is much better.
Missie left last night for a girl scout camp over and then to a horse farm all day today to earn her horse fan badge and she really had a good time. It was a good get-a-away for her. Siblings of special needs children suffer too.
Norma
Norma
Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:17 PM CST
Please pray for us at this time. Preston was being switched from prozac (because he was always talking about dying) to effexor XR for his depression. Well! He is not doing well at all. Some of the old aggression is showing back up and the last 2 days has been awful. I was trying to get him into his room and I tripped and fell today and have carpet burns on my knee. I guess you all remember he is special needs and has a lot of mental problems. He also has mild cerebral palsy that results in a crippled hand, but he is 170 plus lbs. and so strong when he is like this. When I fell Missie came running and we cried in each other's arms. He calmed down then and later came and hugged me and said he was sorry and when his daddy got home, he confessed to him right away. This is the worse time of the year for him. The anticipation of the holidays and events that go with it, cause him great anxiety. So the dr. is taking him off the effexor and I am to call him Wed. and let him know how he is doing and he will decide then what to do. I was ready to put him back on prozac but the dr. doesn't want to until he is off the effexor and see what happens. I hope I live to call him on Wed! He is extremely tired too. He has been snoring and I have a feeling he has sleep apnea like his daddy and grandpa. But to have him on c pap machine would be almost impossible I think. To even have the sleep study done would be hard! Please say a special prayer for us over the next few days.
Thanks so much,
Wednesday, November 17, 2004 8:04 PM CST
Well, I am finally back, and this has not been a good day.
This a.m. went fine with schooling, and then Preston went to the trampoline. Well, dh drove in at lunch and this is not normal now, since he is at a different job. So! Dh had come home because he found out he had to work 10 hrs. and he knew we were supposed to go to the library, and my car is broke down. Well, Preston went into "shut-down" mode. He didn't want to get his boots on, nor did he want to take daddy back to work, nor did he want to pick him up. So needless to say, it was a hard afternoon. I have emailed the dr. about upping his effexor. In the last 25 days Preston has been taken off prozac and put on effexor XR. We are not up to theraputic level with that yet, so I think it is time for an increase. He has been more aggressive too. So I am hoping to hear from the dr. tomorrow.
Preston loves to be outside and on the trampoline. Even though he has mild cerebral palsy, he loves to jump a while, then lie down a while, and will spend hours doing this. Trampolines are relaxing for kids like this! It was worth the money to have one. Rainy days are VERY hard. He will sit and rock and worry usually. They are very hard for mommy too!
Norma
Sunday, November 7, 2004 9:05 PM CST
Today was not the normal Sunday. Preston had a sore throat last night and then this a.m. still had it. I had given him benadryl last night and I guess it carried over until today, which is the way cold meds. work for him. So he ate 2 cinnamon rolls and then laid down and slept this a.m. He normally loves church, but he didn't even feel like getting ready to go today. During the week he wears elastic waisted pants on Sunday he wears dress clothes, with a belt and tie and the works. He likes to dress like his daddy for church. But it is not comfortable for him. He calls it "armor" and I guess it feels like that to him. Anyhow, he stayed in all day. Dh is sick too, he has been coughing for about 2 weeks. He just started to recover, then he started Thurs. at a new job and is working in the dust, and I think it caused him to start coughing again. This evening Missie and I went to church with a friend. He worried some about my leaving, he usually does. He feels more secure when I am here, and is very attached to me. After the service I called him about 8 p.m. and then we went to the fellowship hall to eat. Well, I told him I wouldn't be late getting home, and got home at nine. He said he was very disappointed in me, because I was late getting home, LOL. When he does something wrong I tell him I am very disappointed in him. Now he says that to me. He is very conscientous where I am concerned, and never likes to disappoint me. He wants me to be proud of him. So that helps a lot with his behavior. If we go somewhere he will ask several times, sometimes, "Am I being good?" He is such a sweet boy! He will always be my baby!
My Missie is such a sweetheart too. I am so blessed. I never thought I would be a mommy, but the Lord answered my prayer to have a baby. Preston was our first child, and oh, what an experience we had! Then 6 years later the Lord blessed us with Missie; we hadn't planned to have any more children, but God had a different idea! She has helped Preston so much!
So we will see what tomorrow brings.
Norma
Friday, October 29, 2004 10:25 PM CDT
Well, today is a different day in our lives.
Dh got laid off today, as his plant is closing its doors. It is sad because he really loved the job and the people. The people cared about each other.
Preston seems angry at his daddy. I think he is angry because the job ended and his daddy doesn't have another job yet. Any kind of changes affect him. His daddy being home in the day time until he gets another job, will be a big change. I can handle that and love to have him here. He will help with the homeschooling, and I could get used to that :) But to Preston, it is a change and it may mean some worry due to money, etc. I have been talking to him about he is feeling and acting toward his daddy. So I hope it is getting through.
Today we had a nice afternoon. We actually all got to go in the grocery store as a family and the dollar store. Missie commented that it felt more like a family! For so long we were not able to do things together. But things have improved so much due to buspar, anxiety meds. that help Preston soooo much. It has changed our lives.
Well, that is my story for today.
Please pray about the job situation.
Norma
Tuesday, October 26, 2004 9:11 PM CDT
Well, today has been quite a good day. Preston does great until evenings. By then he is getting tired and starts worrying about things. Missie gets on his nerves. He absolutely hates the telephone ringing and my being on it. He said if he ever lives alone he will never have a telephone.
He seems excited about trip this weekend to NC. We are leaving Sat. to go to my inlaws in NC and will stay at their place, even though they are in IN. There are 15 plants up there and Jr. is going to see about work up there. A friend thinks she has found us a house to rent. The Lord will have to supply the money to move, if it His will. But we hope to transfer within the company so we can keep our insurance. We are going to a good church on Sunday and Preston is excited about that. We are eating Sunday dinner, Lord willing, with Jr.'s sister and family.
We just have to take soooo much stuff to go anywhere! Preston will take his laptop and cd's in case he wants to play some. Then all the meds., and clothes, and even food this time since there are no groceries there since they are gone away. And today I feel like I am getting, or already have the flu. Aching all over and feel feverish. The joys of life; just hope Preston doesn't get it. He doesn't do well with any kind of cold meds., it messes up his regular medication. My throat is a little sore tonight.
Hoping for a good day tomorrow,
Norma
Sunday, October 24, 2004 9:10 PM CDT
Hello, it has been a good day for Preston. He absolutely loves to attend church, and is loved by all there.
We have taken him off prozac and started him on a low dosage of effexor and we can already tell a difference! Thank the Lord for that. He is talking less about dying. It gets to me when he continuously rocks and says he wants to die. Years back he was on prozac and it didn't do too well for him even then. So I am glad we are able to try effexor.
Our lives have been disrupted because my husband's place of employment is shutting down. Fri. is his last day there. He thought he had another job but not sure of it now. With it being this time of the year and election year, people are afraid to hire right now. But there will be unemployment and some money is better than none. So it is a stressful time for the whole family. But Preston is holding up well under it.
His sister Missie, is 10. They have a special bond, although, like most siblings, they do fuss at times. Sometimes he is rough with her. But he will always apologize. I am glad for that. She has depression, as well. But the dr. feels it is because of the trauma of having a special needs brother. She has seen a lot; and watched his illnesses, and it is bound to affect her. We try to keep her life as normal as possible.
Hoping for a good week,
Norma
Monday, October 18, 2004 9:17 PM CDT
I am back, finally.
We stay busy with housework, homeschooling, selling on internet, crafts, etc. etc.
Preston is not doing as well. This is the hardest time of the year for mentally ill people. He has a lot of anxiety, and has been having depression. He keeps saying he wants to die. The dr. is changing his depression meds. from prozac to effexor XR so we will see how that does.
He does usually get on the trampoline each day, which is a stress reliever.
Please sign our guestbook!
Thanks!
Tuesday, October 5, 2004 5:57 PM CDT
Hello! Preston is currently 16 years old. He was born with a diaphramatic hurnea, and was put on ECMO. As a result of ECMO, he had a cerebral hemmorage. Literally, half of his brain is gone! He has had about 13 surgeries. He currently has: major depression, OCD, ODD, Anxiety, Asperger Syndrome, Lung Damage, hydrocephalus which is being treated with a VP shunt. He also has cerebral palsy. We are so thankful that he can walk! He has a crippled left hand.
In 1999, he had a complete mental breakdown which was a result of strep and possibly the overload of attending private school. He was in the psychiatric hospital twice that year, and it was one of the worst years of our lives. We were living in TN at the time, where we were pastoring. We moved back to SC and Children's Hospital in Greenville, have gotten him stabilized and he is doing very well.
Since his breakdown, he has been homeschooled. He is at about a 3rd grade level and his overall IQ is 49. People find this very hard to believe as he is so friendly and talkative, and is very smart in many areas.
I am hoping to meet other parents with children similar to Preston.
Tuesday, October 5, 2004 5:25 PM CDT
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