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Hey ^Da Funky... I just wanted to say OF COURSE you are feeling down and depressed... look at everything you are going through...you have had no time for yourself and you have not had a whole lot of good news lately. I also have special needs children. Both my sons are adopted and both their BMs (birthmothers) used drugs. I remember going through many of the same tests (for Chase my 3yo) you are going through now. He had muscle tone issues (possible CP) severe reflux, sensory issues (Still a big problem...but greatly improved), sleep issues, hearing testing, speech delays, lack of tracking...etc etc etc. He also had tremors and we had to do that stupid electrode test where they glue the probes into his hair (yuck!) When he was first placed with us (he was 2 months old) he could not calm himself...still can't very well. He would never take a pacifier..it did nothing for him. He would get so overstimulated that all I could do was to sit in a completely dark room and rock him. He would start screaming about 9pm and would scream (and I mean SCREAM) until he would literally pass out around 12-1am. During the screaming, his body would overheat and he would then have tremors. We started having to put cool damp clothes on his head with a small fan blowing to keep it cool. I think if I had not been in 'new mommy euphoria' that I would not have been able to do it and stay positive. Sleep is still a huge issue for him. He has done PT, OT and currently gets speech therapy and sensory integration therapy. he will be moving up to the school district in a month (when he actually turns 3) for his therapy and will be in a developemental preschool etc.

I just want to let you know that I 'feel' ya! I am always here if you wanna shoulder to vent scream or cry crying (or SLEEP!) on! smile but most of all don't feel bad for feeling down...I know I sure did for a while..plus it is the holidays and that added stress will make anyone get down. You are a supermom!!! mrgreen and just hang in there K? once they get a DX it will be all downhill from there...it's the not knowing that's difficult.

ben is ok....actually, i'm not sure really how he is............he is so fussy, he still cries when i feed him, and he's throwing up a lot of his food lately.....i thought he was over his sore throat, but i'm not sure becasue he seems fussy.....one of the mothers here said she took her soon to an ear nose and throat specailist because her son is having problems eating, like mine, and he snores......and mine does too....it turns out that the kids aenoids (whatever you call them or spell them) in his throat are too big for him, and that's why he's having problems, it's very typical in down syndrome kids.........so i'm wondering if ben has the same problem........and i have an appointment to see the specialist, but i have to wait until dec 6......i am going to go see a doct for him on wednesday though......sort of as a consultation visit........the occupational therapist wants to try a liquid thickner for ben because we also think that his milk is coming out too fast for him.......*sighs*........there's just so many things.......i feel so overwhelmed.........i actually broke down and cried today.....*sighs*......but hey i'm doing better crying

*hugz ya back* thanks so much for listening...... that would be scary, so far i haven't noticed ben not breathing......and that would be so scary,...........ohh.....and erik's lucky to have such a super wonderful mom like you ......thanks for the support.......i'm so glad i can relate to you.......*hugz ya agian* i'll let you know when i find out....i'm so tired.......i should go to sleep and get some zzz's.......

I am new here, and hopefully am doing the posting right!
I am a mom of 3 *normal* teenagers (well one does have ADD issues) I am also a childcare provider and have done care for a few special needs children. I have been to a few special needs classes and was surprised to find so many resources available. Those of you with special needs children really need to dig to find all that may be available to you in your community. Don't just assume that your doctor is familiar with everything available. An example.....in a city close to me there is a program which offers an evening out once a month for parents of kids with special needs. It is run by a combination of trained staff and volunteers. It is free to parents. The list goes on and on. I'm sure each state/community is different, but point is there are things out there if you can plug in to the right programs. Hang in there!

so how's erik been this weekend? eveyrthing going ok? and how are you?