ADHD and My 4 year old

United States
October 5, 2010 10:28am CST
My four year old has had ongoing hyperactivity issues since she was about 2 1/2. Of course all doctors automatically assume its Adhd/Add. Anything to help the FDA right? She's gone to 3 different specialists, and finally one noticed how she was breathing. "Ma'am, has she always breathed through her mouth?, Is she always this nasal? Have you ever listened to her sleep?" At first I didnt know what this doctor was getting at, until he took me back to his office and read me an article about Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea, in simple terms, is when a person stops breathing at night for a period of time, causing lack of "good" sleep at night. In turn causing hyperactivity, aggressive and defiant behavior. The next statement came as quite a relief, since I had been trying to convince the Pediatrician to look forward into her "sinus" problems before. "She may need her Toncills and Adnoids out." Of course before we took drastic measures, I had to perform a sleep study on her, and take her to a ENT Dr.. Sure enough, my little girl stopped breathing at night, (also snoring is a good sign of Sleep Apnea). A week later we were sitting awaiting for the surgeon to take her back her back for her T&A. About a week after recovery we all are still amazed with the transformation of our child. I kept asking myself, "I wonder how many kids are being drugged up on Unnecessary medicine, when it may be something as simple as they aren't sleeping well causing their actions." My child went from the kid who didnt listen to anything ANYONE said. Running out into the woods as soon as I turned my back. "No, I'm not" was her favorite phrase. Unable to concentrate or complete any task. And running around in circles for 90% of the day, not being able to sit still. I'm so very thankful for Doctors who consier alternate options, rather than handing prescriptions out. This all happened about 6 months ago. She is doing amazingly. Still a bit defiant...But what kid isnt? I now feel confortable letting her around other kids. Letting someone else babysit her, without the fear that I'm coming home to a wrecked house and a Babysitter saying " NEVER AGAIN. " Just thought I'd pass on a few words to those parents who have children diagnosed with ADHD.
1 response
@shira0524 (482)
• United States
5 Oct 10
This is really interesting. It's amazing what people can find out by getting a second opinion. Some doctors, I really feel, have lost their love of the job and just treat what they see and no longer look for answers. Looking for answers is so important in medicine, though! I'm glad you were able to find the real reason for your child's behavior. I have ADD as well, and I am medicated for it, but I was not diagnosed until I was an adult. At first I didn't agree with it and I ignored the diagnosis, but I spent a lot of time researching on my own and now I know that yes, I do have this. It's made a big difference in my life, knowing myself better, and why I am the way I am. I also have Aspergers, too, and I just think keeping an open mind as to the whys and hows of how we tick is really important to get us all to the point where we can function our best.
• United States
5 Oct 10
I truly believe some doctors diagnose, just to diagnose. Some doctors are overbooked and don't have the time to look further into the problem. It was a fight to get a second opinion, but I'm truly thankful I did. I'm truly sorry about your diagnosis. you have an amaxing mindset, and I can tell you are a fighter. Just keep fighting.