For the first time in a [b]very[/b] long time, I am actually feeling happy happy at the moment. I just got home from our appointments with the new pdoc. And let me tell you... I am VERY impressed with the woman.

My hour with her was first. She actually listened to what I had to say! She didn't interupt me when I was talking nor did she try correcting anything I said. She put me on Cymbalta and Topamax. She even went over the pro's and con's of both the medications.

GFG's appointment followed immediately. DH picked GFG up from school and brought him up there. Again, she actually listened to what both DH and I had to say!!! I didn't say a word about GFG's pediatrician having mentioned ODD through it all. I told her what med the previous pdoc put GFG on. Half way through the session she stated... and I quote...

Quote:
Your son does not have ADHD. I can see that right now just from sitting here watching him and listening to your concerns about his behavior. Your son has a conduct disorder. I am going to put him on a mood stabalizer (sp?) and we'll slowly take him off the ADHD medication to see how he does.

She's put him on Depakote. She also gave me a couple of forms to take to his teacher to fill out within the next three weeks as well as a couple of forms for DH and I to fill out during that time as well. Also, she sent us home with a whole stack of information and papers to read and such about ADHD and, more importantly, conduct disorders.

During GFG's session, I had told her about what he'd done to the kitten (long story that only very, very few know). She asked him why he had done so. The last appointment we had with the previous pdoc, he had said something about GFG's brain. I can't remember what exactly he'd said. Anyway, GFG answered her question by telling her... and I quote...

Quote:
My brain told me to.

My jaw dropped open a little and my face got a look of sheer confusion. I had never heard him say such things before. He kept insisting that his brain had told him to. The pdoc looked at me and I merely shook my head and shrugged my shoulders. Before the end of the session, she got down on her knees, literally, in front of GFG, took his small hands into hers and told him...

Quote:
I don't want you to use the excuse that your brain told you to do something anymore. You think about what you need to do. Count to five and then do it.

So then, after the appointment was over, we (DH and I) took GFG back to school. His teacher came out into the hallway to talk to us. I gave her the papers from the pdoc and let her know about the medication switch. I also told her some of what the pdoc said. I am so very impressed with GFG's teacher. She's simply amazing. She's been wonderful from the start.

I think we're finally on the right track with helping GFG. I'm actually feeling happy and satisfied for the first time in a very long time!!!

Notes - Translations for abreviated words...
GFG - Gift From God (aka the problem child)
DH - Dear Husband
pdoc - Psychiatrist

Edited to fix errors x.x