Call to Care: A.J.'s doctor appointment

[navygreen]

Following up on Step 2, today was A.J.'s complete physical. Dr. McNabb was very thorough and very attentive with us, and A.J. was very cooperative and cheerful throughout the examination. I must say though, it's very hard to convince a doctor that your child has violent mood swings and can become volatilely angry when he just sits there and is compliant and happy about everything he's asked to do.

*sigh*

The doctor really checked him over for the different signs of precocious puberty. He did an exam of A.J.'s "guy parts," and he looked for abnormal growth in those areas. He checked for underarm hair, etc. He ordered a "bone age" x-ray of A.J.'s hand; apparently, it's the best place to see the results of precocious puberty.

We talked for a good, long while. The doctor is mostly in agreement with me that A.J.'s masturbation is the way he deals with his stress. He said that as long as A.J. continues to do it only in the bathroom, I could hardly ask for anything better. He told me to continue to be open and honest if A.J. asks me any questions about sex.

He also did think it was extremely relevant that the two periods in A.J.'s life when his masturbation has surfaced, Philip was gone for a long deployment. As such, he gave me a consult for A.J. to see a clinical psychologist in Children's Hospital - I was overjoyed! I don't think we could have received a better referral!

Although A.J. was happy and fine before and during the appointment, all of the talk about Philip during the exam seemed to really get him down. By lunchtime, he was sullen and complaining of his tummy hurting - all he wanted to do was lay down and not go to school. *sigh* See? The mood swings. :-/ Therefore, I just brought him back home and didn't take him in to school at all. He laid on the couch and rested for a bit, and I'm glad that he did, because Philip then called! If A.J. had been back at school, he would've missed talking to him. He talked to him for a while, and immediately after, he perked right up again - wanting to go outside and play, eat a big snack, etc.

And that's it for Step 2. Stay tuned for more.

Comments

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Me too. Next up, Step 3.

[saffirebleu.livejournal.com]

That's encouraging news. *hugs*

Poor baby...he really misses his daddy. I'm so glad you kept him home from school today. Good call, Mom!

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

The up-down-up of his emotions and attitude today was really a 'smack-on-the-forehead' kind of moment. It was so obvious where the root of a lot of his mood swings lie. I wish we'd seen it so much sooner, though.

[saffirebleu.livejournal.com]

When you are caught up in the middle of a situtation, and you are heavily emotionally invested in the person involved, it can be difficult to see the obvious. Don't beat yourself up over it. ♥

[laciann.livejournal.com]

You're a very courageous woman to acknowledge your sons struggles and find him some help. It's so much easier to hide your head in the sand.

You'll be amazed at the difference a wise counsellor and a loving mother can make. He's got a lot going for him. He's going to be ok.

P.S. I LOVE the shades of blue you've used on your journal. Beautiful!

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Thank you, chick. A compliment coming from a mother that I think of as a role model is such an encouraging thing.

And thanks for the layout props - I love those, too!

[angelrose.livejournal.com]

I've just finished reading over the back filtered posts, thank you for including me :)

You are such a strong woman and great Mom, your doing everything you can to help A.J. I wish you all guys all the luck, and your continually in my prayers.

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, and thank you for your support. :-)

[prairie-chica.livejournal.com]

First of all, it's excellent and a huge blessing that the doctor was willing to talk so much with you, and was attentive.

So that's what bone age thingies are useful for. I never really paid them much attention, and they come in so rarely at work. Huh. Guess you learn something new every day.

Praise the Lord for the referral! And HURRAH for Philip calling! :D

[navygreen.livejournal.com]

Yes, many good things today. I felt very satisfied after the doctor's visit, and I'm anxious to get to the next step.

[kechara.livejournal.com]

i'm glad that the physical stuff seems ok, and hopefully the psychologist can help.

[mrs-picasso.livejournal.com]

I'm glad to hear about the refferral.

((hugs))

[taryns-mom.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you were able to get a referral to Children's Hospital and without having to "jump through hoops." When I read the "vague" posts, I was terrified he had been molested somehow. Although this is still a very trying situation, it must be a bit of a relief that it's hormonal and/or stress related. (I was out of town for the previous post and just went searching for it)

Please know that you and AJ are in my prayers. Nicole, you are such a strong and courageous woman -- never doubt that! Or that you are a wonderful mother! AJ is so lucky to have you in his corner!

**hugs, hugs, and more hugs**

[melissa72.livejournal.com]

You must feel so much better just knowing that the ball is rolling and that things are being done to try to help the situation. I'm glad that nothing jumped out physically as a problem. Sounds like the psychologist may be able to give some good help. And how wonderful that he got to talk to his daddy after having a stressful day!

[bigbrain61.livejournal.com]

Ho-rray for Nic and A-J!
They just became 10 People!
They just became 10 People!
Ho-rray Ho-rray Ho-rray!

[cateyes25.livejournal.com]

Glad the appointment went well and that's good AJ got to talk to daddy. I know that helped a lot. HUGS!

[shellseeker.livejournal.com]

That's good news. Sounds like AJ is really missing Philip, which is hardly surprising. Maybe it'll be something as simple as that which is causing the mood swings, etc. Well, not that Philip being gone is simple, but you know. I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

[thespis-mellie.livejournal.com]

Oh, good -- I'm glad he's getting some help.