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Plink

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Posts posted by Plink

  1. Wait, what? He only had one set of baseline x-rays, and was diagnosing a curve change to “severe†based on a physical exam only?

     

    That is beyond odd.

     

    I’d look for a second opinion regardless of what you hear in two weeks.

    • Like 1
  2. (I’m fused T4 to L4 for an s curve) As others have said, growth spurts really can change curves fast, but the change can also slow just as abruptly. Change over time is only half of the equation with degree of curvature being the other half. Higher curves tend to progress faster, but that isn’t a guarantee. The “come back and check†process is necessary, and will give the doctor the info he needs. I didn’t catch your child’s age, but I’d expect that the process of making next-step decisions will probably continue for a long while.

     

    In general they try not to do surgery until after the body has completely finished growing. The alternative until then is to brace. I went through bracing for many years, and to be honest, it wasn’t a big deal at all. Sure it wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t noticible to most people, and it didn’t prevent me from participating in any activities at all.

     

    Are you going to your doctor’s preferred x-ray facility? Scoliosis diagnosis is dependent on those images, and some places are better at the process than others. Regardless of where you go, Your doctor will probably ask the rad techs to be more specific in their instructions the next time your son gets films done. In case they don’t communicate clearly, make sure to tell your boy that he needs to place his weight evenly on both feet before inhaling for the standing x-rays, whether he is facing front, back, or side. This helps to present a more consistent view of the curve. (Standing on one foot won’t make the curve better or worse, but it can complicate measurement) They may also take more films in general or ask for an MRI. That isn’t a sign of imminent danger, it is just part of the information gathering process.

  3.  Our religious beliefs mean that we neither accept interest, nor deem it permissible to put oneself into a position where one will need to pay interest.

     

     He doesn't think we are at a position financially to save money. He doesn't think putting $20 or $100 or even $300 into savings per month would really do anything, and thus, there's no point.

     

    Does he realize that by choosing to live paycheck-to-paycheck he is intentionally putting himself in a position where he will eventually be required to borrow money?  Living without savings isn't sustainable.  When he gets sick, his job is relocated, or he eventually needs to retire, there won't be enough income to sustain the family for even the basics. Perhaps you could appeal to his religious beliefs and ask him to view savings as a form of tithing - putting the money aside because it is what God has asked of you.

     

    Also if he is a visual learner, maybe this chart could help.  Saving a little when you are younger is much more beneficial than hoping that you will be able to save large quantities later in life.  http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/53ac75e3ecad0409062ad277-791-593/monthly-savings-chart-new-1.png

     

    That said, I agree that paying off high-interest debts is a top priority, and doing so will often save you more than putting cash aside.  To set your own mind at ease, perhaps compare the interest rate of the loan he is asking to pay, to the interest you would gain at the bank.  Personally, I'd want to be both paying off loans and saving, but if that isn't an option, comparing rates can help you to make a good decision.  You may be surprised to learn that his choices are based in fact.  

  4.  I think he probably is bored and may need more exercise, 

     

    The panting can be a sign of anxiety, but what you describe sounds more like over-excitement.  You know your dog.  He is schedule oriented and needs more stimulation.  He gets what he wants by pestering people in the house, and you can't change their behavior, so trying to train the dog on your own is impossible.  

     

    Use that information to your advantage.  Set up a new routine for the dog that gives him the challenge he is looking for, and that doesn't depend on the other humans in the house.  Have you tried any puzzles with your pup?  They are great for keeping a dog distracted/occupied for short periods of time.  We love this one for training puzzle beginners, but there are tons out there that are more or less challenging, depending on your dog's needs.  

    • Like 2
  5. Accommodations were the biggest reason for having our child diagnosed.  They have made participating in extra-curricular activities possible.  Just this weekend she was in a multi-state competition and was able to obtain a quiet area for her written test, a staff person to talk with her and make sure she understood what to expect since the schedule changed as each day progressed, and permission for a parent to bunk on-site.   

     

    As Paws said, having words to express the emotions they are experiencing is also a huge advantage.  

    • Like 5
  6. I'm sorry you are stressed out over what should be a fun event.  

     

    They are already invited.  If you must un-invite them (which would be horribly rude) your DH needs to be the one who does the talking to his family.  From the sound of your previous posts, that seems unlikely.

     

    Not to sound like a late night self-help infomercial but, you can't control your circumstances.  You can, however, control your reaction to it.  You don't have to think about the dollar signs for their meals - focus on the cause for the celebration and allow yourself to enjoy spending money on that cause.  Ignore them completely, excuse yourself to go to the ladies room if you get cornered, and stay above the petty fray as much as you can.

     

     

    • Like 2
  7. I'm not clear on what function you want this dog to serve.  It sounds like you are mostly looking emotional regulation, but you want it to be officially labeled as a service dog, not ESA, so that they will fall under the ADA protection.  Is that correct?  If so, you may want to consider a dog trained in interrupting stims or self-injurious behavior, or perhaps in boxing out (basically, keeping people a reasonable distance away so that their person can avoid becoming overwhelmed in crowds).  

     

    If there are any balance issues involved, I highly recommend BASK.  We have friends who work as puppy raisers, and they work diligently to make sure that the pups are well trained before the official training for disability-specific skills evens begins. 

     

    The wait list is generally very, very long for service dogs, so get on several lists sooner rather than later.  Also, you may want to consider the time involved.  Most service dog organizations require you to visit their facility repeatedly so that they can train you.  Depending on the organization, there also can be regular check-ins to make sure that the dog hasn't declined in their skills, and that the handler is keeping up with the dog's rewards.  

     

    Good luck!

    • Like 3
  8. No - You knew this was going to be our answer, and needed support to stand strong, so here it is.  

     

    No

    Never

    Not for any reason

     

    You are worth more than his abuse and control.  Your time is worth more than the effort you've already put into googling someone you dislike.  Your child is worth more than anything else in the world, and they deserve to have a mom who is at peace.  

     

    Don't allow yourself to overthink this.  

    • Like 4
  9. Is it possible to hire a tutor 2-3 times per week for the subject he struggles most with?  That has saved my relationship with my ASD child.  

     

    Also, wherever you can incorporate his current obsession into the lessons, do so.  Music and math go very nicely together for word problems, and I'd even play it up for showing his work - writing music without writing it down means that nobody can replicate the beautiful piece.  

    • Like 1
  10. Didn't read all the replies yet, but I have a question:

     

    Do you think that the requirement to teach state history (in 3rd and 7th here) influences how much emphasis is placed on understanding the Civil War?  

     

    Here in the north, lots of emphasis is placed on early colonies simply because that portion of history is accessible.  Classes can take a tour of pre-revolutionary homes or tour the burial place of the Salem witches, but there are hardly any Civil War monuments, so teachers don't have the opportunity to fold them into their lessons.  Teachers are able to share a deep connection with the men of Bunker Hill, because they allow them to hear the stories repeated with passion by docents standing on the very soil those soldiers died on.  Intentional effort is focused on making sure that the knowledge of "our" state is deeper than the knowledge of all others.

     

    In the south the local landmarks are focused on a different time period.  Teachers are able to give their students a deep understanding of that period because they can stand on different battlefields listening to equally passionate docents discussing a different time period.  Then they can go back to the classroom and write reports, draw pictures and otherwise expand on that knowledge, deepening their own knowledge of their "us."

     

    All throughout our lives we are constantly driving past bits and pieces of history, be it old buildings, monuments, or battle fields.  Familiarity feeds the part of our mind that is always sorting (be it for good or for ill) people and places into a general "us" and a general "them."  Intentionally spending time learning about "us" cements those sorted piles ever more firmly.

     

    I'm not sure whether I'm asking for anything to change - being ignorant of what happened in your own back yard seems just as dangerous.  I guess I'm just saying that it seems natural that there are differing views, and we need to be gentle with one another.

    • Like 5
  11. It is a form of disfluency, similar to stuttering.  Many boys go through some form of this.  Their mouths are moving faster than their brains, and sometimes the wrong words fill in the gaps.  Some kids spend a lot of time saying "um" or "well" and others just swap words.  

     

    The general consensus is to treat it like stuttering.  Avoid drawing attention to any mis-spoken words.  Also, check the language patterns in your house.  Make sure that you are making eye contact during conversations and not interrupting.  Slow down your own speech, so that he doesn't feel like he needs to rush his own to express his thoughts.  

    • Like 3
  12. As the parent of a child with autism, I know how dramatically life changes with simple injuries.  Sending you hugs and virtual chocolate.

     

    In this case, I wouldn't go to the doctor. I would just stick to the Benadryl routine since you know it keeps him comfortable, (setting a timer to make sure that you stay on schedule) and keep an eye on the wounds.  If he tolerates band-aids, try covering the ones that are easiest to reach.  I would expect to see the covered wounds begin to improve quickly.  If after the weekend they are looking worse rather than better, then it may be time to see the doctor.

    • Like 1
  13. I've never lived in a house without a basement, and didn't even know it was possible until my sister moved off the east coast.  

     

    I love my basement! We use it for storage of holiday decor and as a pantry. It is where my kids' swing hangs, it is my exercise room, my husband's brewery, and my son's workshop.  The basement is where all of the sports equipment lives, and it is where all of my bulky cleaning supplies are housed.  

     

    More importantly, my sister lost her house to a tornado, and quick access to the basement is what kept her and her children safe from the destruction raging above.  I am a big believer in basements!

    • Like 1
  14. Cork is wonderfully warm, and much softer to walk on than wood.  You can get commercial grade finish on the surface if you are still in the "destructo-kids" phase of life.  Since you have a slab floor, floating plank would be the best way to go.  

    • Like 1
  15. To meet the parents bring a bottle of wine to the pool (leave DH at home with littles) and ask to join them.  Talk about everything and anything other than the changes you want to make.  Invite them to meet again soon for s'mores in your backyard, a movie night, or whatever, and just get to know them.  Do this repeatedly.  Eventually you will learn who the group leader is, and you can mention your concern for the little ones.  Hopefully they will agree with you, and the two of you can spread the word together.  

     

    The golf-cart issue, however, I'd drop.  If there is room to maneuver around, and you are going slow, I don't think it is a problem.

    • Like 8
  16. My older daughter, however, has no shot as a professional. But would like to teach dance one day. I was told by the music director, who doesn't get much say in casting, that she was cast as a dancer before auditions this time. 

     

     

    Older DD is a decent singer and good actress. Younger DD is a good singer and great actress. 

     

     

    My older DD just got a part with no lines and no singing at all. She is a dancer. It is the 3rd time she has had no lines. 

     

    My younger daughter has faired a little better. She has always had a least one line. 

     

    Since the director decided before auditions, I'd assume that she has cast your kids based on her years of knowledge of their strengths.  It sounds like your older DD truly shines as a dancer, and she has aspirations to follow this path.  If that is the best way she can benefit the group, giving her the time to focus on her talent and build that resume makes sense.  

    • Like 1
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