Update...

I had Jake at the doctor last week and managed to get his Ritalin dosage increased from 20mg Long Acting, to 30mg Long Acting.  There's been virtually zero change in his behaviour or work and after numerous phone calls and e-mails to his doctor, we have made the shift from Ritalin to Concerta.  

I don't know too much about Concerta, only that it takes longer to take effect (up to an hour) and that it lasts for 12 hours.  I'm not sure what it's side effects are, aside from that it might make Jake struggle with sleep a bit more, as he will only come "down" much later in the day.  I am hoping that this doesn't negatively affect his appetite, as Ritalin does.  Today, he's taken just 27mg, so it might not be enough and we are on a 10 day trial.  By mid-next week, the doctor said that we can re-evaluate and try the 36mg.  I already have the script for this.  Jake starts exams next Friday, so the timing on this is not great, but at the end of the day, who's ever going to ask him how he did in his end of year exams in grade 4?  I'd rather have a happy boy, then an A-student.

On another note, I have actually taken Ritalin this morning.  I've been dying to try it out, but don't like dipping into Jake's supply and running the risk of not having enough for the month.  When I was in Sub-A (now Grade 1), my teacher tried to discuss putting me on Ritalin with my mother.  My dad was not well at the time and my mom wasn't prepared to discuss this with my teacher because she just had so much to deal with already.  I think back when I was in Sub-A, Ritalin was an unknown and the stigma attached to the medicine was ugly.  It meant your child had issues.  And so I leaned to cope.  I managed to get average marks and by the time I finished school, I passed Matric with a C aggregate.  Not too good, not too bad.  Considering that I literally did not open a book for exams, I think I did pretty well.  I obviously listened in class and absorbed what was taught, because I did zero on my own.

So today, I've tried Jake's meds.  I know that I shouldn't have, but I did.  I probably should've tried a lower dosage too, but jumped straight into the 30mg LA.  I do feel a little shaky, but I cannot even begin to explain how quiet my head feels.  I can usually hear blood pumping in my ears and the buzzing when it's quite is loud.  I can't hear those things today.  I have also managed to clear out two wardrobes this morning before work and have got a ton done in the office.  I can type faster and more accurately.  I am here.  100%.  I've learned to live with whatever's been happening in my head until now and I will carry on without taking anything, but I'm utterly amazed!  And I can't help but wonder what I would've done with my life if I had been given these meds while I was at school...

Thank you to everyone who's left comments of encouragement and support - you guys are amazing!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Love Sue XXX

PS.  I've just had an e-mail from Jake's teacher and she says: "

Jake has already been to me to say he’s feeling “much better” today.  He is finishing one of the first again, not talking and volunteering answers and help – he hasn’t done this in quite a while.  From what I have seen today he may have to take the 36mg but the Concerta seems to be a positive turn around."  Can you hear me shouting for joy?  I am so relieved and so happy, what a wonderful way to start my weekend! Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-hoooooooooooooooo! :o)