Respen-A Or Not Respen-A?
by Steve West on April 19, 2010
We got a prescription for the aforementioned drug and have been administering it to Olivia for one month now. The results are pretty mixed. There have been no side effects apart from some minor appetite issues but also not a whole lot of observable benefits. Not a lot but a significant few. Olivia seems to be slightly more aware of her world than before. She is somewhat more focused when performing tasks and turns her head to identify noises as opposed to ignoring them as in the past. Her world is now more than just a three foot sphere of influence. We got an additional two month supply as it was recommended that a trial last for a minimum of two months.
Her vocabulary has expanded by a few more words and she apparently has mastered a few school tasks by rote memory. She memorizes a lot of things that I previously would not have expected and has learned a few more tasks previously unachieved. She types using a standard keyboard but only to copy text not generating original thoughts.
But, and this is the rub, how much of this is attributable to the medication and how much is just the natural maturation process? The progress is enough to continue the experiment. At least for another few months.
The cost is manageable, although the hundreds we have paid are yet to be reimbursed by our insurance and the supplements she has to have are cumbersome to an already finicky eater. But she physically appears to have nothing adverse happening. Brenda and I are maintaining enough enthusiasm to continue the efforts required. We'll continue to observe and do our best to make unemotional judgements.
Three Replies to Respen-A Or Not Respen-A?
Scott Hardie | April 20, 2010
Agreed. This is good news! If the drug did help, could Olivia lose some of the gains that she made if she went off of it, or are the improvements permanent? Every patient is different and this drug is brand new, so who knows. I think Amy has the right attitude; progress is progress. :-)
Jackie Mason | April 23, 2010
[hidden by author request]
Web Junkie
Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »
Sages And Fools
UOAS has been wonderfully absent from the grocery for the last month. Paradise only lasts so long, however. UOAS: (Eyeing the 3 lbs of sirloins on sweet sale) That's a lot of steaks, having a barbecue? Go »Father's Day Memories
One of the greatest gifts I ever received was on my twelfth birthday. My Dad gave me a small box with a note inside. It read, “Son, this year I will give you 365 hours, an hour every day after dinner. Go »Dumb Celebrity Quotes
Anyone can say something stupid every once in a while, of course. But the celebrities featured on this website sure seem to make a habit of it. Only one quote per customer but they probably make up the usual suspects in the dumb quote hall of shame. Go »Brenda's Diet Diary
Dear Diet Diary, As a Christmas present this year, my daughter, Lauren (what a thoughtful darling), bought me a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in reasonable shape since being a high school cheerleader 40 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Juan Antonio (ooh what a name) who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. Go »She Obviously Wants To Outsource
Recent conversation with Brenda: Brenda: After getting a new toilet, I'm seriously in the mood for a new bathroom. me: Oh, really. Brenda: Yes, really. Go »
Amy Austin | April 19, 2010
Sounds pretty good, if not promising. And hey... whatever the cause, progress is being made, right? And without any apparent side effect, too. This is good.