LB gave me roses today, but that was not my Big Valentine's Day Gift. The gift was for him to be the contact person for the week, when the school calls to discuss the ongoing concern of Olive's bowel habits. Naturally, Olive's psychiatrist did not get this memo and I was fated to spend a good chunk of today focused on the issue of Olive's inability to make ... good chunks.
Apparently the changes in diet, medication and the negative blood test results have not changed that Olive needs to spend too much time in the bathroom at school, to the detriment of her learning and socialization. At home she does her business in a solid and timely manner, but she's a much different person at school. I was under the impression last week had been much improved -- an upward trend, a harbinger of good bowel movements to come --- when it was more like a good snapshot in an overall bad film.
I am trying to view this as a difficult chapter in a very long book, a wind-sprint in the marathon of understanding and helping the complicated little person that is Olive. I am trying to find humor somewhere, anywhere, in this situation. Benny Bell helps a little. But I don't think the roses are what I'll remember about Valentine's Day, 2012.
Well, Happy Valentine's Day, anyway.
Posted by: Barbara | February 14, 2012 at 12:59 PM
happy valentine's day!
i wonder if olive might be reacting to something at school that she's not exposed to at home; my niece has mild mcs and things like dry erase markers, scented soaps, and residue from pesticide spraying can do her in.
although it olive's only issue is gut, it might be gluten cross contamination. not everyone is reactive to the miniscule amount of gluten in cross contamination, but some of us are; i once held hands with my husband after he ate a sandwich and wiped his hands on a hanky, then i ate some g/f crackers. oh boy, oh boy was that bad.
with children it can be hard in shared spaces since there can be crumbs on the floor, sticky fingers that transfer gluten from a snack to toys, etc.
lots of vibes headed your way!
Posted by: Carys | February 14, 2012 at 02:33 PM
Hooray for roses! Boo hiss for the latest episodes in Olive's story.
Thank you for the song. I recognized it from your blog title.
Posted by: Heidicrafts | February 14, 2012 at 05:36 PM
sorry - can't help you on this one girlfriend. If you could find the answer and solution to why my 20yr old has decided to throw his life down the toilet for one not so savory girl...then I shall find a solution for this said problem of yours - DEAL???
Posted by: Debbie | February 14, 2012 at 05:36 PM
Another Valentine's day with the sweet and the sad.Hope they find the key to Olive's problem soon.
Posted by: Irma | February 15, 2012 at 07:49 AM
Oh, and it was looking so good! I'm going to think about what your mom said---the sweet and the sad. Let's keep muddling through and hoping for better times.
Posted by: Tamara | February 15, 2012 at 08:43 AM
Yes, raising a special needs kid is definitely more of a marathon than a sprint. One day at a time... pace yourself.
Posted by: quiltyknitwit | February 15, 2012 at 07:53 PM