I was inspired to log in following months of absence after hearing enough from adults with Tourette Syndrome who think their TS is the same or as easy to manage as others. I never jumped into medicating my son, so when I hear others bragging about not being on medication, it is bothersome.
The fact is that Tourette is very individual-based. It varies in tics, disorders and severity. There are plenty of moms who can relate to the common factors associated with TS, but each of our children are unique in some ways.
There are those who do not struggle academically and those who have great challenges. It took many years to fit the pieces to the puzzle, but before then my son struggled a great deal academically and socially. It was out of necessity that we resorted to medications, not because we had nothing better to do.
It is great that individuals with TS can be successful in society without medication, but it is wrong for anyone to assume they know what is best for others based on their own personal experiences. No one knows my son more than I do, and my son knows himself more than others with TS.
My son cannot easily function in a classroom or be in large crowds without the help of medication. It took many years to find a combination that helped take the edge off of his disorders, which in turn has alleviated the more complex tics he had before. His tics are mild, but I would have never medicated for just tics unless my son benefitted.
It is not supportive when others judge and assume medication is a crutch. Some individuals with TS or their parents should consider that they do not know me or my son and it is best to keep their expertise to themselves. It would be great if my son never had to take medications, but it is just not an option so far.
If in the future my son feels he does not need medication, I hope he is correct. For now, I will do what is best for my son. My son feels his medication helps relieve some of his challenges and has been clear he prefers medication over none. My son and I are not weak for using medication.
In a “perfect” world my son would not need the help of medications and in our not quite “perfect” world, we are glad to have the option. I will not assume I know what is best for others and appreciate the same in return!
Thank you, Jennifer, Agreed! It is the quality of life all around for everyone in my son’s life. I don’t see the concerta advantage because it has worn off by the time I see him or not in his system when I need to drag him out of bed in the morning, but it does help at school. There are other that balance him out. Many people don’t understand that it is tricky balancing both sides of the brain when it comes to receptors. He has more than one medication because they work together. One tweak can throw everything off. It took many years of trials to find the balance we have. We are thankful and so are his teachers. :)
If a child needs a “crutch” in life to get a first rate education and to get to 18 emotionally sound, then she/he has a better chance at success, as an adult, financially with a loving family to boot. Think about it…you probably still remember that kid in 5th grade who tormented you. People spend 60 years trying to get over the first 20 years…why is it bad to help make those first 20 years worth living, even with a crutch?
Thank you Melissa, Yes, it was quality of life and primarily having to do with succeeding in school from the beginning. My son was not able to stay on task and got overwhelmed with a room full of children. His social skills were hurting badly and he still does not quite fit in. Therapy only helps if there is impulse control which is not the case, either. His behavioral challenges were worse when he was younger, but he has his moments and is a teenager, now. :)
I agree! No one knows your child better than you do. Of course we don’t want to put our child on medication, but you must consider quality of life!