Obviously there are concrete diseases, disorders, and disabilities, like Cancer and Down Syndrome, to name a few. My issue is with labeling social or emotional behaviors. Why do they need a label? Can't we just address the behavior? Sure your hyperactive kid might need additional intervention, but do we have to label him as ADHD in order to address the behavior?
This has been my humble opinion for my entire adult life.
Until recently.
When I was having issues with my eye swelling shut, I went to the doctor. We treated the symptoms. The symptoms went away. However, it kept coming back. Turns out I had something called Meibomian Blepharitis.
Because this weird phenomenon had a name, I was able to do research on how to prevent it. In short, my eyelids over-produce oil causing the glands to clog overnight, which is what caused the swelling. Each night I would wash my face and use eye cream. Apparently that cream made my eyes even more oily. Now that I've stopped using it, I have more crows feet, but no swelling.
Getting more to the point of this post, as you know, my Livi hasn't eaten in 9 weeks. We've called her stubborn and crazy (among other not so nice names at times), but those are terms of endearment, not labels, right?
So we've been treating the symptoms, by taking her to feeding class and working on making eating not so scary for her, even though we didn't fully understand the issue.
After five weeks and a lot of testing (and a bit of denial on my part), it turns out there is actually a name for what Livi has- 'Sensory Processing Disorder'.
It's pretty complex, so I'll spare you the details (since I've already written a novel). But, I'm actually relieved to have something to reference so I can better treat her condition. For me, knowledge is power, so I bought three books today that I think will really give me some good insight.
I'm thankful that she can be helped.
I'm also thankful that things could be worse.
I'm grateful she is otherwise happy and healthy.
And grateful that it has a label.
4 comments:
Wow, what a fight of your life! I have been wondering how the eating has been going! I love and support you, keep trying. You are a great mother!
If it makes you feel any better, I quit ballet when I was 6 because my brothers told me I was wearing a 'Reotard' instead of a Leotard.
I'm glad you have a name to put with this mysterious eating thing. Lots of luck.
Mel, thanks for coming to my boutique and supporting me. Also, thanks for being my cheerleader with the cops!! What a joke, thank goodness it all worked out. You should talk to my sis-in-law the next time they are over and we are all being crazy in the back yard, because her almost 2 yr old has something along the same lines as livy. I'll let you know. It might be good to talk to someone close that knows how you feel
Sorry about the 'Smelly Melly With Jelly in Her Belly' thing.
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