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My meeting with the principal and vice-principal last Friday went fairly well. Seems there was a significant lack of communication that contributed to the "tone" of the email from the vice principal. I got to hear how they had really treated Cam with kid gloves last year - gave him a break "maybe too often" (their words) - and are disturbed that he was recently overheard saying, "I don't have to do my work in class - they just pass me anyway."
After finding out about this comment, they decided to put a thumb on Cam (something I've requested all along - consistent accountability) and are now surprised that he seems a bit defiant and uncooperative. I think this is most frustrating because I spent last year telling the school they were NOT doing Cam (or themselves) any favors by letting him "get by," now they are surprised and frustrated that it's biting them in the ass? Hello?
After finding out about this comment, they decided to put a thumb on Cam (something I've requested all along - consistent accountability) and are now surprised that he seems a bit defiant and uncooperative. I think this is most frustrating because I spent last year telling the school they were NOT doing Cam (or themselves) any favors by letting him "get by," now they are surprised and frustrated that it's biting them in the ass? Hello?
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I mentioned last week that I've decided to consider "better living through chemistry" options for Cam. We went back to the doc on Tuesday to get his blood work results and guess what? He is anemic - his red blood cells are too small and he has a significant iron deficiency (FAR below the normal range). Not sure what the exact cause is, but diet is likely the greatest factor. I'm working on increasing the iron content in his (our) diet, reducing iron blocking foods (milk, eggs, etc.) and serving vitamin C rich foods with every meal (to aid in iron absorption). He's on an iron supplement now as well.
Interesting enough, symptoms of low iron levels include depression, fatigue, listlessness, impaired learning and cognitive function, ADD and ADHD type behavioral disturbances, poor memory, decreased attention span and increased distractibility. Until we get his iron levels into a normal range, there will be no consideration of any other meds.
Interesting enough, symptoms of low iron levels include depression, fatigue, listlessness, impaired learning and cognitive function, ADD and ADHD type behavioral disturbances, poor memory, decreased attention span and increased distractibility. Until we get his iron levels into a normal range, there will be no consideration of any other meds.
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Found this self portrait of Cam on the camera when I downloaded my HNT shots this week. I have no idea how he got this (this was straight from the camera - no editing), and although it has a bit of a "dark" feeling to it, I like it for the emotion it shows.
(*CLICK* to big it)
(*CLICK* to big it)
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Speaking of HNT, I had a bit of a change in self-perception yesterday. Usually, when I post an HNT shot, as I look at it throughout the day I become more and more critical of it. Picking out the flaws in not only myself, but in the composition of the photo as well. That didn't happen yesterday. In fact, the more I looked at the photo, the more personally detached I became, and the more I was able to see the beauty in it. Odd feeling - very odd feeling.
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27 comments:
first of all your son is beautiful. I am so glad you are going the dietary route for *thing*
I also at one time was severely anemic. I found out when I tried to give blood...they rejected me.
I increased red meats, Vit C, vegies and within weeks it was better. I had many of the same symptoms as your son does. I was in my 30's however...the tiredness, listlessness...and I could not pay attention to anything. I still have my OCD...that's another story LOL, but it's amazing how things cured themselves...
we are always our worst critics..that's why I don't post many pics of myself...but I will say that you look amazing in that pic! Own it honey! :)
I hope all of this leads to better days for Cam...and you. Good Luck, Dana.
As an aside, when I was a kid, any vitamin that contained Iron made sick to the point where I would toss my cookies. I had to stay away from Iron supplements. Cheers!!
Oh hey...was that...yes it was!!! That was a corner that we just turned!!!! YAY! I'm so glad that you can finally appreciate your beauty AND your talent. You have both. You should be so proud of how your photography and lighting skills are rockin' these days!
As for the self-portrait of Cam...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! Very talented and lots of drama and emotion in that pic!
I have been on iron supplements for a 3 years. The lack of iron absolutely has physical side effects which should be fixed before any thought of other meds is considered.
Everyone should have an advocate like. Cam is very lucky to have you in his corner - though as a teen, I doubt he tells you that too often. :)
*sweet*, thank you! What I would do for his eyelashes! I was actually somewhat relieved that I was given a chance to address Cam's issues with something other than a methylphenidate. We'll see if this helps.
Matt-Man, I'm a bit concerned about the iron supplement as I know it's one of those minerals that can really be difficult for the stomach to handle. So far, he's not had any issues *fingers crossed*
RLL, I'm not sure that I turned the corner quite yet, but I definitely am headed around it! Drama *giggle* That was the word I was looking for in my post!
Iron that boy up!
Anemic? Oddly that is some pretty good news. It's not that hard to get back on track and it really does change behavior. I hope it really helps Cam with life overall.
Karen, I was really glad I approached this the way I did. It was funny - the doctor seemed to expect an argument from me when he said he would not prescribe anything other than the iron supplements until we were able to rule that out as a cause. I was THRILLED!
Micky, sending him to the garage now to chew on some engine parts!
Knight, it really was good news and I hope a contributor to the issues.
I love Cam's self portrait. He has a beauiful face. And he seems to be talking right to the camera. Pretty cool when you think of it - they rarely look anyone in the eye at his age. Staring at the camera while shooting your own portrait is a bit raw. Hell look who I'm telling.
I hope the school learns what consistency means.
If Cam fights you on any of the food additions e-mail me, I have the cook book that has recipes for ways to disguise veggies in other foods.
Iron deficiency is a leading cause, and it's good to see that you're actively taking a positive approach to fixing this aside from drugs.
Most parents that I've seen have "too much to do" to be bothered with changing a routine or diet, so they ask for some kind of drug, and then wonder why their kids don't adjust well at school!
My hat's off to you for actually BEING there for Cam, instead of joining the mindless masses!
Oh, and he definitely has your eye for artistic expression. That picture is absolutely haunting for the intensity of emotion!
Not only that, but it's also good to see you coming to terms with yourself as well!
Welcome to the age of self acceptance Dana!!
"better living through better eating" has always been my motto...include plenty of sleep, water and exercise and you can do no wrong!
Dianne, Cam often takes pics of himself (must be the age), but I was quite surprised by this one. The cookbook ... is that "Deceptively Delicious"? I thought about checking that one out from the library.
Jormengrund, I have been battling the ADHD med situation for many years and was actually pleased to find that maybe - just maybe - I won't have to go that route!
DB, I will admit to cooking many of the same meals with little concern about their nutrient value. This forces me to be a bit more aware, which is good for all of us!
I'm glad your meeting was productive :) I think you are totally on the right track with the diet thing. The chapter I just read for my class was on ADHD and from what I read you are doing all the right things for that sort of problem. (I am making an assumption that Asperger's Syndrome has some similar symptoms).
That is a good self portrait. Interesting lighting nad no background, cool.
I'm glad that you are able to see some of what we see in you and your HNT images. Since I didn't comment yesterday I'll do that here.
This one certainly rates in the top 3!!! There are so many thing I like about it, The lighting, the focus, the pose. Well done Dana!!!!
I'm glad you found out about the anemia.
He is a beautiful (can I say that about a boy?) or at least very handsome kid. I wish him the best.
Oh, and I hear ya about HNT. I do that sometimes, too but I kind of liked mine yesterday lol. I kept looking at it thinking ya know, that's pretty cool for just a spontaneous random shot! :P
this sounds like a lot of good news from way over here....
you're doing a good job "Mom"
with the HNT shot....sounds like you were seeing the "art" I still think it is one of the best you have done.
I forgot to say something about Cam's pic. At lot of kids take self portraits to share on the internet with friends and potential dates. They usually suck. Cam really captured beauty and he probably has no idea. The mix of the tough attitude and the beautiful youthful face is almost shocking. I would have assumed you took the picture. He must have inherited your artistic eye.
Popeye wouldn't be very happy about the iron thing...
Great shot of Cam!
Really? Iron defficiencey does all that???? DANG! Maybe that's what is wrong with me! I did buy some vitamins that I keep meaning to start taking, but I keep forgetting!!!!
And wow, I love the self-portrait of Cam. I guess great photography runs in the family, huh?
I really like the pic of Cam.
dana - yes the book is 'Deceptively Delicious' - definitely check it out - the recipes are so simple. I've been adding a cauliflower puree to mashed potatoes and a carrot puree to burgers and meatballs and everyone has been asking what the great new ingredient is.
Wishing Cam better days ahead, in school and in health. He is so handsome. I love this picture.
I am so glad you had the blood work done. Too many folks forget that our bodies really need that good stuff. I hope that is the answer for him and for you.
I love it that you can see what we see.
Glad you found about about that deficiency and may have found the root casue of his issues. Good luck.
Now, that picture! Wonderful... love the light. Your son has lovely eyes.
Ritalin was a minor miracle to our youngest son for a few years. We had a strict and cautious doctor, a caring school system, and we were heavily involved, to say the least! He was never on it after school, week-ends, or vacations.. it worked for him!His grades, behavior during class, and actually getting to use his intellect while focused was good for his self-esteem..
Love Cam's photo.
And blah on the school system! Seems they are all shooting themselves in the foot these days trying to follow ridiculous federal mandates!
thanks for the update. Glad to hear that you were able to get on the same page with the school (or they were able to get on your page!).
I agree. The more I look at your picture, the more attractive you are ;)
That pic of your son *amazing*.....framable, but definitely a keeper. (the pic, obviously your son is...gah, sorry)
I'm glad the meeting seems to have gone ok. Keep on them, you are doing great!
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