I’m just the mom

If you’ve been arou d the block with me, you know that one of my kids is on medication for mental health issues. That medication is not a cure, but in his words, “it makes my head calm.” It makes it so he can concentrate easier, think more clearly, and allows him to pause and make choices. He has therapy twice a week plus psychiatric care since he’s on medication.

We came to the medication decision after literally years of discussion, research, and prayer. He has a growing body and growing brain. We take his medication rather seriously. We expect others to do the same – especially his medical providers.

Last week I ran out of meds. There weren’t any refills. I called the psychiatrist. I got his nurse. His voicemail etc goes through her since he has patients most of the time in his office. I told her the problem. “But I see here he has an appointment next week. ” “Well, yes he does. But he doesn’t have enough pills to make it.”. “I’ll tell the doctor, but I’m pretty sure he’ll say ‘no’.”

I knew he’d say yes. This medication is working, we’d not discussed taking me off, and he’s been very clear he trusts my parenting instincts. When I didn’t hear back, I knew what had happened. The nurse decided she knew what was best. When I called back she told me I would just have to wait to talk to the doctor at our appointment. “Oh don’t worry, I will.”

I had a feeling that she never talked to the doctor. Sure enough, I get there and he didn’t know he was out of meds. And the reason? Because she didn’t put the refill in the system to begin with. He checked that because he specifically didn’t want us without meds. So, yeah. I totally got he in trouble. And he then told me how to get around the gatekeeper to get straight to him should we have trouble in the future.

It is so rare, as a special needs parent that I’m feel vindication. I think I’ll bask.