.5 mg

We did the ADHD evaluation yesterday and as we are in Madison and use University facilities, we had three docs working with us. I was grateful that one of them understood the results of living in an orphanage for five years before coming home. This was a blessing (I never used to use the word blessing so much. It has been rolling off my tongue lately.) Two of the docs wondered whether her PDD diagnosis was correct (Pdd v. delay in development cause by neglect), but we've always known that. They felt that her behavior suggested that ADHD could be part of Julia's challenges, and so prescribed medication. (One young, very earnest doc, patiently explained that I should consider what we are doing as giving medication, not drugs. I have to suggest but it sounded like he had been well school by drug manufacturers.)

Last night, we started Julia on .5 mg of Guanfacine. In a week, she will take .5 mg twice a day. We wait to see any change. None yet this morning, but none expected.

Julia did charm the three docs. She has that ability in spades. It is amazing. Of course, as she met each doctor, she made sure that they were not going to give her shots. She spent a good deal of time doing very impressive drawings, and at the end, gave a picture of a large cat to one of the docs, telling the docs that it was a picture of the doc. Julia has never done that before.

We have this four day weekend to start the medication.

More about David. He has had a heart condition that has been controlled by drugs, um . . . medication for a few years. Transplant was described as possible at some time in the future. We were shocked when the docs suggested that the time was now. Madison is a great place to be for a transplant as our heart team is very good. David has been very pleased with his care since he has been in Madison. We read the research and reports and expected that listing for a transplant meant a wait of six months to two years, but because of David's build and his blood type, his docs are saying that they may find a heart for him a lot quicker than the average. This is great but scary, but I can't imagine that any time would be easy. Now, I hope it is soon so that we can begin the journey after-transplant.

As for the why of David's condition, both his mother and her father had heart conditions which were responsible for their deaths in their 50's. There is no way to know if they had the same condition that David has, but the ability to figure this out did not exist then. We can only surmise.

I am sure it will happen at just the right time.