World War 3

Or maybe the civil war? Not sure which war, but every morning is a battle at our house. And every morning as I drive away from Sabrina's school I feel like I have PTSD.

Sabrina has been battling with her emotions, leg and arm pain, and stomach upset. So knowing that Sabrina has also had at least one tick bite we decided to have her tested for Lyme. The results were actually inconclusive. I am sure if I had not lived through the last 7 years with Noelle, that would have been the end of it. However, I have, so I called a LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor). Actually she is a nurse practitioner. She said that at least two of the bands that Sabrina tested positive for are Lyme specific. No way we are letting that go, so Sabrina is in treatment for Lyme. This currently involves two antibiotics (liquid since she is unable to swallow pills), fish oil, and a probiotic. We are trying to include Vitamin C but it isn't really happening.

Our mornings now feel like a repeat of mornings with Noelle when she was 11 and 12. Neurological Lyme is well known to have effects on the brain. (duh, that's why it's called neurological!) I think mornings are especially difficult because sleep is so important when you are fighting an infection. Honestly, the whole thing is so confusing. Especially with Sabrina since she also may have issues from her malnutrition as a baby. The dentists have discovered that it definitely has effected the enamel on her teeth. At some point they will have to actually build up or cap her front teeth as the enamel never formed properly. For now we are dealing with multiple fillings.

Our mornings are full of skirmishes. Getting up, is a battle. "I'm tired, my legs hurt..." And, yes, we have tried earlier bed times but she doesn't fall asleep until well after we have put her to bed no matter when we put her to bed. Last night I think she was up for over an hour after I put her to bed:/ Then comes what to wear. Her school has a uniform so you would think that would be easy. Nope. We found a loophole. She can wear any skirt/dress. But she has a very particular fashion sense and it is very hard for her to be pleased with her appearance, especially on school days. Next is hair. Oh, wow!!! Braids were pretty easy. You get it done and you are good for like two weeks. But she doesn't like braids anymore. I am unsure if it is her caucasion family or her mostly caucasion school but she wants long straight hair. And she loves to brush it. So we finally got it relaxed. That means that we have more options and we are rarely happy with it and might very well become unpleased with it on the way to school and rip out our ponytail holder!

Then we have to try to force down some breakfast, which she doesn't want. Obviously breakfast is good for everyone, but she really needs it because she is supposed to take two antibiotics with breakfast:/ And surprisingly liquid antibiotics don't taste very good and can upset your stomach. Then comes teeth. Nope, don't want to.

EVERY little thing is a battle! And her mood changes at least ten times between the time she wakes up and the time she makes it to the school door.

Do I discipline more? I don't know. I know she is honestly dealing with emotions beyond her. Her legs probably do hurt. Her stomach probably hurts.

She had her first counseling appointment this week. I am hoping the counselor can give her some skills to think before she speaks. And to control her emotions. To find some balance between high and low. To settle the anger.

School is a battle as well. We had a teacher mandated conference this week. Oh, joy! Scott and I have not had a chance to discuss the conference at length but his reaction was, "how did you like having a 23 year old tell us how to raise our child?" Yep, we are having fun!!