THE SHADDOX BOYS

Jacob and Elijah Shaddox are brothers. Jacob is 21 years old and just moved into an apartment with his girlfriend. He graduated from a technical college with an Associate's degree in Computer Maintenance. He works for a school district as a computer technician. Elijah is almost 18 years old. He is hearing impaired, has Tourette Syndrome, OCD and ADHD. He is a junior in high school. Elijah lives with his mom Mary and her wife, his stepmom. Mary has a bachelor's in deaf education and a masters in special education, and is an educational diagnostician. Life is always changing and this blog has chronicled many of these changes and will continue to do so!






Saturday, August 7, 2010

Elijah's first small Tic Injury

Elijah's tics have been SO much better in the last few days. So much so, that I have skipped his afternoon tic medication. He takes it in the morning and I wanted to see if there was any difference between his tics in the morning and afternoon. Well yesterday afternoon, I noticed he had a scratch that started on his forhead and sent down to his cheek. I took a look at his fingernails and they were long enough for him to have left that scratch. One of his tics is slapping at his face and he must have scratched his face when doing this.

Of course, I clipped his fingernails right away and I'll keep a closer eye on their length from this point on. I'll also being observing his morning vs. afternoon tics more closely to see if he needs that afternoon dose. One reason I am trying NOT to give it to him is it increases his appetite and he has gained a lot of weight. I have noticed a decrease in his eating habits in the last few days. Again, it is all a trade off.

If a scratch is the worst injury he gives himself, then it isn't too bad, but I don't want it to get worse than that.

2 comments:

  1. I hope he doesn't do worse and thank God it was only a scratch!

    Some of my son's tics included punching his forehead super hard, over and over and over again, pinching/scratching/pulling his skin, etc. These tics come out when he's very upset and are so disturbing to see peripherally. To not say anything is even harder!

    We're still waiting on them to decide on a new tic med for DW as he's failed two of the "safe" ones already. I wish you luck.

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  2. Yes, I am glad it was only a scratch. I am sorry to hear DW has hurt himself before with his tics. I hope y'all can find a med for DW that works. Thankfully Elijah's tics have been better the last few days!

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