I think Ethan (9) and Abigail (almost 6) are really starting to be more affected by Hannah’s disease now, especially after this last 911 ambulance/ER visit. Unlike the first time, Ethan and Abigail were in the ER room when Hannah was being worked on, and they saw/heard much more this time. Last time, they showed up after Hannah had fallen asleep and was just being monitored for a few hours.
Ethan started freaking out a little bit when Hannah’s O2 saturation started falling even though Hannah was resting quite comfortably. He started crying and panicking, but it turned out the probe had just fallen off her foot and wasn’t working any more. We lied to him and said that in the future he doesn’t have to start panicking until her number is in the 60s (of course, we would be in FULL panic mode if that ever happened). But at least if he sees the 80s, he knows that it isn’t perfect and she needs help, but she will still be okay with the oxygen.
Abigail is showing signs in other ways, particularly in her need for attention, playing “doctor” all the time and using all the phrases and procedures that she has seen Hannah go through. She acts more numb to it than Ethan does, and she seems to just soak it all in and keep it to herself.
When I saw Dr. Bhakta, the kids’ pediatrician, this morning, I mentioned this to him. He is going to see if TCH’s Childlife program has any help for siblings of children with diseases, as they usually just help children who have the disease. He also thinks that we should probably look into some psychological help for Ethan and Abigail for what I am assuming is because of the progressive nature of this disease. I can’t imagine what it is like for them seeing paramedics and ambulances having to work on your baby sister as well as knowing the other “special needs” she has.
Carrie,
We have had Cameron in counseling to help him deal with Brooklyn’s disability and it has really helped. There is a man named Don Meyer who is known for his sibling support programs. He has books on the subject and runs sibling support workshops around the country each year. You might want to goole his name, or even just sib shops to see what you come up with. I am sure there are probably sibling support groups somewhere in the Houston area.
.-= Laura Romero´s last blog ..One Door Closed =-.
Hey Carrie,
Although I’ve been reading your blog rather regularly, I haven’t commented for awhile and wanted to let you know I was still following your family. I’m sure Ethan and Abigail will handle this with strength as you clearly have bestowed upon them your virtues. What a different way to look at the whole issue…through their eyes. Obviously, you know it is serious, they know it’s serious by your reactions and the whole thing just stinks. Maybe a good therapist would be helpful….
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..The Proof is in the Poop =-.
Hey Carrie,
I understand your concern for Ethan and Abigail. With all that Samuel goes through, it breaks my heart to just think about how scary this has to be for Lauren. Lauren has recently started seeing a psychologist that focuses on families with children that have neurological diseases. She’s really awesome and Lauren loves her. She has a very good understanding of the entire toll the disease takes on the whole family. Her name is Dr. Ginny Fullerton… I highly recommend her!
Missy
.-= Missy Knight´s last blog ..January 6th… then and now =-.
I think it is defintely a good idea to get them into some type of counseling or group therapy. Talking to other children who are dealing with it and/or freely expressing their experiences and feelings would be helpful. You’re a wonderful mom for recognizing how everyone is dealing and coping. I hope you’ve taken a nap recently and/or treated yourself to something. Enjoy the rest of your week.
.-= Petula´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: View from a 4 year old =-.
You are strong for your children, which is important, but counseling or a support group would also be great for them. When my 8yo special-needs son started to go into cardiac arrest out of the blue a few weeks ago, it affected my 9 & 5yo more than I thought. My 8yo went to the hospital in an ambulance, but was home w/in 48 hrs (no definite cause found). But little things started emerging over the next few weeks, but it wasn’t until after much reassurance that they relaxed.
Luckily children are resilient and yours will be fine. You have the most important thing, and that is talking to them honestly!
I agree that counseling can be a great thing for kids. After issues with my mom, and then my dad’s death, Karina saw a therapist who specializes in play therapy. I can’t tell you how good it was for her.