Update about my son

JayAre · March 22nd, 2007, 13:28

Just thought I would update some things that have happened with my son. Some of you know that he has Autistic symptoms. We have switched to a new doctor and in the last few months he has done lots of tests. First was an brain MRI came back- normal, than blood work and dna test for Fragile X syndrome-normal, biopsy for sileacs(sp) diease last week tests not back yet and next week a neurological exam overnight at primarys in SLC to see if he has seizures. I'll be able to attend the test next week.
I guess that I have been in denial that it couldn't happen to my son but it appears more and more that it is autism. Stemming has occured more frequently and meltdowns also. The doctor wanted to rule out any possible health problems before moving to the next phase of tests.
Both the wife and I are worried that the baby on the way may also have it, but all the stats show that boys are more likely to have it than girls and no correlation between brother and sister.
One option that I have been seriously considering is asking for part time work with my current employer, and be home more often. I'm lucky enough that I still can work for the family business when home. So I can still make money when not flying. Anyway didn't mean to bore ya

fly22 · March 22nd, 2007, 13:35

So sorry to hear it man. So sorry.

Kristie · March 22nd, 2007, 16:29

Just make sure you get ALL the tests done so the diagnosis is conclusive...i've heard about some cases being called out as some type of disease when they're actually something else.

eastbayk · March 22nd, 2007, 16:41

It sounds like you are going through something very difficult right now. But the sooner you determine what the diagnosis is, the sooner you can find the right sort of help for you son.

You should definetly look into part time work. I bet your family probably wants you to be there as much as you do.

Good luck with everything.

kim

JayAre · March 22nd, 2007, 18:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristie

Just make sure you get ALL the tests done so the diagnosis is conclusive...i've heard about some cases being called out as some type of disease when they're actually something else.

I know there just seems so many it never ends, one after an other.

Kristie · March 22nd, 2007, 18:47

true but try keep the glass have full, each test that's completed with a diffinitive answer brings you closer to the end of the tests and the right diagnosis. I'm sure it's not easy but don't try to speculate too much because the right test results will lead you to the right tools to help get him stabilized...

aloft · March 22nd, 2007, 19:43

Things may seem bleak, but Autism is not the end of the world; a friend of mine's daughter has Autism, and while she's a challenge at times, she's brought them just as much joy as their non-Autistic son.

cezzna · March 23rd, 2007, 11:32

All kids are here for a reason and I feel your pain. I've been dealing with autism for two years now and once you get over the grief of the diagnosis you soldier on and make the best of it. I love my son and have come to appreciate his quirks and differences. Try and get a flying job that gives you lots of home time. You can do this. I juggled a divorce where I had to take custody of my kids, autism, nanny, and a flying career. It gets better.

JayAre · March 23rd, 2007, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by cezzna

All kids are here for a reason and I feel your pain. I've been dealing with autism for two years now and once you get over the grief of the diagnosis you soldier on and make the best of it. I love my son and have come to appreciate his quirks and differences. Try and get a flying job that gives you lots of home time. You can do this. I juggled a divorce where I had to take custody of my kids, autism, nanny, and a flying career. It gets better.

You really learn to appreciate the good times and hold on to them. I'm stoked to take him fishing tomorrow. He can't really talk but you see it in his face and he signs how excited he is. Last weekend he picked out three different lures and a new fishing pole to use.

My wife mentioned how high the divorce rate is with parents and children with autism. We have beatin all the naysayers, no one in both our families gave us a year. Will be married 4 yrs in Aug.

What type of flying job? Corp/Airline/Frac?

tinman · March 24th, 2007, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayAre

What type of flying job? Corp/Airline/Frac?

Best of luck with your son. While I don't know which would be the best choice for jobs, if you want to stay in SGU, we should hook up. I'll be back and forth between SGU and BUR this week. I'm trying to get down on tues. for a checkride, but back in SGU by the end of the week.

cezzna · March 24th, 2007, 15:46

Corp works best for me. I'm gone about 80 nights a year. To me home time is worth way more than money. There are some plumb Gmetal jobs I could shoot for with more money but I want to maximize my home time. Whatever works for you. I considered getting out all together but can't replace my income doing anything else.

TaterSalad · March 24th, 2007, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayAre

What type of flying job? Corp/Airline/Frac?

I don't know if my job is the norm for our segment of flying, but maybe you can look into air ambulance flying. We're home every night 99% of the time, and work about 14 days a month. The downside is, you'll probably work both nights and days on some sort of rotating schedule, and be on a pager. But our guys with families stick around purely because they're home with their families every night.

JayAre · March 25th, 2007, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaterSalad

I don't know if my job is the norm for our segment of flying, but maybe you can look into air ambulance flying. We're home every night 99% of the time, and work about 14 days a month. The downside is, you'll probably work both nights and days on some sort of rotating schedule, and be on a pager. But our guys with families stick around purely because they're home with their families every night.

I have several in utah that I have a eye on already

Kelly · March 26th, 2007, 15:16

I work in the medical field, in Neurology in fact. I feel for you, I'm sure you are pretty frustrated at times. It not easy because its not like there is a blood test or something that can give you a definite diagnosis... I know that would drive me crazy. But many many kids with autism function very highly, etc. Best wishes to you and your family, you are in my thoughts.

ready2fly · March 28th, 2007, 16:41

Thoughts and prayers, bro. Thoughts and prayers!