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Could anyone give me some ideas on how to find a good psychologist or psychiatrist to work with my teenage son to help him deal with his lifestyle change from the HCM diagnosis? I have called several local physicians who are on our insurance plan, and none have experience working with chronically ill teens.
At this time, our son is on homebound services from school. He does not have the energy to stay even part of the day. He is in atrial fib, and has been cardioverted several times. He also has a pacemaker, severe HCM, ADD, WPW Syndrome (ablated) and a metobolic gentetic disorder we are just now exploring. At 16, nearly 17, he is aware of his condition and we do not keep secrets from him.
He insists he is fine with all of this, but I think he is getting really frustrated. His anger comes out inappropriatly and over little things. We are trying to interest him in golf and/or cycling. At this point he does not have many interests outside of getting his driver's license, tatoos (I know he can't have one), video games and music. Friends are few because he does not know anyone at school, and there are not any children his age nearby. We drive over to pick up a special friend as often as possible.
We tried a psychologist recommended by his cardiologist, however, this dr. had no experience with chronic illness. He was not successful in getting our son to even talk after several sessions. After talking with us about his illness and how it has changed his life, he said<"Okay we are done with that. We don't need to discuss it anymore. Agreed?" the doctor does not understand more physical activity is not an option. None of his physicians have come up with a another name to check out.
Has anyone had this problem? How have you found a good therapist to help with the lifestyle changes? Any suggestions other than calling one by one in the yellow pages (I have begun to do that)
Thanks for any help you can render!!!
Diane
At this time, our son is on homebound services from school. He does not have the energy to stay even part of the day. He is in atrial fib, and has been cardioverted several times. He also has a pacemaker, severe HCM, ADD, WPW Syndrome (ablated) and a metobolic gentetic disorder we are just now exploring. At 16, nearly 17, he is aware of his condition and we do not keep secrets from him.
He insists he is fine with all of this, but I think he is getting really frustrated. His anger comes out inappropriatly and over little things. We are trying to interest him in golf and/or cycling. At this point he does not have many interests outside of getting his driver's license, tatoos (I know he can't have one), video games and music. Friends are few because he does not know anyone at school, and there are not any children his age nearby. We drive over to pick up a special friend as often as possible.
We tried a psychologist recommended by his cardiologist, however, this dr. had no experience with chronic illness. He was not successful in getting our son to even talk after several sessions. After talking with us about his illness and how it has changed his life, he said<"Okay we are done with that. We don't need to discuss it anymore. Agreed?" the doctor does not understand more physical activity is not an option. None of his physicians have come up with a another name to check out.
Has anyone had this problem? How have you found a good therapist to help with the lifestyle changes? Any suggestions other than calling one by one in the yellow pages (I have begun to do that)
Thanks for any help you can render!!!
Diane
. Unfortunately, dealing with chronic illness, esp in young people, is not a popular field. I'm sorry I can't offer any real help, but there are many of us ready to take any suggestions anyone else may have to offer. Linda
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