Last fall, when we switched Maddy to a new medication, we were on the alert for a curious side effect -- muscle spasms in her face. None occurred. Long after we expected it, the side effect showed up last night. While she was talking to me, her eyes rolled up in her head. It wasn't the usual teenage eye roll. I thought maybe she was looking at something like a cat above my head.
The second time, I knew what we were dealing with. Unfortunately, Madeleine didn't and when, in response to my question, she realized she wasn't able to control her eye muscles, panic set in. Nothing more unmanageable than a 13-year-old girl not in control of her facial muscles headed into a full panic.
I found the emergency medicine -- surprisingly, the ubiquitous Benedryl manages the problem in the short term -- and called the doctor for the long term plan. With the variety of contingency plans I have to remember, I have given up recalling what the long term plans are. That's the doctor's job. A hour or so later, muscles were under control but it took a little longer to calm her down. Now she's crashed out sleeping off the Benedryl.
I tell you all this because I think Madeleine could use a little moral support. She posts her views on her blog.
Posted by Justene Adamec at April 26, 2005 07:49 AM | TrackBack