Thanks Susan,

  I have no problem with her being treated for acid reflux - and she will be - I simple let the teacher know this was not the problem. It does however give me an in to attacking the problem. I must tell you - I only found about this aspect of the tummy deal. I knew she got upset an upset tummy when she's gets stressed. I have done the Maalox, and soothing and compforting for her nerves for years now. When the teacher e-mailed back - she had been aware something was wrong becasue of undercurrents she felt - as she put. The teacher isn't going to treat Alex any different, but she had already noticed something was wrong. It seemed only honest - to be truthful. I think by working together we can get Alex real help. I do understand what you are saying. And As I told Kat in the e-mail to her - having the doctor come up with a diagnosis - is the only way to get her the real help she needs.

                                       Trisha

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Susan Moskowitz
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 6:07 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Parental Help Needed


Trisha,
    I agree with the advice you have been given so far, get Alex to a doctor
who is knowledgeable about eating disorders ASAP. Be prepared for the
possibility that she may be extremely resistant to going, patients with
eating disorders are usually very reluctant to acknowledge that they have a
problem. Of course, it may  be something other than an eating disorder, an
experienced doctor is the best chance of sorting it out.
    As to contacting her teacher, I think that could have been handled
differently. Of course, you had to sent some sort of response, but perhaps
something along the lines of
    Thank you for informing me of your concerns about Alex's health. It is
reassuring to know that you care about her so much. I was unaware that her
health was affecting her classwork. Now that I am aware of this, I will
encourage her to seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible.
would have done the trick, without revealing her emotional problems or self
induced vomiting to the teacher. You say that you did not want her treated
for an acid reflux disorder she does not have, but surely you realize that a
competent doctor bases treatment plans on the results of testing , patient
information, and his or her own clinical assessment, not on what the
patient's teacher (friend, roommate or parent) thinks she has.
    Good luck dealing with this very difficult problem.
Susan