MY STRESS

Ok I'll admit it...the stress of being a single mom of a special needs child gets to me. I try to not let it, I really do. I try to stay focused on all of our wonderful blessings and the amazing progress of Maxwell.

But even with all the joy and love of Maxwell, there is the major stress of all of his needs and my concerns for our future. There is no denying that. (And I imagine the divorce proceedings have contributed to the stress too.)

My body has certainly felt the impact. I have been having a very difficult time breathing...and sometimes I just cannot catch my breath.

This also happened a few years ago after two miscarriages in a row and my husband (at the time) was beginning his campaign and there were rumors about his "extracurricular" activities. (At the time, I thought they were just rumors but perhaps my subconscious -- via my breathing -- was trying to tell me something about my marriage!) I was checked out by a doctor and they thought it was asthma. But we did the series of tests and all was well...so we chalked it up to stress.

Well, the breathing issue is back BIG time, and it is really frustrating. It happens at least several times a day.

So I finally talked with my doctor (Max's doctor) about it, and he thinks it is stress. First he wants to rule out any physical issues, so he recommended a doctor and is going to get me in pronto.

I was pretty emotional about it, but he was absolutely wonderful. He was telling me that in med school they researched the various levels of stress and at what point is a person at risk for a heart attack. He put that at level 150 and then said, but Amy your stress is probably a 350! I was telling him how upset I am that my body is not cooperating and he said the fact that I am still standing is impressive in itself....and that my body is actually doing really well considering all that has happened. He and his team are so incredible with me and Maxwell...and I am so grateful. I always feel so supported by them...thank you!

Hopefully we get some answers soon, and I can overcome this breathing issue. If not, maybe I'll just check into the Chrysalis for a week long massage!

FELLOW SPECIAL NEEDS MOMS/DADS: Any suggestions? How do you cope? Ever had this breathing issue? (And does it happen in completely random times, when you feel "ok" otherwise?) Feel free to email me directly: amysmckinley@aol.com. Thanks!