I just calculated that it is mathematically probably that someone is PMSing every single week in this household, especially since LuLu’s body is holding up its end of the deal by having a cycle every 14-18 days. So if Kay and I are not in sync, we literally have this happening all the time at our house. Thankfully, Kay and I have a bit fewer symptoms during our pre-menstrual time. But as I said at first, No Wonder My Husband Travels!

I’ve watched since Sunday as the storm has been brewing. Last week LuLu was remarkably calm, but she’s been ramping up each day this week. Only this time, I’m recognizing it more clearly for what it is…PMS. It started with some pretty snarly verbal harassment and escalated into a full blown bout of kicking, punching and attempted destruction of everything in her path. I knew better than to take her anywhere today. But hope springs eternal, so…

Our first stop was the pediatric gynecologist, a sought-after specialist here, so appointments are months in advance. It was obvious during LuLu’s hospital stays that her birth control pills were not working, so that, coupled with concerns about whether or not the pills were adding to her symptoms, we stopped them (with this doctor’s permission). So today was about re-evaluating all that and figuring out what to do next.

But first I had to live through a half hour in the waiting room and the embarrassment (like I can even be embarrassed these days) of LuLu showing her frustration at other patients being called back before her by criticizing each person (calling them old, fat, ugly, etc.) Because this is a large gynecological practice, the waiting room is full of…women, not children, and especially not unruly, snarly kids. So, no doubt everyone heard and saw, and who knows what conclusions they were drawing as to our situation. Yes, the storm clouds were definitely gathering.

Still, my optimism or stupidity (or maybe it was my desire for routine and sameness) drove us to church for Wednesday evening studies. Against what should have been my better judgment, LuLu hopped off with her class’ teacher to help her set up and I went off to Bible study. Apparently all was well until the very end. But the eruption happened, and she was spewing lava all over the place when I arrived, including kicking one of her friends.

She was, as a dear friend describes her, much like Linda Blair all the way home, vacillating between dangerous and trying to keep from being dangerous. Not long after we were home and she’d had her evening meds, she was able to wind down and give in to sleep.

Tomorrow, I’m expecting the pre- part of PMS to be over for her. Unless we get another day of this. (Please God NO!)

Want to hear what the gynecologist said?

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