[momraine]

My son has been accepted into an eating disorder program that I will be participating in with him, since they plan to also do attachment therapy. We will be in the Ronald McDonald house at night. Anyone know anything about this type of program?

[Star_Gazer]

I don’t know anything about the program or the Ronald McDonald House, but I did want to let you know that I am so glad that you have found someone to treat both the eating disorder and the attachment.

I’ve been following your posts and seen your commitment to your children.
I will keep your family in my prayers that this program will be able to get your son the help he needs.

[momraine]

Thanks I am a little nervous right now, trying to figure out how to do everything and what to do about my other kids.

[Kat-L]

Originally Posted by momraine

Thanks I am a little nervous right now, trying to figure out how to do everything and what to do about my other kids.

My best friend and her sister both used the Ronald McDonald house when their kids were seriously sick. Both were really happy with how clean and well maintained the houses were. They both used homes near hospitals in Pennsylvania. I'm sure the one in your area will be fine. The staff go out of their way to make it a safe haven for families.

I wish I lived nearby so I could help with your kids.

[Mkuhlmann06]

Im so glad that you've found an eating disorder program willing to work on attachment. I have no first hand knowledge about the house or program, but will definitely keep you, M and your family in my thoughts.

[Lylac]

YAY!!! Mom I'm so happy that M got into this program!! RM houses, from what I've heard are very nice.

[kay]

No advice about the program or Ronald McDonald - but I am so glad to hear your son was accepted into a good program. When do you start? What a relief for you!!!

[devildogwife]

Just wanted to say that I'm thrilled you found a program to treat both!

[SuzBerg]

Momraine - Well I happen to have experience with Ronald McDonald House . We (hubby, E and I) stayed there the night before her surgery and hubby stayed there while she was in ICU and even had the boys there with him this week. I have been in her room since she got moved to the floor so I really haven't stayed there. But it has been great for my family.

E and I will be staying there once she is released from the hospital until her post-op surgical appointment (probably a week?). So I will be able to tell you more of my experience in hopefully a few days (if we ever get out of the hospital).

I know at the one we are staying (and that's the only experience I have - other RMH's may be different). Each room sleeps 4 (2 double beds), you are not to eat or have food in the rooms. They have HUGE industrial type kitchens that you can use - you just have to clean up after yourself. The do provide some meals. Hubby and the boys had brisket one night and pizza another. They also provide basics like cereal, milk, eggs etc. We got a bucket on a shelf in the refrigerator to store perishables and a cupboard in the pantry to store non-perishables. The have secured parking here. The had a "Sports Room" with video games, pool table etc. the boys loved it. There are no TV's in the rooms but we brought a TV/DVD player and they have Family TV rooms you can reserve.

It is very family oriented and very cheap. It's NOT the Hilton but it is clean and comfortable. I did have hubby bring my own bedding and towels, although the do provide it. Laundry facilities are provided and free you just need detergent. The best thing is the soda machine has Diet Coke for 25 cents a CAN!!!

I'm rambling here.....PM me with questions and I'll try to answer them.

[Kansas Girl]

Momraine, I am so glad you found a program for your son. A cousin of mine stayed at a RMH in Houston while her AD had a heart transplant - everyone at RMH there was wonderful. With a previous employer of mine, our plant used to give the local RMH grant money every year - they were (still are) a wonderful group of folks there.

Fran

[mrsred]

momaine, I am so glad you have gotten him into a treatment program. I pray this is the path to recovery.

[waited2long]

Congrats!!!

I hope your sister (with your husbands assistance) can help with the other kids.

[momraine]

Well, with a friend and my sister and my husband, when he returns from his two week business trip. I think we can work it all out. I have actually stayed in this Ronald McDonald house, but it's been 20 years. My little brother passed away while in a hospital in Dallas and I had coustody of him. (He had been sick all his life and had seizures and such) So I have been there. I don't remember much, that was a stressful time and pretty much a blur now. I do remember it was nice. So I am not worried about that, but I will miss my family. Its kind of funny, last year at this time, I was in Poland getting M. I landed on October 21 (happens to be my birthday) and then was there until the very end of November. So it's kind of wierd for the kids for me to be gone again. I don't know if we get to go home on weekends, but I hope so, I am also hoping that they might let us take a three day weekend if my son's high school band makes it to state. Anyway, better get to bed, we have an early, early appointment for him with the previous docs. I am too keyed up to sleep, but I need to be up very early.

[Luvbeingmommy]

Mom, what an answer to your prayers! I am happy that you found a way to treat both the eating disorder and the attachment at the same time! I have no advice, but just prayers and happy thoughts for you and your family. Glad that you have figured a way to have your other children cared for that way you can focus on M for now.
Love and prayers,
Darla

[momraine]

We are hoping it works. We go inn Nov. 1st. That buys me some time. Anyway, I figure I will know pretty quickly whether or not they really know about attachment. I am making a list of red flags. Like if they want to do the counseling without me there. What are some others I should look for?