Before my dd's dx one year ago, I thought she was "just being bad". Her moods and behavior got progressively worse after puberty, but the BP hypersexulaity hit when she was around 15. When she was 16 I saw filthy pictures that she had sent (and received) on her phone. My dh & I read her the "riot act" about how the phone account was under OUR names, therefore WE could be the ones to face any possible criminal charges of child pornography. We told her in no uncertain terms would we EVER go to jail for her! For safety reasons, I did get her one of those "kid" phones that only allowed her to dial 911 and two other numbers, determined by me - no camera, texing or internet access. Also gone was ALL her access to the family computer (we don't allow computers in their rooms).

She was really angry for a long time at first, but then she began to say that she didn't WANT to be that way, she just couldn't stop. She hated the BP hypersexulaity every bit as much as we did. That so much described all aspects of her out-of-control behavior. She ALWAYS "knew" better, but when faced with a choice to make, BP made her literally incapable of accessing that "reasoning" part of her brain. And the cover-up lies were sometimes so ridiculous it blew my mind.

After a WHOLE LOT of medication (I still make SURE she takes it) weekly tdoc sessions, and some good old maturity, she seems to be clawing her way out of that BP hell-hole. Slowly, after a year of her re-earning (most) of our trust, regular cell phone and computer privileges have been restored. But never again will I be as naive as I once was.

Last Monday she posted on Facebook (I still read ALL her messages) about feeling stable but being afraid to trust it, so I had her make a list of her accomplishments so far this year. That list was LONG! And still growing! My favorites, accomplishments that I thought she would NEVER achieve, are:
-No longer feel "boy-crazy" or having obsessive sexual thoughts
-No longer feel the "need" to be in a romantic/sexual relationship
-Maintaining personal boundaries with others
-Currently maintaining a platonic relationship with a male

We are all re-learning how to breathe fresh air, rather than the "toxic waste" that once polluted our home. She still has "moments" and we're not exactly sure what her future will look like, but this is one of many "slivers of hope" to which we cling today. I NEVER want to be "boastful", I just want to offer some hope for you to possibly cling as well.

Joyce in TX,
Married 25 years to my best friend Greg;
Mom to:
(dd-17), Bipolar - Schizoeffective, PTSD, Anxiety, Dyslexia, Hypothyroidism, Tachycardia, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Asthma, Allergies, Anemia;
11th grade, homeschooled;
Rx: Topomax, Lamictal, Seroquel XR, Zyprexa, Stavzor, Synthroid, Coreg-G, Ocella, Zyrtec-D, Melatonin, OmegaBrite, Vitamins/Minerals, Iron, Calcium+D, Probiotics, Lunesta(PRN), Aerobid (PRN)
(ds-14), "regular guy"; Boy Scout; homeschooled; tired of walking on eggshells...
5 adopted cats, various issues ranging from Compulsive Overeater, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Tourette's & Narcissism - no meds at this time!