My 4 yr old ds was diagnosed with PITAND on Wednesday. I am still absorbing the information and beginning my research on this disorder and possible treatments. On one hand I am relieved to know that there is a medical explanation for his intense rage and behavioral issues and I can let go of so much of the guilt I have been feeling, thinking that his behavior is so out of control because I am a horrible mother. I have spent months agonizing over my parenting skills, blaming his behavior on myself for working too much, not giving him enough attention, and fighting with my dh. I am still in shock, trying to understand that there is something happening in his brain that has caused him to behave this way and it is not all my fault. He has had a plethora of bronchial infections since he was born, horrible eczema and food/environmental allergies, and now to add this to his plate, I am completely overwhelmed and don't even know where to start...Fortunately the eczema and allergies are under control with a very strict diet and vitamin supplements, so now I can focus on the new OCD behaviors, regression, rages, and anxiety that started one morning 18 months ago. My biggest concern right now is finding him a probiotic to take while on the zithromax his neurologist prescribed. She said to find a yeast-based probiotic so it doesn't just get killed by the antibiotic, but I don't even know how to go about finding one. I suppose I could have asked before I left the office but I was in a bit of shock upon hearing the diagnosis. I googled it and keep reading about how it should be packed on ice during the summer so I'm hesitant to order it online. I also want to learn more about natural treatments and I hate the idea of antibiotics attacking his body for 90 days, but I'm desperate to help him so will start with that. In the long run though, and especially for winter weather, I would like to find a homeopathic/naturopathic treatment that could keep flare-ups at bay. I also need to get my family (including dh!) to understand this-they all think it's a completely bogus diagnosis so that makes it hard when I feel like I have no support here. Sorry for the venting, just feeling so overwhelmed and alone in this right now...
