Claire

Andy, Chemar Hi Andy, That is great news that you are seeing improvement! Our DAN doctor said it would take about 2 months to start seeing improvement from the supplements. What does under control mean? What was the frequency before and now, or is it that the tics themselves are less severe? It is good to note this so that you can track the progress for all the things that you are doing. Did you notice continuing improvement or did it end after the first week of no TV? (Again, I do believe and hope that the supplements will continue to help, but usually it is more slow to see results). Do you plan to continue no screens or add them back and see if the tics worsen again over a couple of weeks? (Or try an LCD monitor). Have you started eliminating artificial ingredients, or were you already doing that? Sorry if I forgot. I do remember all the food allergies your child has, even worse than mine. Chemar, I thought the same thing as Andy, in terms of what about the mission environment might be different? Though of course you know that I will be the first to suspect that the lack of screens for a couple of weeks was a major factor for your son, since you and he both notice it being a trigger for him . Having said that, I understand that your son is older and sets his own priorities on the trade-offs! (With Chemar launching a new website, not sure that she is reading here right now though). Claire

Hi Jennifer, (and Heather!) Thanks so much for responding--I was out of town for the holidays and not posting myself. I can't remember exactly how long it took my son for his tics to clear on 'no screens. I say one week because I consider it long enough to truly notice a difference--and it is so difficult to get kids to do a test longer than this. I would imagine for some it could take longer than a week to see the full benefit. Of course, the downside is unnecessarily restricting TV, but if your son is game to try it I would try no screens for another week--since his ticcing baseline is lower, I doubt you need to start all over. If they don't improve in that time at all, then you probably have your baseline. If they do continue to improve, then in an ideal world I would extend the trial for 3-4 days at a time until no more improvement is seen over the 3-4 day period. Then you have your son's true baseline and at that point I would reintroduce the LCD monitor. Keep in mind that the effect is cumulative, so if something is still a trigger, it can build over time, so you must keep a close eye on it. (by the way, with my son, tics from big screen movies lingered for up to a week also, but everyone is different....) Are you leaving the room well lit while he watches TV? Did you turn the 'brightness' down (not the contrast). Our brightness is set to 8 (out of 100) and we can see it just fine. As Heather mentioned, he shouldn't sit too close to the TV--as far away as is comfortable. Does your son complain or does he appreciate the reprieve from ticcing so much? As do most of the regulars here, I believe that the true cause of the tics and sensitivity to triggers (such as screens) are underlying immune issues. Ultimately, this is where a potential 'cure' will lie (what that means for each child, I don't know). Here are the tests that our doctor ran...many here have done the same tests, but using different labs (and for example, mercury and metals could be a hair or blood test, depending on the doctor preference). I consider the metals, food sensitivity (including gluten and casein), vitamin deficiency and yeast tests to be the most important. As with screens, eliminating foods your child is sensitive too (be it corn or artificial colors/flavors) can show positive results within a week. My son had no tics, but was still a little fidgety and the removal of the foods took that away completely. Mercury can impair gut function and the rest goes from there...inflammation in the gut leads to yeast and/or food sensitivities which worsen the inflammation and minimize nutrient absorption, creating lots of issues. You don't have to have a mercury/metal issue, yeast and gut inflammation alone can start the cycle. -Elisa/ACT blood tests for delayed food allergies (IgG). does one for all sorts of chemicals,preservatives, and molds, in addition to food. They will also test for gluten/casein sensitivities. -Spectracell blood test for vitamin deficiencies [i think no doctor signature needed. They give recommended supplementation.] -Great Smokies blood test elemental analysis (mercury, cadmium, etcc..) -Great Plains urine test (for yeast/casein/gluten issues...) -Great Smokies CDSA stool test (yeast parasites intensional inflammation, intenstinal probiotic levels, etc..) -Great Smokies blood test for Fatty acids (Omegas, etc...)...you can try fishoil/flax oil and borage or primrose oil anyway, without testing for low EFA's. Finally, here is a quick and dirty 'free' yeast overgrowth test for home...not 100% perfect, but if it shows positive, you may have some information. My son and I both flunked recently and we are both positive for elevated yeast issues. http://www.rainbowminerals.net/candidda_test.htm Claire ps, I start a major new project on Monday and may be posting/responding less quickly, but I will still check in...

efgh, here is the LCD monitor with a TV tuner, that I bought (Samsung Syncmaster 15" for $449) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id...41&type=product Chemar, Good luck with your new site! Claire

1. This is 3rd hand, so 'reader be advised': My neighbor (the one with mercury and yeast issues) had a phone consult with Donna Gates (body ecology diet) and she said that Donna said that this was good for mercury detox without disturbing the gut as other metal detox methods can do. http://www.modifilan.com/about_our_product.html 2. jcc on braintalk gluten board posted this new probiotic for yeast--it adds a third probiotic that is supposed to help the more common acidophilis and bifidus be more effective. http://www.pathwaysmed.com/About/newslette.../issue3/303.htm It is interesting, because both this yeast method and threelac use probiotics as the entire solution. Though it is different from the normal probiotics. 3. I think with yeast an alkaline balance is better. I have seen alkaline bottled water, but this is drops that you add. http://www.ashlandweb.com/divinearts/threelac.html Add to this Phyl's pleo homeopathics recommendation. I wonder if yeast treatment is as individual as the tic treatment options in general! Claire

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Hi Guest Jennifer, You haven't checked in recently, how is your child's 'head throwing back' tic doing? Did you ever finish out the 'no screens' week? I hope all is well with your child--if so, please share what did work for you! Claire

Daniel, That list of your doctor's expertise is absolutely perfect! Where did you get the name--from the lists on this site, or did you find the doctor elsewhere? You should be in good hands. All these tests are part of a very comprehensive assessment. Of course they will do only a subset initially, but this will allow them further assessments should the more common elements not bring results. The difference between chronic tics and TS is hard to assess. I know that a family history of TS leads more to a TS diagnosis. Also, severity of tics. Based on statistics alone: If you have no family history of TS, then it is more likely to be transient or chronic tics. If you don't resolve the immune issues, then diagnosis aside, the child with chronic tics or TS may be indistinguishable by a casual observer. (Although chronic tics dramatically improve by puberty, according to other things I have read). I think it is premature to assign labels until you have tried to treat your child to see if mercury, yeast, gluten/casein, food sensitivities are a factor. Please do sometime check out my TV/computer comments...if you have read the threads you will know that my son's tics disappear 100% with no TV/screens. A 'no screens test' for a week might also be on your agenda. This is only a temporary solution in that it doesn't address underlying issues, but it is one more piece of information that can help you help your child if you determine it is a major trigger. Your child is so young that should this be a factor, you can manage it much more easily than with an older child. Claire

daniel, Sorry for your bad experience. I am glad that you found another doctor--I hope they have experience with immune disorders. First of all, the guidelines are 1 year (not 6 months) and Chemar is right that transient tics don't turn into ts. It is just that if they don't go away in a year, they are no longer considered transient (by definition). There are still 'chronic tic disorders also. I hope that you can channel all your concerns into taking positive action to help your child. I don't think any of us regulars had tics just go away on their own at all. However, so many of us here have our children have virtually no tics now --or only barely noticeable to the parent but not to others. Your child's tics sound minor, and this may be doable for you. I wouldn't worry about the 1 year timeframe and a 'diagnosis'. Your child is young and the most important thing is that you help make his life more comfortable by doing all that you can to improve their immune issues. I strongly recommend reading "Children with Starving Brains" by Dr. McCandless. Jennifer recommended this a long time ago and I finally finished it over the holiday weekend. It covers testing and immune issue correction for ASD kids (autism spectrum disorder), and Dr McCandless mentions TS a few times--our own doctor thinks tics fall in this treatment issue. I finally understand the relationships between gastrointestinal issues, mercury, food allergies and neurological issues. No matter what doctor you have, you need to understand it also. When you meet with the new doctor, you might wish to ask him/her about tests for : food sensitivities ( because of the humming when drinking milk) yeast overgrowth gluten/casein issues (also because of the humming when drinking milk) toxic metals vitamin deficiencies The PANDAS thing is complex and the antibiotics are for two main reasons: to clear up an existing strep infection, or to prevent another reoccurence--if you KNOW that your child gets tics from strep. But antibiotics have their own problems. My personal feeling is that if you know your child doesn't have lingering strep (though tests if needed), I would focus on the immune system issues and rebuild program. Now I am no talking about parents of kids with rheumatic fever or some serious heart issues from strep. Claire

bean, Hi--I have been out of town and just got back. The Great Plains test is for Gluten and Casein issues, not for wheat and milk allergy. My son didn't have Gluten/Casein issues, but his IgE/Rast test showed a wheat allergy and his IgG blood test from Immunolabs showed 'food sensitivity' to both wheat and milk. I never noticed a reaction to milk, but in taking it away (and corn, also showing positive), he completely lost his occasional fidgetiness and it hasn't returned. I just finished "Children with Starving Brains" and Dr. McC. says actually discusses the Great Plains test. She says it is quite helpful, but sometimes gives false negatives, so she still encourages parents to try a GF/CF diet for the ASD kids (Autisim spectrum disorder). She mentions TS and ADHD a few times in the book. She also recommends the IgG tests as well as the Gluten/Casein test as top priority tests and/or diet changes to start with. (and mercury tests, then she has other tests.) My son's diet is not gluten free because there is barley in the power bars my son eats (otherwise we are, but he eats those daily). Nor are we 'casein-free'. I am switching him from butter to non-hydrogenated/non-dairy margarine--because he said he likes the new spread better (but I won't restrict it when we are out). I tested as having a sensitivity to casein and stopped all milk products (with great pain). My barley allergy makes me virtually gluten free since virtually all the packaged products with wheat have barley in them. Bottom line, I noticed a more alert brain within 3 days (I posted on it) and it has stayed that way! I haven't had caffeine in 12 years (since I started 'trying' to get pregnant with my son) but I would have an occasional cup of decaf to 'wake up' my brain (decaf has 3% caffeine). Anyway, I turn it down when offered now--I simply don't need it. Coincidentally, I just read a couple of days ago that people with gluten and casein issues end up with these morphines from the two (casomorphines?) that are like opiates and can make them a bit spacey. No one would ever have called me spacey, so maybe it was mild for me, but my brain is simply less tired. Now my situation isn't related to tics, but something to consider for anyone whose kid gets a bit foggy when learning. Also, again, our doctor thinks it is a factor for many kids with tics. ( never a once size fits all solution of course). As Mustang Carole points out, milk can get out of the system in a week, but gluten can take many months. Claire

Chemar, efgh just checked in yesterday or so on the 'to Andy' thread (I think that was the thread)... Claire

Scott, I wanted to tell you about another TS/tics board that many of us also post on (perhaps you do also already?). Mostly we have the same screen names, so you will recognize us. http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumd...splay.php?f=253 There are several parents with teens with TS and a range of trials and tribulations there and could benefit from your experience. It seems like a bigger board, while this one feels smaller to me, so I mostly stay here. Claire ps Bye everyone, I fly away on vacation for about a week starting tomorrow!

Scott, My son would likely have a problem with the brighter games. To answer your question, I think it is so individual for each person, and so officially 'untested' that it is a matter of trial and error for each child. This is exactly why I recommend not doing any screens for a week. What if the CRT flicker only is the culprit, and you remove games but not TV? What if the game flicker/movement is the culprit and you switch to an LCD monitor but continue with the games? You would falsely conclude that either the monitors or games were not a trigger because you wouldn't see improvement. The process I like is very similar to the food elimination diets for those who don't go through formal IgG testing. Eliminate many known offending foods for 4 weeks (or whatever) and then add them back in one at a time and look for a reaction. So by eliminating all screen viewing, they eliminate all the factors for this type of trigger. At that point they can experiment with what really is your own trigger--or if this is even a trigger at all. If they have significant enough improvement, they can either reintroduce the CRT screen at watch for ticcing increase to be sure before buying an LCD monitor. But then you need the one week no screen baseline again to 'clear the person's system'. If someone is convinced that this is a trigger, they can is to introduce TV on a 15" LCD monitor in a well-lit room every other day for a limited time (e.g. 30 minutes) for the first week. THis is because TV is viewed from further away and would be less of an assault to a photosensitive person. Then if no issues present themselves, try a 'static' computer game every other day. Then try other kinds of games. With our son, teachers reintroduced CRT screens without our knowledge and sometimes I went a week worrying as to why he was ticcing again before finding out. So we had lots of 'trial and error' to be 100% sure of this trigger for our own son. Now, my sons plays almost an hour of LCD computer a day, and this week has been watching almost an hour of LCD TV also with no issues. This is more than I normally allow from a lifestyle standpoint, but he goes to a 7 hour day camp where they hike or bike trails all day long so it is not interfering with health/fitness. My point is that he can't tolerate 15 minutes of a CRT computer without a reaction that lasts for days, yet he can do this without no problem. As far as computer games, I err on the side of safety with the ones I know aren't an issue. Once he tries a new game, it is very very difficult to take it away and none of us need the trama. With all of the expansion packs, he is quite happy with Sims and Rollercoaster Tycoon, so I just buy him more packs. That same study I posted said that photosensitivity is less common in adults. So I sure hope he outgrows it. Or that eliminating his high mercury will solve the issue (mercury causes light sensitivity). Because when he goes to college, he will likely experiment much more. I draw much of my own assessments from all the research on photosensitive epilepsy--there is a large body of research investigating exactly what this trigger is and how to avoid it. They even have broadcast standards prohibiting the type of flicker that sets it off--that is why I think TV is a safer medium for kids than computer games--most computer games have the photosensitive epilepsy warning. Very interesting re the puzzle games! I bet my son would love those--but I think he would get too compulsive about them. He has a hard time letting go when he doesn't solve something in the time alloted. I want to say again that I hope that for my son once his immune system is better and the mercury is gone, that CRT's won't be a trigger anymore. But in the meantime, he sure likes being tic-free. He has enough things to build character as it is. Claire

Hi Andy, I am very sorry to hear that your son's tics have increased again. I do hope that you test for 'no screens' for the week to make sure that is a factor, before you invest in an LCD monitor, given the expense. Yes you read it correctly. For this particular monitor, there is a built-in tuner and it can be used for both TV (full usage, including DVD, VCR, broadcast TV and cable TV) and computer. We got 15" because the smaller screen meant less visual impact--and of course they are cheaper anyway.. I checked out LCD TV's in the TV section and they were way more expensive--beyond our budget. Also, our local store started only carrying 17" ones, so we had to by the 15" online. (And we had bought one for my son to use at elementary school at one point--it became the favorite monitor of all the kids.) Good luck with the supplements. I think that the similarities with our kids (low antioxidants, vitamin deficiencies and many many food allergies) is similar. Our doctor said it takes about 2 months to start noticing improvement with the supplements. I just read that 25% of kids with gluten sensitivity have b12 deficiency. It was on the braintalk gluten board on the NIH conference thread. I will say a prayer that you find the right path! Claire

Robin, This looks fascinating, thanks for posting! (I noticed the article mentioned the MT protein that Jennifer commented on). I left a message for our DAN doctor to get his input on it. I offered to send him the link if he was unfamiliar with it. I would like to try it on myself, or on my son now that he has just taken his next Mercury test. I will let you know what our doctor says. I believe that that high a number may have issues with metals. Claire ps I wonder how it differs from epsom salts. By the way, my son hates baths...

Andy, efgh Andy, the link Robin just posted said: 99 percent of his 503 autistic subjects, which included Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD, exhibited evidence of a metal-metabolism disorder. Their findings suggest that an inborn (genetic) error of metal metabolism may be a fundamental cause of autism and autistic spectrum disorders,and may be affecting those with ADD as well. http://www.evenbetternow.com/autism.html Anyway, our DAN doctor considers tics an autism spectrum disorder , and most consider OCD also. Great link Robin! I will look into it...maybe try it for myself also first? efgh The 400 iu vitamin E is just part of the Metabolic Maintenance Products:"Deluxe Scavengers antioxidants" pill he takes. Nice catch on my magnesium taurate error. Ours is 125 mg. I corrected the post. I am so glad that your son is doing so well, mine too! We just retested yesterday and in a couple of weeks I will have some hard data to work with. I am still worried about so much TV in the classroom next year, what a bummer. Other than that, life is good right now. Claire

Andy, I forgot to mention that we used light olive oil (as opposed to the stronger tasting extra virgin oil oil in most of our cooking (though these days I am using coconut oil for other reasons for cooking). So much that my son was a little high in the oleic acids! Star and Bertolli are good brands. They can be used exactly like any cooking oil. If you don't saute or cook with oils, then a tablespoon in a smoothie is completely flavorless. Scott, It is tough to describe, but it is the movement of vivid graphics or simple flicker that bothers my son. He can scroll around things with no problem. As to your comment that you don't notice a difference: My son couldn't tell any affect when playing computer nor did he personally notice it afterwards. The affect for him was cumulative and lingering--unlike the immediate trigger of a specific stress might be. The only way we found out that it made a difference was to eliminate all screens, including LCD monitors, entirely for a week. Voila, he went from multiple tics throughout the day to zero tics. But he was only 8, and perhaps by the time one is an adult, certain things are more 'hard-wired'. Or this may indeed not be an issue for you, since everyone is different. TV was an issue for efgh's son, but not computer. For my son it was both. Jeff and his kids have no impact from screens. I believe that triggers vary between people, but that subgroups will have the same trigger or triggers (e.g. artificial colors, screens, chlorine). Also, this may not be a priority for you to change your life by experimenting with removal of foods, artificial ingredients and/or screens to find triggers for a few tics. I would suspect that you are in the majority there. A couple of people on another board used to give me a hard time for doing this. My view is that we need to respect eachother's value. Nice to see you posting! It is always good to have varied input, thanks. Claire

Andy, I have heard controversy over whether the older vaccines caused mercury and autism issues, but not on whether you can get mercury out of the system. Ahhh, maybe he meant get it out without causing other problems? My doctor was very negative on DMSA/chelation as he said he had seen too many people get worse from it. So he likes to just raise the antioxidants a bit through supplementation and slowly have it detox the metals. My son's DAN doctor's solution to my son's and my elevated toxic metals was exactly the same supplements that Spectracell recommended to raise our antioxidant levels (not sure if you read, but both my son and I have elevated mercury (I have more) and low antioxidants. Our doctor says this is a slow gradual way to do it. I personally am glad that we had the test done though--it is very compelling to get a before and after picture, even if the treatment is unchanged. Dr. McCandless (of Children with starving brains) is high on chelation. But even she says their gut needs to be healthy, and that can be a chicken and egg situation. My neighbor did chelation for mercury and felt much worse--she woke up with a bad yeast overgrowth the next day, so I am glad our doctor is taking the conservative route--at least for now. My son retook his mercury and Spectracell vitamin deficiency blood tests today--in a couple of weeks we will find out any improvement. Okay, here are the brands--ALL are capsules, my son and I prefer them to tablets, they are easier to swallow, and easier to just open and pour into something, vs having to crush tablets). 1. OrthoMolecular products: Alpha Lipoic Acid 2. Twin Labs: B1 3. Metabolic Maintenance Products:"Deluxe Scavengers antioxidants", This is for 3 tablets total, so obviously less for 1 tablet. I put dosages for the ones you listed. containing A, C, E, Riboflavin, Selenium, NACysteine, B6/P5P 6 mg, Co-Enzyme Q10 30 mg, L-Gluathione 100mg 4. Thorne Research P5P (more easily absorbed form of B6*) 50 mg 5. Cardiovascular Research: Magnesium Taurate 125 mg (recommended by many here) *****corrected, after efgh commented *** My understanding is that the antioxidants are sort of an interdependent family, so though my son didn't test low in all of the ones in the Deluxe Scavengers, this was our doctor's preferred way to supplement. Neither of us take: Biotin, Oleic Acid, Glutamine, B12 Claire

Jennifer, Scott, Andy, I am SOOO happy for your son! Finding a way to alleviate tics is one thing, but finding a way to alleviate tics that actually cause your child pain is a whole other ballgame. I know time will tell on this one--especially as to exactly how much improvement you will see, but this is marvelous. Tell your son I am proud of him for sticking with the no screen test--this is really hard for a lot of kids to try, computers are so addicting--it shows a lot of self-discipline. I also know that people don't get it--for some reason they accept that computer/TV can cause photosensitive epilepsy (after the big deal with Pokemon in Japan on TV sending 700 kids to the hospital one night), and now I even read about it causing migraines, but there isn't any mainstream documentatin on it aggravating tics....yet! Ok, onto your questions. 1. What a great friend you have, to comment to you on the fluorescent lights! He is correct, flourescent lights flicker. And basements are the worse because there is no natural light to diffuse the flicker. Once we knew of my son's flicker sensitivity, we removed every flourescent light in the house (we had bought those energy efficient curly bulbs). We could have replaced them with normal incandescent bulbs, but instead we did the full spectrum daylight bulbs (the incandescent ones). I read in a Doris Rapp book that somewhere in Europe they replaced fluorescent lights in the classroom and sought a 30% reduction in ADHD! Of course , the faulty fluorescent lights with the noticeable flicker are the worst. These are the cheapest bulbs I could find--they aren't cheap at all! If you do them, you might just put them in your son's bedroom, playroom and bathroom--e.g. 2. Once I discovered the CRT connection for my son, I spoke with a number of adults and found that many of them could not tolerate the CRT screens. Given that study that showed 8% of the population having an abnormal reaction to flicker, this makes sense. 3. Re the LCD monitor with a TV tuner, this is what I bought (Samsung Syncmaster 15" for $449) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id...41&type=product It was waaay cheaper than buying and LCD TV. The tuner is built-in , so it functions exactly like a TV and can take DVD or VCR input. It can also be used as a computer monitor. The only drawback , we found was that for dark movies like Batman, you must tip to screen forward more for a clearer picture. 4. As for big screen movies--they are the WORST for my son! They are in dark rooms and huge screens--an the more of the visual space the flickering area covers the worst. I have commented to others that seeing Star Wars was like a strobe test for my son, it was awful. And his worse tic ever was from Haunted House (we waited 18 months after Star Wars to try again). I did a lot of studying of the photosensitive epilepsy sites, because they have done so much research on this trigger--then I applied it to my son. We finally did one one site recommended--we covered one lens of sunglasses and popped out the other lens and had him watch the new Harry Potter this month. He was fidgety the next day, but no tics. Even so, we will avoid them unless it is a 'must see' movie. 5. As for computer games which flicker and don't, you can'ttell from the box--virtually all of them have the photosensitive epilepsy warning now ('only a small portion will have seizures', I can't wait until someday they must warn about tics also). My son likes RollerCoaster Tycoon, the Sims, Mario teaches Typing, and Incredible Machines. Basically, they are static games where there is nothing flying by you and the focus isn't on moving through the game or shooting targets with the 'world moving around you', but instead on building something, or solving something. and Laser/star fight ones are the worst! Office programs (word, excel...) are very static. Scott, Hmmm, since you commented on SUCH a strong reaction to computer games, maybe you have the same issue? I agree that for many, stress = tics, in fact, your comment is the prevailing wisdom. I have a theory that stress is not the main issue, with 'dynamic' computer games. My son plays Mario teaches typing which has a ton of time pressure and stress (to make his word per minute goals) and stress but has zero reaction. However, if the game has visual movement and patterns or he plays it on a CRT screen, he will end up ticcing later. There are no studies proving or disproving this for tics. But there are a lot of studies on this same trigger for photosensitive epilepsy--and my view is that the trigger is identical. I hope someday this is looked at seriously. Do you watch/play your games on a CRT or a LCD screen? If it is a CRT screen, what is the refresh rate? Can you raise it to 85 hz (the higher the hertz the better--sometimes you need to download a driver to do this. I can't wait until the new 100 hz TV's are mainstream. This and the LCD computer monitors will help most kids. Andy, I will respond to your post later--no time left! Claire

Nancy, Is he like that just with you or with others? Sometimes kids always expect to win everything around their mom, but they accept different rules on different turfs. Sounds like 'OCD symptoms' (you can have compulsiveness without having full blown OCD). Many perfectionists are high achievers--sounds like the point Scott was making. I have forgotten how old your son is? In any case, it is tough on a kid and tough on the parent. Great Plains at 913-341-8949 has a urine test for Urinary Peptides for Casomorphin (Milk) and Gliadorphin (Wheat) which is basically the casein/gluten issue test that I have heard of the most. My son passed both, even though he is allergic to wheat and milk. When done with other tests (e .g. organic acids) that test only cost us $99, and insurance covered part of it. We did it at home and had Airborne pick it up. In "Children with Starving Brains", (which I discovered through Jennifer --thanks a million Jennifer!), Dr McCandless says that 50% of children on the autism spectrum (OCD etc) benefit from a casein-free gluten-free diet. We noticed emotional improvement within a week--I can't see the harm in trying. Pamela's has great gluten-free pancakes and Gluten-Free Pantry has a great bread mix (for a bread machine), so if you aren't dealing with school lunches, a week could be painless for the gluten part. Milk is tougher. Honestly, I never noticed any symptoms in my son with milk, but when we removed it, he did seem to improve overall. Though for emotional upsets, it seemed like the air filter had a big impact. But we did have mold problems back then , which have since been corrected. Good luck. Jennifer, I had mentioned the MT Protein issues to my son's DAN doctor when you raised it briefly a few months ago. He said we will wait to see if the vitamin deficiencies are corrected by supplements. I think , folic acid was the one he was watching closely. I will keep you posted. Claire

quan_daniel, 'Twirling things'doesn't sound like TS.... Here is a link I posted earlier on transient vs chronic tics vs TS. It adds detail to what Chemar http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?...p?showtopic=622 Do read the threads, as Chemar says, many things can trigger tics and you can likely greatly reduce your child's urge to tic (not sure of his age) Please do read the threads here for ideas. It is too early for a TS diagnosis in my opinion. Also, re the throat clearing, does he actually have gunk in it? It could be a sinus infection. The grimaces are likely to be tics however. Claire

Hi Lookingalso, Nice link and site, thanks! I found out more about how I might have gotten high cadmium--it is associated with eating refined foods and flours (all my earlier junk food!). Plus it is associated with zinc deficiency, which I have, and supposedly my zinc supplementation with help with my cadmium levels. This is great info! The hair vs blood test for metals is an ongoing discussion here. Our own doctor says that blood tests are better (and tissue tests are the best, but not worth cutting into tissue). Others here have heard/read exactly the opposite as you state. In 'Children with Starving Brains', Dr. McCandless says autistic children's mercury in the hair is LOWER than most kids because they don't excrete it from the body. Yet in DMSA chelation, they have 5X the amount of mercury of an average kids. I just leave it to the judgement of individual doctors at this point, I don't pretend to be an expert there, just trying to add info from what I just read. Claire

Is this 'guest' Andy? I just can't tell from the new content. Spectracell should provide you with a list of exactly how much of each supplement to give your child depending on their age. How old is your child (I know Andy's is 5, but I am not sure who this is). Plus they always provide 2 copies of the results, plus a supplemental sheet which will tell you the implications of the deficiencies. Can you have your doctor send you your copy? I ask because they give an overall antioxidant rating, and the fact that your child, like mine, has low alpha lipoic acid and glutathione means they are likely low in antioxidants. I can tell you exactly what brands and kinds our doctor gave us (guided by the Spectracell guidelines) if you have this information. Most he research them for ones he is comfortable with. Between my son's and my deficiencies, I think I have all but one of those vitamins, though some are in an antioxidant combo pill. Now that you have specialized results, you can have a customized program where you buy them individually. I go to Whole Foods and a health food vitamin store near my doctor. You don't want anything artificial in the vitamins--they can cause there own problems.. I consider Bonnie's vitamins for those who don't have specific testing done or don't wish to experiment on their own (that covers a lot of people). Our doctor said to start adding the supplements one at a time--we had added them all at once and my son got severe leg pains after 2 days. This is because the antioxidants help the body to detox and must be added in gradually for some. We had zero problems this way. Finally, I should point out, that when my son's doctor saw the low antioxidant levels he had, he decided that he should run the elemental analysis (Great Smokies Diagnostics /Genova) 888-201-8333. It is a test for elevated mercury, lead and other toxic metals. His reasoning was that kids with low antioxidants generally don't detox these metals from their body well, so they tend to have elevated levels. Now the supplements raising the antioxidants should over a period of months help reduce the metals if they are an issue. I consider this very positive in that you now have something to work with! Claire

Hi Scott, I read that flaxseed oil is often not processed well by males (85%, so we give our son fish oil (cod liver oil actually), by Nordic Naturals. Plus we give him Borage oil (Evening Primrose is a alternate), since I read that GLA's are needed to help with the Omega 3's. Claire ps I am not sure if your fear of doctors is just a 'part of you' or if you think they will make a diagnosis to label you or push you to take drugs? Or give you bad advice. I was very afraid of doctor's pushing drugs. Our DAN MD only diagnosed 'metabolic disorder' and is sooo low pressure, he is wonderful--and drugs were not even a part of the discussion. No physical exams, we just filled out paperwork in advance and talked for a few minutes, then he loaded us up with kits for blood and urine tests. After the first visit, my son didn't have to go on the visits--the doctor just reviewed the test results with me. I get copies of all the tests and do my own research on the results. He even lets me call in a lot with my questions--you might be able to arrange phone consults after the first visit. These doctors recommend supplements which you buy over the counter and food elimination if you have allergies. The most invasive part are the blood tests. But I think some here use naturopaths that don't use blood tests either. Not trying to push you to see a doctor, but just explaining the process--my mother and husband both avoid doctors like the plague!

Jennifer, That is sooo encouraging! I sure hope that this makes a big difference for your son. If this is a factor, it should get better and better throughout the week. If not, at least he can play without any worries on your end that it is a contributing factor. Getting through the whole week can be tough, and if your son is interested in book tapes at all, I recommend them. My son still needed the 'down time' of passive listening. Those Harry Potter tapes saved us! Also, we did family board games--I had less parent free time during the adjustment stage, but it was well worth it. And if your son is like ours, then LCD monitors will still allow him to have his time later. I personally think it is best not to try them out until the week is over because 1) no need to spend $ unless you are sure and 2) I am not sure if LCD monitors impact some kids, so it could mess up the test. Please keep me posted! Claire ps Re your encouraging your son to play to get his mind off his tic, reminds me of my son who is allergic to wheat. Before we knew of his allergy, he kept wanting buttered toast and I told him to at least have some peanut butter on the toast to get some protein. It turns out he is even more allergic to peanuts, ugh! We still joke about my error back then.