Claire

Chemar, I had never heard of yeast in the urine! Certainly vaginal yeast, and in the intestinal tract. Is it treated the same? I think yeast is a problem for me also. I do well on Atkins, then get a little foggier and sleepier when I am not on it and eating a lot of carbs and sweets. I am slim, but just feel better with low carb. Claire

Gina, Is Sodium Nitrate what is in hot dogs? Turkey hot dogs is a major 'protein' in our house! I don't understand how that impacts yeast, but I llast night ordered the "Yeast Syndrome" that a few here mentioned (Chemar and Heather) and "The Yeast Connection Cookbook", so I guess I will find out. Jennifer, I also ordered the "Children With Starving Brains" book that you mentioned. Claire

Jennifer, Thanks Jennifer. My son's stool test was negative for yeast, but the urine test was positive.... Gloria

Hi efgh, We had the cdsa test too. It was a couple of weeks and did have a yeast element. I think my son 'passed' that yeast test though, and it showed up on another urine test. My son basically 'passed' the cdsa test, other than showing high inflammation of the digestive tract, which the DAN/EM doctor and I assumed was due to the wheat allergy (he was still eating wheat). Good luck with the rest--the protocol does sound similar. Claire

Speaking of yeast... I accidentally left my son's probiotics out of the fridge overnight. Does anyone know if it is best to replace them now? Also, my son is finally able to swallow pills. (I guess he hated the smoothie new taste enough to learn). But the calcium pills are just too big. Does anyone know if emptying the calcium into pancake batter is an issue? They are pretty tasteless, but I didn't know if the vitamin was sensitive to heat, like some of the others. Thanks, Claire

Chemar posted this on another thread. Thanks Chemar! This is very compelling for newcomers, so I am reposting it here so that it doesn't get buried. The regulars here have our stories and most are in alignment, but newcomers might believe a 'doctor's' case study more. I have never seen one published before. http://www.nutritioninstitute.com/Tourette...s_Syndrome.html Yeast and Tourette's Syndrome [but note the comments on OCD too] I still think Heather's point about the yeast/heavy metal combination needing to be treated together works. I keep thinking that my son's symptoms are better without wheat in part because he doesn't get much yeast without wheat. Note the reference to chocolate...and I know I just bought my son something with barley, but I don't remember if it had malt. He used to drink malt Ovaltine daily, but hasn't for months. "The worst offenders are alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beer, vinegar, barley malt, chocolate, pickles, and aged cheese." And we all know that in general sugar makes yeast problems worse--I have first hand experience there. I am definitely ordering the book on yeast, which I kept putting off. Today! What I need to find out is if Threelac is bad if you don't have yeast. I would like to try it for myself, but wonder if I should be tested first. Claire ps. Are cheddar and mozerrella (sp) cheeses considered aged?

Chemar, Sorry my wording wasn't clear, I should have said 'simultaneously' vs together--that was definitely misleading. I changed my post to avoid misquoting you. Searching, An easy way to check on mold reaction is the air filter. My DAN doctor says that at on time the more mainstream medical community was studying a correlation between mold and depression, since the highest suicide rates correlated to the towns with the most mold problems. As for Chemar's comments on diet (e.g. sensitivities not just to food, but to artificial colors, etc..), some people do elimination diets, where they eat restricted foods for one week or so, then note if there is improvement in symptoms. It really isn't a major thing for an adult, the list is quite reasonable. If in 1 week or two you notice improvement, I would think you would be highly motivated to add back in the one food at a time. For a child, it is more challenging to do the elimination in my opinion. I could never have cared less about artificial colors and ingredients. Now that I see my son react, I am a believer. It is so easy to test. You eliminate, then add back in. If you see a reaction, do this a couple of times more until you are personally convinced. Many do think that if the underlying health issues are addressed, then the sensitivities are reduced or eliminated over time. Chemar just posted this great link on another thread. I am not sure if you read all the threads. A story of a child helped by controlling a yeast problems--not just his tics, but his OCD. http://www.nutritioninstitute.com/Tourette...s_Syndrome.html Claire

Hi Searching, That is remarkable with the 5HTP. I am so glad that you found Latitudes and Chemar. Good luck. Just remember that Chemar says that St. John's Wort and 5HTP can't be taken together, as it is too dangerous. CORRECTION: should not be taken simulatenously. See Chemar's clarification. As for the obsessions, I have a few recommendations. My son was having fears, which are in that family of obsessions. Disclaimer: He doesn't have an OCD diagnosis, so his symptoms were not severe. Even so, they were not pleasant. First, we got an air filter, which we keep on in his room. We had mold in our home and got rid of 2 known sources. The air filter alone made a great change in his anxiety level.Carpeting seemed to trigger the fears worse--I have read about carpeting causing neurological issues. The air filter helped a ton with this also, but we stay in hotels. Excessive computer/TV was a trigger for him and caused both fear and compulsiveness (as well as tics). Do you have difficulty with them prior to sleeping? My son had his fears then, plus delayed sleep, and he took melatonin (over the counter, but a hormone) at night which broke the fear cycle. It just relaxed him. They haven't tested the safety of melatonin for the long term. Exercise was helpful, but not a cure. Finally, we saw a DAN/EM doctor who ran a number of tests on him. If you have insurance, I encourage you to do this. So many with OCD/Tics and other issues have underlying problems with yeast, heavy metal toxicity, food sensitivities, which are truly triggers for their compulsions, obsessions and/or tics. In my son's case, as with many here, they found things and have customized the supplement program to correct those issues. We are early in this, but I have already noticed improvements in my son with his fears. He notices too (he is 10) and doesn't resist the supplements so much as a result. Some of the EM's/DAN doctors mark it as a 'metabolic disorder' (for those for whom underlying trigger for their symptoms) so that you don't have OCD on your medical records--I only mention this if that is a concern for you in your situation as an adult. If not, then never mind. In any case, the links to DAN/EM lists in your area (some of whom are naturopaths) are in one of the threads here. See my post on the "DD is on her 3rd tic" thread Good luck. Claire

I don't think I would be exaggerating to say that the odds of a 'random' psychiatrist understanding the diagnostic protocols and treatment using supplements that the DANS doctors, naturopaths, and Environmental Medicine doctors use is very low. On the other hand, my son's DAN doctor happens to be a psychiatrist. My point is, that severe tics affect such a small portion of the population and the knowledge base on them is thus extremely limited. I must echo what others have said. This is a new area, and various specialists have their own approaches. On average, this diagnostic non-pharmaceutical approach is limited to those who have studied it in depth. DAN doctors www.autism.com/ari. Click on DAN on the left, then finding doctors. It lists the doctors specialty, so if finding a psychiatrist is important to you and you live in a populated area with lots of doctors, you may be able to find on. Don't be confused off by the term autism. They really cover a span of neurological issues. www.aaem.com is on another list--EM doctors. I thought someone posted a list of naturopaths, plus I believe that at least one of the above links contain Naturopaths. And those who know me on the board, know that I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't suggest trying no TV (or computer if she does that too) for a week, and see what improvement you see. At age 4, I can't imagine trauma for the unplugged TV 'not working' for a few days. This was night and day for my son when he was 8, and I know a 3 year old who gets tics from TV/computer CRT screens also. Finally, my last words: you have plenty of time for diagnostics before trying drugs (should you ever feel compelled to do so). Teasing starts much later--closer to middle school. My son was 8 when they first started and it took a couple of months to stop them cold (via no computer). No one said a word to him; he was at 2 new schools during that time period and made a ton of new friends. In my mind, 'medicine' tries to stop the symptoms, it doesn't address the health issues and triggers. Good luck. Claire

I tried Carob. I have no idea who they are kidding, it doesn't taste like chocolate and I don't like it! Any health food store has carob treats to try.

Robin/Chemar My son had a half a bag of Doritos after basketball (begged me into it) and I could tell... (he could too by the way). Ah, so it is the MSG... with him it is a fidgetyness, as I have mentioned. He could feel it for himself. Robin, We discussed lunch foods before--I have found some protein bars at Whole Foods (nothing artificial) with no peanuts and no wheat. I would think that most wouldn't have corn --I know that I avoid the ones with corn syrup if possible. Luna bars have a good selection. Also, there is this Govind cashew/almond bar that seems not too sweet. We do nuts and fruits for snacks a lot now also. Did you ever figure out lunches for your son? All Re chocolate--I sometimes think the vanillin in much milk chocolate is a problem. I still avoid chocolate for my son because it keeps him awake at night. He has been doing quite well re not being fidgety. I think it is some combination of: 1. Completely wheat-free for 3 weeks. His excema is 3/4 gone now. Did I mention that his friend who had celiac disease grew 6 inches in 6 months once he stopped eating grains with gluten? I am wondering whether my son's growth will accelerate. I have a bet with him that he will grow 3 inches in 6 months vs the normal 2 inches. 2. The daycare guy has finally stopped giving him candy daily (all that junk in it). 3. The supplements. We finally have this down where he doesn't complain. The smoothies weren't great tasting to his sensitive palate. (By the way, for someone who mentioned this--smoothies can be made with frozen fruit and water, not milk. Someone mentioned non-dairy protein powder also). He will get his last planned test next week (I think). That is the allergy blood test for the spectrum of allergies. I am mostly hoping that there are no problems with corn. We have finally gotten the no-wheat down--having figured out wheat-free recipes, but they all have corn flour. Everything from pancakes and pizza to fried 'breaded' chicken, batter fried fish. And corn tortillas and rice help fill in the cracks. As some here have said however, the burden is on me to cook much much more. But he hasn't seemed sad about this in the last couple of weeks. Interestingly enough, without wheat in his diet his breadth of food choices seem to be improving at restaurants, thank goodness. He is much better with proteins. He still likes fruits. but we still work on the veggies. Was it Ronna who said--fast foods are another matter. Claire

Heather, Ronna (and efgh...) As you view your post, on the top of it--on the same line as the date, and to the right is a button with the word 'edit'. Click on it and you get the old post looking like you are ready to submit it for the first time. You can't completely delete it, but you can change anything you want, and even delete all but a period. Then click submit. Claire

This is very interesting. I keep reading that more and more scientific and analytical people don't believe in a higher power, and yet look at the proportions who do in our group. I must say that most of my local friends are agnostic/athiest, so here is my opportunity to discuss something.... I am excited that Mel Gibson's Passion movie is taking off. I am really hoping that this does start more religious movies, as that kind of movie can help many to get in touch with their feelings. I would like more on the part of Jesus' life where he spread his message and helped so many. I think the Left Behind series did that in its own way--it sure got me thinking hard. (I didn't finish the series yet, stopped at book 7 a couple of years ago). Disclaimer: I haven't seen the Passion movie--I am sooo sensitive to violence and don't know that I could take it. I am waiting for friends to tell me more, rather than the papers. Has anyone here seen it? Claire

Kathy, Gina, How did you find this board--through what search? Do you remember? I found it last fall by typing neurofeedback and tics in Google. It was a relief to me also, but even since then the forum members keep posting more new information! I had no idea of this common pattern of underlying conditions that could be corrected. And the folks here really do care, which is much appreciated. Claire

What a beautiful prayer Ronna, thank you. My personal feeling is that as long as the thread is labeled accordingly, people don't have to read it if they don't want to hear about religion. Since you raised the topic, I would like to share my personal experience, which is far from scientific. During our Christmas trip, when my son was sleeping on a carpeted floor and was having some kind of intense reaction to it (no details, too personal for him), I quite overwhelmed with concern for him. Well, we took him swimming at an indoor pool with a huge glass window next to the pool (a sunny day). He kept jumping in the end of the pool to make a big splash. I was watching him do this while reading a book on angel/miracle stories and after realizing that so many of the people got help after they just prayed for it, I was inspired to privately say a deep, heartfelt prayer to God. Sometimes I have a hard time really focusing deeply when praying, but not this time. I looked up from my prayer and watched him jump feet first into the pool. His splash sprayed up as this sheet of water, and in the water was this incredible rainbow. After it disappeared, I suddenly had this feeling that this was a sign from God that all would be okay. Of course, I will never know for sure in this lifetime, but all that matters is that I believe it. My son made some comment that 'it was weird because the water came up and kind of choked me while I was still jumping in'. I watched him jump in again and again and no more rainbows or sheets of water. At any rate, I felt very peaceful, and was confident that somehow things would work out. I came back from vacation and finally found our DAN/EM doctor. Thanks for bringing this up! I have wanted to post this before, but I too was hesitant to bring up religion. Funny how we are trained to avoid that topic. I understand the reasons why--it can be very divisive--but I still think it is unfortunate. Chemar had the courage to post something on Braintalk, and I really respect her for that. Claire

Hi Heather, Thanks for the Threelac info. Weren't the holidays when you had that great success with resolving his yeast issues? With your comment on snorting being worse during TV before the holidays.. Perhaps then bringing his health back in balance did help minimize a possible TV trigger? Ok, ok, I do realize that you don't even know if TV is or ever was a trigger in the first place. I am probably just clutching at straws here! But your naturopath's comment that the treatment should reduce other triggers is quite encouraging to me--I will ask my DAN/EM doctor what he thinks also. As you know, this is my biggest driver for my efforts here. Remember, the TV/Computer doesn't just trigger tics in him, it triggers compulsiveness, which does affect his sense of well-being. But the tics do matter to him too, he is soooo sensitive to teasing of any sort, that it would really stress him out. Claire

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Chemar, I agree with you. Claire

Chemar/efgh Not to be controversial, but most books on OCD say that stopping a compulsion (vs a tic) helps change the brain chemistry in a positive way and improve the OCD over time. This is a part of cognitive therapy, ie there is a belief system that it helps. It sounds like others disagree--I haven't read those directly. However, 'books' aside, I agree with Chemar on my own personal situation. In any case, I never tried to stop my son's touching compulsions because he says it is too tramatic and stressful for him to attempt to do so. I think that when a child has tics and compulsions, it is too difficult to differentiate between them--so even if the OCD books I read are correct, I think it is too risky. However, while this may be the case with touching compulsions, I absolutely think that constraints must be put in place for other compulsions. Otherwise think about it: A 'hoarding' child would have the house filled with paper, a handwasher would never leave for school. This management required incredible parenting skills to help the child though this--my heart bleeds for those parents. Claire

Jennifer, I have heard that many kids with tics or compulsions (?) who can't properly utilize the Omega 3s in fatty acids do well with fish oil. At least this is what our DAN doctor said. I know how you feel. You want to find the problem so that you can correct the underlying health issue. But some of the problems seem sooooo complex to correct, that you wish they weren't there to deal with. Good luck Claire

efgh, Thanks for the computer game feedback. I sometimes forget to qualify in my posts that the idea is to find out triggers for your own child. I still wonder with your son if it is the passive viewing of TV makes him more susceptible to the 'flicker' impact. And yet some don't react to flicker at all, just the rapid action of the games. And then some aren't affected by either. Kind of like some have different food reactions. Claire

Heather, That was an excellent post! So full of data and specifics, thank you. I will absolutely raise your points at my son's next doctor visit, should he show problems with metals. I hope he doesn't--it is sounds so complicated to resolve. Interesting what your naturopath said about avoiding other supplements during metal detox....For my son's heavy metal blood test, he had to avoid all vitamin supplements for 4 days, since presumably the metals in them throw off the test. This will be a concern should he turn out to have problems with metals. Also, I asked at Whole Foods re Threelax and they said didn't have it. congratulation on your son's positive and *measurable* progress. My 65 year old neighbor has been fighting mercury toxicity for a couple of years, and her husband just told me that her yeast is now a problem. The are a highly intelligent and educated couple and have changed doctors 4 times for this matter--I suspect that they know more than most of their doctors. I had no idea that the naturopaths were that much cheaper--wow. The approach is the same as the DAN doctor, it sounds definitely worth it if insurance or $ is an issue. My husband is quitting his job this week to return to the world of consulting/self-employment and I will keep this in mind should our insurance coverage change significantly, or should this current DAN doctor retire sooner rather than later (he is very close!). Thanks again for the details. Good luck with the pizza. I bet some kids would choose one over the other. My son can't have regular pizza either (the wheat). We make our own wheat-free version, but that wouldn't work at school. The next time they do pizza, I think I will bring in an extra bucket of KFC chicken to share (and peel off the wheat breading). I must believe (hope!) that at least a couple of other kids would pick chicken over pizza. I forgot whether your son had any sensitivity to TV/Computer? The reason I ask is that if so, I would like to know if all these health treatments have reduced his sensitivity there so that he is now less reactive. I am really really hoping that this is the case with my own son as it would sure make middle school life next year much easier. Claire

GL&L We have had discussions on this thread and Braintalk on the computer games Even static computer active such as word processing can be a trigger if your child is sensitive to flicker. This may not be the case for your child, I only point it out because even 15-30 minutes of static computer work a couple of times a week at my son's school was enough to set off tics that lasted all week, due to the 60 hz flicker on the screen. So even though tics are reduced with no TV/Computer at home, when there is still that activity at school, he still had ongoing problems. We had to eliminate it completely for him to have no tics at all. The computer games have another aspect. In addition to potential visual tracking and rapid movement issues, I have always contended that they encourage of compulsiveness because of the repetitive nature, the stress and the 'almost' making a level, only to start over again. For any child with tendencies for compulsiveness, it can bring it to an intense level. I know that my own son would get sooooo irritable and unhappy when he had to quit a game. He plays only games like RollerCoaster Tycoon and Incredible Machines on an LCD monitor now. They don't have 'timers' and levels and thus don't cause problems. Please note--I am not trying to convince you (or anyone) not to stop computer/TV, just to help you better understand the nature of the trigger from my son's experience. You can't tell its full impact without temporary elimination, much like the comments on the food elimination diets. Elimination, then Reintroduction--though sometimes it takes a few days to build up to a reaction, depending on the sensitivity. I just read something on food allergies, where they discussed instant and delayed reactions--this is quite similar. In our case it was so dramatic that we made some life changes. For others, it might not be so dramatic, or may not be a priority. Claire

Heather, Glad that you got the feedback. That is important. My social event experiment worked on Friday night! It costs extra though.... My son didn't want to feel different, so I brought a bunch of stuff that he could have that I knew the other kids would like also. The other kids went 'crazy' for them. Mott's apple juice and Dole popsicles. I had Hagen Daas (sp) icecream bars as a back-up, but didn't need them. I bought the stuff at Whole Foods, but picked familiar labels. My son kind of thought I cheated, but I felt I 'scored'--they were happy that his mom bought a higher grade of items. We now have a solution, though in an ideal world I would just throw in 6 items, vs duplicate snacks for the entire team every week. Next week it will be Mott's again, and something different for a snack. Claire

Gina, I don't live very far from you and my DAN doctor is definitely within driving distance from you. I think he charged $325 for the initial visit. I think his follow-up visit was $170. So far ALL the lab tests that I sent into insurance were actually covered by insurance. (I have not sent in all my lab test bills though). Not all lab tests were covered 100% though, I am sorting this out now. This all assumes that you have a PPO--HMOs are different and I have no idea of their coverage. This is why I chose an MD. It was covered by insurance. This guy is WONDERFUL. You can click on my name here and send me an email --I won't post his name for privacy purposes. Claire ps found that the test results showed he needed a different set of vitamins than Bonnie has in her standard package.