Hello Everyone.
I am new to this post, I finally came across it today after months of research on PANDAS. My son,5, had sudden onset of vocal tics/ocd this past August and I was a mess for about a month over it, still kinda am. He and his brother, 7, had strep at the time and when I came across PANDAS, wow, that was him. He went on the typical antibiotic course, actually 2 courses, and during the second course is when it all exploded.?? During the ensuing 2 months, everything calmed down considerably, with just very minimal ocd and a minimal vocal clearing of the throat left today, no one would notice a thing. I don't know where to go from here. What is amazing is my older son suddenly develpoed 2 motor tics a couple of weeks after, and I am wondering if it could be the same thing. But, my older sons behavior did not change like my younger sons did VERY much so. My older son only tics when under stress and it is mild, he is going in for tonsillectomy this Thurs. for airway obstruction with his adenoids and they will just take out everything. I am curious to see if his mild tics go away as I have read tonsillectomy can significantly help PANDAS kids, if he is even one. But, back to my younger son, who I have no question has PANDAS. We are waiting test (blood) results right now, then what do I do? I am torn because I have read much about IVIG, and PEX, and know they have been proven to put these kids in complete and lasting remission. PEX removes antibodies, IVIG blocks. I have found a doc who has vast experience and success with IVIG and PANDAS, and he says a complete and lasting cure should and can be expected after IVIG is administered, even in the event of strep, the child should remain symptom free. To test effectiveness of IVIG, steriod burst is administered, which is an anti-inflamatory, immune suppresent, just what PANDAS needs, and if SIGNIFICANT improvement in your child symptoms is noticed, then IVIG can be considreed as the next step. So, I am wondering, should I put my child on preventative antibiotic, or just go for the IVIG and take care of it altogether? IVIG is considered invasive and carries some risks. I spoke with a MOM whose daughter had severe OCD/PANDAS, and after she had PEX, it was totally gone. Does anyone have any input or experience with IVIG? I was surprised to not find it mentioned anywhere in these posts. By the way, what is a DAN doctor? I appreciate advice form all you PANDAS parents, I am confused as to which step to take next. Thanks.
Kelly