Gina

Hi all, I just bought some L-Carnitine (By NOW brand) and as I was reading the other ingredients list, it has Magnesium Stearate in it. I can't remember but I think I saw in a past post that Mag stearate is big "No No" to people with TS. If this is true does anyone have a brand that they know does work well and not have that in it. Also I am looking for a good brand for the Mag Taurate/Calcium/Zinc. I have been giving my son the Country Life brand and also tried Whole Foods brand but both have Mag Stearate. I am really hoping that I am wrong about this Mag stearate. I have been giving my son this for a few months now I hope I didn't do him more bad than good. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Gina

BN123, When my son was first diagnosed he had a leg tic similiar to the one you are describing. He also had an arm tic at the same time. I did not start the vitamines right away due to the fact that I was unaware (I had not found latitudes yet) but I did change his diet I cut out the preservatives, caffiene, artificial color/flavor and watched his sugar. This made a drastic improvement. I personally feel that vitamines alone are just a part of the whole picture. You really need to watch your food. It's hard at first but just like any change in life it get easier with time. If you end up deciding to take any medications remember you need to be careful mixing meds. with some vitamines. Gina

Hi All, I have read in past posts that there is a vitamine that is especially good for vocal tics. I can not find the post so I was wondering if anyone out there has any ifo. I thought it might be L-Carnitine but I am not sure. Any input would be appreciated. Thank You Gina

It's so nice to hear when kids are doing well!!! My son is also 9 years old and started with a slight vocal tic about 2 weeks ago. His was like a purring sound and a quiet whistle. I thought it might have been due to added stress with school starting up (I live in CA and we started 9/1) but it still hasn't gone away although it has mellowed out a bit. I have to agree that it is more noticable and worrysome to me than to my son. Which I am thankful for. I would much rather carry the burden of worring since he has to carry the burden of the tics..... I am curious about you taking your son to the Chiropractor. How has this helped him? We went to see one a few days ago (I go to him for my back) because my son was having a bad neck/shoulder tic that was actually causing him pain in him neck from ticcing so bad. He didn't do any adjusting on my son. Just a consult and x-rays so far. Thanks Gina

Hi All, I know in the past I have seen that some of you have taken your children to see a chiropractor. Was this helpful? My son is 9 and has been dealing with a neck/shoulder tic latley and his neck is really sore from it. I was thinking about taking him to see the chiropractor but I am wondering if that is a good idea. I Just would like to know if any of you have taken your children and what exactly did they do. Thanks Gina

Ikaanda, I agree with Claire. You should keep your apt. with the Neurologist for the sake of having your son officially diagnosed. I also believe you should inform your sons teacher. When my son was in Kinder he had a throat clearing tic (we did not know at the time that it was TS) and the teacher kept getting annoyed with him and sending him to get a drink of water to help clear his throat. My son was getting annoyed back at the teacher and couldn't figure out why she kept making him drink water when he wasn't thirsty. I believe it is very important for all that are involved to an extreme in your sons life such as teachers, principals, coaches, family members etc. to be aware so they don't address the tics with your son which I think can only make it worse on the child to have to try and explain it. My son is 9 and going in 4th grade and I have addressed it with each of his teachers from first grade on and all of them have appreciated that I informed them of my sons tics and about TS in general. Hang in there, Gina

ikaanda, It is good to see the Neurologist but from my experience there really wasn't anything that they told me that I didn't already know. Basically they said your son has tourettes and we can medicate if you want to. I left there kind of feeling like it was a waste of my time. I knew from the beginning that I was not going to take the route of medicating. I still to this day don't know why I felt that way. I was not against medicating in the past for other issues nor had I ever tried vit/herbs etc. to help anything else. I guess it was just instinct. But my son was finally officially diagnosed. Which in an odd way was a good thing. There were no tests done at all. There isn't a TS test for diagnosis that I have heard of. The Dr. observed and talked to my son and us and that was it. That was 3 years ago and I have not had him back since. Your lucky you found this site first, get as much info as you can befor your apt. and talk to the Dr. about what you have heard about and see what he thinks. He might be able to refer you to someone that has the same views as you. Or he will look at you like your wierd but, either way you can find out if this Dr. will work for you and your son.

My computor crashed and has been out of commission for the past 2 weeks but thank God its back.... (I didn't realize how much I depend on this thing) I don't post a lot but I read and get info. a few times a week. Anyway I wanted to comment on the whole GameBoy issue. I noticed right after my son recieved his last year that it messed with his tics a bit and his attitude a lot. I have placed a 30 min. per day rule and that has made quite a difference. But when I am not on top of it and he goes longer he becomes a complete twit. Complaining about every little thing and nasty to his sister and us. His birthday just passed and of course he recieved a new gameboy game and I happened to look at the insert in the box. There printed in black and white were warnings about playing to much gameboy to the extreme of Seizures, Involuntary Movements, Vision issues, and more that I can't remember. I showed the insert to my son and it made him realize that its not just Mom being a pain in the butt about the whole gameboy thing but there are real side effects. Now that I have proof to back me up it's less of a fight when gameboy time is up.... Gina

My son also has the head shaking tic but now it only happens when he is wearing his bicycle helmet (if he is riding his bike he is fine but if he stops and dosent take his helmet off that tic will appear) Kinda wierd I know.... I agree it is frustrating to see people staring and looking but if its nobody your child will ever have to deal with than you have to try your best to ignore it. If its with people he will deal with on a regular basis than its best to have a talk with them and explain it. My son was diagnosed when he was in first grade and his TS came on full blast. Legs kicking out, arms swinging, throat clearing, and Head shaking so there was no getting around having to addressing it with his class. He is now going into 4th grade (his tics are much better) and all of his friends/classmates know he has TS they don't even notice it and they are also very protective over him should anyone new come around and question him. You have to admit that TS can look a bit strange at times especially to people that are not aware of TS. As the old saying goes "Knowledge Is Power " We also call my sons tics a "habit " in our house just because my son does not like to hear the word "tic" he says he is not half of a clock (tic-tock) Gina

Hi All, I have a question about tics that are not TS related. My sister stopped by the other day (she is 38) and I couldn't help but notice a strange neck/shoulder tic that she was doing. There is no TS in my side of the family (my son has TS inherited from my husband) But if i didn't know her I would of thought TS. (I have not seen her in almost 4 months so I don't know how long it has been going on) I didn't say anything but I will see her again this weekend and plan to talk to her about it. I would like to know any info that anyone would have on this so I can help her. I have never noticed any other types of tics with her in the past. It has been a tough year for her work wise and she is a single Mom and on top of that we lost our Dad this past year to an accident, so I know her stress level is up. Can that be a factor in a tic? Also she has put on a lot of weight. She has always been heavy but this past year she probably added another 100 lbs. My goal is to try and talk to her about getting to a Dr. but if I had any other info I could give her it would be helpful for me when I talk to her. Thanks Gina

Hi everyone, Thanks for the input. I will check with the dentist to see exactly what the metal free braces are. I have not heard of these so I will have to look into it. I would rather not have the metal if that is an option for us. I am sure just having something strange and annoying in his mouth is going to be a bother, as it would for anyone TS or no TS. Thanks again for everyones advice. Gina

Hi everyone, Havent posted in quite a while but I have been reading and using the info you all have been sending out.... Thanks! I have a question. My son is going for braces in a few weeks and I was wondering if anyone has seen a rise in tics when thier children got braces? If so what were they and what did you do for them? Just trying to prepare ourselves. I am sure that there will be an adjustment period but if I can make it any easier on him I would like to try. Thank You Gina

Andy, I forgot to log in on my last reply so it came up as guest. I did exactly what Chemar said in her post. I went to Bonnies Supplements and took the info from there. I have not found a Dr. yet so this is all on my own and with the help from many people who post here. Anyone have any suggestions on my original post about Allergies??? What methods you use etc..... Were heading out of town this weekend to a place that I know will be hard on my sons allergies. Thanks Gina

Hello All, Its been a while since I have posted. Things have been a bit crazy at home. My son has been doing well. I started him on B6, B1 and Mag Zinc & Cal. along with his multi. It seems to be helping. I am still looking for a Dr. ( I started getting frustrated so I just dropped the ball) I will start looking again this summer when things are more mellow for myself and my son. My question is for anyone out there that can give me any info on what I can do for my sons Allergies (hayfever type) I would prefer not to give him any type of perscription meds. My son is such an outdoor person. Any info would be helpful. One more question... I keep hearing that you have to give a good childs multi-vit but I am not sure what constitutes it as good. Can you please let me know which brands you all are using and if they are chewable or not. My son can swallow pills ok but my daughter can not. Thank you Gina

One more thing: Aged cheese - cheddar, swiss, parmasan, romano,blue, rogeofort and yes the rest of the smelly cheeses Good Substitutes are - Mozzarella and Jack. Also goat or sheeps milk Feta cheese packed in water. Gina

Claire, Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate are in hot dogs, Bacon and most deli meats (turkey, ham etc) any type of cured meats. I don't know the exact connection if any between that and yeast. I figured this our when my family and I went to COSTCO and had one of there hot dogs for dinner. Within an hour my son was ticing away. I have found Hot Dogs, Bacon and Sandwich Meats w/o the Nitrites/Nitrates but I can only get them at Whole Foods Market. The only one I can get in a regular grocery store sometimes is sliced turkey. Gina

Hi Everyone, about 1 1/2 years ago I got the Feast w/o Yeast book. After reading the book I decided to eliminate the following foods. Barly Malt and all malt products including Maltodextrin, Vinegar, Chocolate, Cottonseed Oil, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Sodium Nitrites/Nitrates, Aged cheese and Caffine. I went full force and took all this out at once. Not one thing in that list was a benifit in our diet so I thought we would all do better w/o it. I did see results and his tics did mellow out quite a bit. We have continued to follow this diet with an exception every now and than (birthday/school parties etc.) I have also eliminated artificial falvor and color and try to keep as much as I can preservative free and organic. I have limited his yeast but not taken it out completley (bread is very hard for him to go w/o) I found alternatives to most things. I think the hardest for my son was Chocolate and Things with Vinegar (BBQ sauce, Marinades, Sauces etc.) I will try the Dark Chocolate this Easter since most of you seem to be OK with that. He will be so happy if he can get that back. I Believe that elimination is the easiest and least advasive way to start and find out what works and dosent with your child.

Claire, I don't remember how I found this site because it was a complete accident. I was just trying to find all info on treating Tourettes. Gina

Kathy, Good Start! This is a great place to start getting info together. I know that this is not an easy time for you or you child. My son was diagnosed with Tourettes when he was 6 and in 1st grade. I too feared the teasing at school. I have to say I underestimated his classmates. With permission from his teacher I went in and spoke to the class and explained to them why he makes those faces/movements etc. They were very concerned and understanding and my son did not have to endure the innocent yet embarassing questions from his peers. He is in 3rd grade and has a great group of friends most of which were from 1st grade. They are all aware of his tourettes and have even helped explain it at times when someone has ask them why thier friend does those things. I truly believe that you need to be open and matter of fact about it for everyone involved. What I found out was in the beginning while getting all my information together about how to treat my son, was that when you start to feel overwelmed, walk away and give yourself a day or two (maybe even a week) of no information what so ever. Than pick up where you left off when your ready again. It's an emotional rollercoaster and every now and than you have to get off the ride... Best of luck to you

Thanks everyone, I am feeling much better with everyones responses. I was really upset this afternoon after talking to that Dr. office. Hearing from all of you has helped a lot. I might even get a good nights sleep...... Chemar - That shaking tic has left and replaced itself with a new one. (both arms folding up and hitting himself in the chest) not to often and not bad enough to hurt himself. My son is very much aware of the TS and I can ask him if its his TS or not. He knows exactly when its his TS and he said that the shaking tic was his TS. I have not been back to his neurologist since he was diagnosed. Was not impressed. Basically he was diagnosed and I was told to go home and deal with it or put him on drugs. I opted to go home and find out info on my own. Have not had him to a Dr. for his TS since I will look into the website you gave and also will take you up on your offer to help with the vitamin info. Thanks Again Gina

Thanks for the replys... I live in Fremont California. I have looked into Bonnies supplements and was really close to ordering them but when I realized that my son would have to take 18-20 pills per day it just didn't seem right to me. It's not that I am looking for the miracle pill but that just put a big red flag up for me. I think what I would like to figure out is what my son should be taking strictly for TS. Luckily he has none of the other things that are very common with TS (ADD, ADHD, OCD etc.) and as usual his tic come and go. Most of the time its not even noticable. But when they appear they really come out in full force. 90% of the time they are motor and not vocal tics. Thanks Gina

I am soooo upset. I found a DAN Dr. not to far from me and spoke with them today. Unless I am willing to take out a loan this is not even an option for us. For the first 2 hour evaluation was going to cost $650.00 than the standard blood, urine & stool testing was another $1500.00 and than office visits were $350.00 ea. I guess its back to playing DR. myself. THIS SUCKS!!!!! Everytime there is a glimmer of hope there is another brick wall Any other ideas out there that can help. My 8 yr. old son has TS. was diagnosed 2 years ago. Never medicated, and I am completely confused with the vitamin regimins. So far we have only used dietary changes and a childrens multivitamin. Thank You Gina

My son is 8 yrs old and was diagnosed with TS almost 2 yrs ago. I decided from the beginning not to medicate. I have changed his diet to eleminate certain things which were tough in the begining but fine now. The past month his tics seem to be getting worse. He has mostly head, neck and facial tics but a new one started up a few days ago. He shakes his whole body (much like you or I would do when we get a chill) He said he feels like electricity is going through his body. Anyone ever deal with a tic like that? Also I have been looking into the vitamins from Bonnie Grimaldi (bontech supplements). As I investigated further I realized that it was expected for my son to take 18 pills a day. That triggers some questioning in my head about these vitamins. It seems to be a lot of pills for such a little kid. Not to mention kind of costly. Anyone have any other suggestions? I have had no luck so far with finding a Dr. that supports vitamine instead of medication. But I am not giving up. It is just frustrating to have to play Dr. and try to figure this all out. It seem everytime there is a idea that sounds good there is always a brick wall at the end... (Just Venting) Thank You