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I need as much help as possible. My son(8) experienced two 4-6 week episodes of OCD (unwanted thoughts) in 2007; both were clearly associated with strep. Both 100% went away. Move to 2009, clear exposure to strep in Oct. (no positive test but all signs and two cousins with it) plus both flu shots...now worst OCD ever (all very awful thoughts). Think we may have rushed into meds too soon (Zoloft). Also, goes between "normal", hyper, and then angry or sad too quickly. Currently on Zith, but prescription will be done tomorrow. Dr. doesn't really want on any longer. Any thoughts??? Seeing a great therapist already.

My son is about 5 weeks into what we consider a severe PANDAS episode...started by either a strep in late Oct. or two flu shots (seasonal and H1N1). Our most difficult issue is OCD - all thoughts with the need to tell. We are working on this with a CBT therapist, and he is on Zoloft (just started two weeks ago, first time every). His teacher (she is wonderful) reports that he is making it through the day but is beyond hyper...can't settle in, always wants to go somewhere, does need to go to the batheroom a lot, etc. In 1st grade during his 2nd episode, the same was true and then just subsided with the OCD until all gone. Do other children act hyper?

I just joined the forum today. Two years ago in April of 2007, my son had 2-3 reoccuring streps and then for a 4-6 week period all my happy go lucky kid could do was worry about swears, privates, and his middle finger (He was 5 at the time and just knew it was bad). By summer, he was back to his happy self until October when he had another confirmed strep...needless to say from late October to early December, he was again "confessing constantly" about privates, his middle finger, and swears. In December, 2007, he had his tonsils removed and by Christmas was completely back to himself. By this time, we were seeing a neurologist out of Boston Children's Hospital and was diagnosed with PANDAS. For two years, we had no issues. My son has always worried about right or wrong, but definitely no obsessions. Then in October, he was not feeling well, went to the doctor and didn't test positive though his two cousins (who he had slept in the room the night before) did. Also around this time, he had the flu shot and H1N1 shot (a decision I will regret the rest of my life). Needless to say, we have now been through a month and a half of pure heartbreak. My happy third grader is so worried about sex (he is not even sure what it is, just knows there are privates involved) that he tattles on himself constantly for his thoughts (a few weeks ago it was violent thoughts). His only obsession is to tell on himself - very painful for us because the thoughts are disturbing though we know it is the OCD talking. Two weeks ago, on the neurologists advice, we placed him on Zithromax for a time period and also started Zoloft (50 mg now) for OCD. His titers have not been elevated this time though in 2007 they were (not outrageous though). We are at a loss. On Saturday, he seemed to come back 100% but then Sunday was very bad. We are seeing a OCD therapist experienced with children and PANDAS, but because my son's only compulsion is to tell, he often sneaks it out before we can apply any strategies. Do other children have these types of obsessions? Are they violent or sexual (completely out of character)? Did anyone have flu shots? What about the Zoloft (very torn but had to try)? How long do others symptoms normally last? Needless to say, this is not my normal child. He is not an angel, but these are so bizarre. He is also moody and math and his writing definitely have diminished since the beginning of the school year. Looking forward to hearing from others. Thanks.