LuluGirl

Also about Strattera, my chiropractor told me this: Many people don't know this but Strattera has only been proven to work for the short-term, like 6 months. Just FYI. I have no research to back it up but you may want to look into that aspect of it also. Good luck in your journey. It is question after question and trial and error over and over again. It is hard work; we've all been there so we understand! Lisa

Well, I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade about the helpfulness of an assortment of vitamins (I take a bunch every day) but here's what happened with my 12 year old son. When his tics began a few years ago we went through all the regular motions of allergy testing, etc...and ended up giving him a vitamin regime. Tics were mild, compared to others in this forum, but were most definitely there, along with some OCD. About 6 months ago my son started throwing up his vitamins so I decided to stop temporarily because he was freaking out about it. Since then his tics seem to be in some type of remission. Still there, extra minimally (aside from our trip to Disney World) so I can't help but wonder if they were part of the problem for HIM. I do find myself in a quandry though because I know that everyone needs supplements and I'm leary to give them to him now. But, we also have a history in the family of transient tics so maybe they are just on their way out anyway. Not sure how that rambling might help you but that's what happened over here! Good Luck and keep up your questions. Lisa

We're back from Disney World and wanted to give an update. The rides did not affect his tics. However, they did begin resurfacing during the few days prior to the trip so it must have been the excitement. He had them throughout the trip (nothing too dramatic though ) and we just got back last night. Forgot to notice them today but the rides most certainly did not bring them back with a vengance like I was worried about. So, aside from the "record low temps in Central Florida" we had a great time! Lisa

Here's some info for you, Kim, about the chicken pox vaccine from our experience. My kids (13 and 11) got it in 1995. A few weeks ago, my daughter had a rash of red spots on her. No one at the doctor's office could actually tell me if it was really chicken pox because when kids get the vaccine their chicken pox, if they get it, don't "present" as normal chicken pox would. More importantly, the nurse said, "Your son really should get the booster because it looks like the vaccine is wearing off after 10 years". I was surprised, and still am, that if this in indeed the case that they should be officially notifying us. Personally, after having the kids get the vaccine, I would rather have them get a tiny case of real chicken pox so I know they have full immunity. Seems like this is more of a crap shoot. Also, once they get the vaccine they can still get shingles later in life since the vaccine lies dormant in the spinal column. Lisa (a different one than above!)

Thank you both so much for your encouragement. Sometimes I guess I can be a stick in the mud and way over-think situations. Yes! We'll just go, throw caution to the wind and have a good time! Lisa

Thank you guys for the input and the heads up about Universal Studios. We are staying on their property one night but with from what I've read on U.S. I was becoming more leary by the minute. Maybe we could stay on that property and go to Sea World that day. We have been there when the kids were little but I love all things Disney. I was even thinking about forgoing the parks and doing all the other things like horseback riding, biking, etc. We're only going for 5 days and 2 are travel days so I'm thinking hopefully we'll only go to Epcot. Seems like there's a lot of other things to do there. Would really just like to relax by the pool. Chemar, what is the weather usually like late March? Thanks again, Lisa

Hello! I haven't posted in a while because my 12 year old's tics "seem" to be on their way out. However, we may be doing something over Spring Break that might bring them back and I was hoping for your opinions. Before I even thought about the implications to his tics I made arrangements to go to Disney World. The rides have those flashing lights and quick moving images. We are not really a "ride" family but will most definitely be going on some. Any thoughts on the impact? If they are truly on their way out (transient tics) do you think the rides could bring them back? If they're in a waxing stage (I can never remember which is the one that is less) do you think it will bring them back AND, if so, do you think it would just be temporary? It is not too late to switch gears (yes, I am willing to be the bad mommy!). Thanks, Lisa

Hi, My son is also 12 and here's something many have tried that we do also and is easy. I give my son 500 mg. of taurine (it's an amino acid), 1000 mg calcium, 500 mg. magnesium and 50 mg. of zinc daily. I give the taurine in the early morning on a empty stomach and then split the cal/mag in am and pm. He weighs @ 105 lbs. Also, watch him and see what makes them worse. In my son's case root beer makes them much worse (as well as anything orange like Gatorade). If they just started you may be happy to know that they very well could be transient tics. Also, I didn't see mention of it but if he's on any medication for ADD or something, it may have provoked it. It happened with my son and Lexapro. Lisa

Hi Brenda, I can't really speak to the laughing gas effects. My son has had it but I can't remember an increase in tics. That may be a good sign! As to the crowns, I have about 6 or 7 of them in my mouth and they are all porcelain. I actually haven't even heard of stainless steel crowns. They do make gold crowns, which are very durable but most people don't want to have something shiny like that in their mouth. Same would go for stainless steel. Please ask your dentist why he's not considering a porcelain crown. I have also gotten a porcelain onlay. When your daughter opens her mouth I can guarantee she'd most likely prefer to see things that look like her own teeth! Also, be sure and have her double check her bite when they're finished. They do the tap, tap, tap of her bite on a piece of carbon paper to show where they need to file it down a bit. If the bite is wrong her tooth will hurt. Also, they need to be careful to match the color of the crown with the rest of her teeth (if you go with the porcelain which I am begging you to!) and you also have a choice if you want them to put stain on the biting surface. Sometimes they like to do that so it looks "real" but I think it just makes the crown look dirty. Wish I didn't have so much experience with this. Let me know if you have any more Q's. Lisa

Hi Jeff, A little off topic but know you are the expert here! I've been keeping my kids fairly "clean" but in two instances have felt like my heart was beating way too fast and upon reflection, I had eaten things containing red dye. Do you know if the red coloring can cause anything like that? Thanks, Lisa

Thanks Cheri & Andy, We, too, have had alot of testing done on my son but not specific vitamin/mineral tests. I have been giving him the cal/mag and zinc for about 2 years but haven't gotten him up to the full dose that you recommend due to a little disorganization on my part. I have calculated the the dosages of each of those (including what's in his multi) and have him very close to the correct dosage now AND I made myself a schedue. So we're off and running! Thanks for your help! Lisa

Hi Andy, I just read in a previous post that you give your 6 year old 500 mg of Taurine. Do you also give him calcium and magnesium? Right now I'm giving my 12 year old calcium and magnesium taurate but it doesn't seem to be doing much. I'm wondering if I should switch over to the straight Taurine....If I do, would I also do the calcium and magnesium in a 2:1 ratio? AND, do you split the dosage AND do you think it's best to give it in the morning or night? Sometimes I think the vitamins would be better absorbed at night since they're not being "removed" from the body during the day since we're not making any trips to the bathroom at night. Thanks! Lisa

What about when you get a crown and they have to drill away the silver filling that's in the tooth? If I was just going to a regular dentist would it help if I wore one of those masks you can get at the drugstore?? Lisa

I, too, have read about the connection between bed-wetting and dairy intake. Keep it up! I bet your son is pleased too. Lisa

Hi Daniel, Thanks for the very interesting article. Does it say what levels of magnesium, calcium, zinc and copper were useful? I am just about to go back to supplementing my 12 year old son with that group (except for the copper)... Lisa

Hi Robin, Looking back it was a little odd....Beginning fourth grade my son sort of hit the wall academically. On the advice on the school, we had him tested and tested and the result was putting him on Lexapro because his adrenaline was too high (going too fast) and the Lexapro would slow it down so he could think more clearly. He did have OCD, according to him for a few years, but it was nothing we picked up on - only recognized it in hindsight. Well, I have yet to find ANYONE who knows anything or even heard about the high adrenaline thing. We haven't put him on anything else except we got him tutored when he needed it and lo and behold, he has been on the honor roll all year of 6th grade. He still has OCD things (touching things a few times) and the tics. Neither of which bother him. We just try to clean up his diet which is an on-going thing the older he gets. Have you read the book, "Freeing your child from OCD" by Tamar Chansky? It's very, very good and has lots of helpful ideas. Lisa

Hi Robin, About the Lexapro.....On the insert it does say that 2% of the users will develop tics. My son was on it for 6 months and then suddenly went into a full-blown tic disorder and OCD. I quickly weaned him off but now more than a year later they're both still with us, although at a much reduced rate. Looking back he had a very, very mild case of tics and OCD. So mild that I only recognize them in hindsight. He was 10 when he started on it. I am convinced that the Lexapro provoked the tic disorder and OCD to come out of hiding, so to speak. Good luck in your search... Lisa

Hi Sheila, Thank you for your reply! My son would more be considered ADD than ADHD and, thankfully, it seems to be going away! We have worked on his diet and if I had to pinpoint any change I would have to say that would be it. However, it will be very interesting to see what happens with the iron supplementation. I will be sure to let you know! Lisa

I just read something in my Alternative Medicine magazine...It said that iron deficiency has been linked to neurological conditions. My son has a tic disorder, IMO, and his bloodwork has confirmed that he's iron deficient. Do you think supplementing iron would help? And ifso, what is the protocol for iron supplementation? He's only 12 but I don't think I can just keep giving him iron.....right? Thanks, Lisa

Hi Buzz, There is an excellent book that you may want to read. It's called "Freeing Your Child From Obsessive Complusive Disorder" by Tamar Chansky. There are many coping strategies in it. Good luck to you! Lulu

Hello! Just a quickie. I have eliminated some of my son's supplements and am now going to add them back in. I know prevailing wisdom says to add one at a time and watch for a few days. Since the calcium & mag taurate are supposed to work together, should I add them in (at the 2:1 ratio) together (and at a smaller amount at the beginning) or should I still add them separately? Also, I think I read that cough medicines increase tics in some kids. Would they just be a problem while the cough medicine is in their system or does it cause trouble after that too? As always, I appreciate your help and am so grateful for this forum and the people in it! Lisa

Hi Spartan, I'm sorry to hear that your tics are becoming distressing for you. I understand your frustration. Since you mentioned that you are on the computer for a good 3 hours a day there might be a light at the end of the tunnel! Look back at the posts about TV and screens. Go back awhile. Claire noticed a reaction to screens (TV/computer/video games/gameboy) and created a poll about it. Judging from the replies, you may very well have good luck if you can either avoid being on the computer so much or change it to an LCD monitor. Good luck and keep us posted. Lisa

Does anyone know if you need to have enough of something (magnesium??) in order for your body to accept zinc? What about iron? My son is deficient in iron and I had been giving him an iron-free multivitamin. With his deficiency I'm sure the doctor will have him switch to the one with iron. (Appointment is on Mon.) Does that sound OK? I always thought that men and children weren't supposed to get iron supplements.... Thanks, Lisa

Well this is interesting. My son, who has tics and white spots on his fingernails is not zinc deficient but I am! I have no white spots and I take a zinc supplement every day. Hmmm. Lisa

My son, the only one in the family with tics, has many white spots on his fingernails. The rest of us have none. We are getting a blood test tomorrow and one of the things they will check for is zinc deficiency. I'll let you know the results! Lisa