SHollins

Hello, I have a teen that was diagnosed with PANDAS a year ago. The doctor who diagnosed her has moved out of state. I am not able to find a doctor here who knows how to treat or believe in this illness. Do any one know the name of a doctor in this area or are their other parents in the salt lake city, utah who children/teens has PANDAS. Thanks Frantic Mom

Melissa, My daughter is 16 and was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago after having tics and symptoms since nov. We were told it was all mental and her way of avoiding school and to keep sending her to school. This is a girl who had a 3.5 gpa, a cheerleader and invited to represent her school in DC at a youth leadership meeting. Today her only concern is when can I go back to school. I would say to advocate for your kids and don't stop until you get the answer. When I first took my daughter to the emergency room she was given a preganacy test and a drug test and told to go home it is all in her head. I had to advocate for my child with the doctors, psychologist and the school systems. I found a doctor in Provo Utah, I live in Salt Lake City, who agreed with me and was willing to look for the answers. Also, look at alternative doctors. They may be more willing to listen to your concerns. Sandra

Hello, I have a daughter who is 16 years who started having "Seizure" about a month ago. After being in the hospital for one week, we were told it was "conversion disorder" and that her seizures were all mental and she was sent to a psychologist and place on Zoloft for anxiety. As a therapist and a person who know her kids I was not happy with this diagnosis and the symptoms grew worst. I went for a second opinion and the doctor stated “he did not see a need to continue testing if this is what the hospital diagnosed.” So I went for a third opinion in another city about 50 miles away. This doctor determined that she had strep, yeast and placed her on penicillin, antifungal, probiotic and changed her diet. He also took her off the Zoloft and placed her on another medication for her anxiety. He diagnosed her with pandas. Although there has been big improvements in her symptoms, she continues to have tics (up to three a day), has anxiety and get tired very fast when we are away from the house with the tics increasing, and has a hard time sleeping at night. My daughter has been on home schooling. I have not been able to find anything on teens with this diagnosis. I would like any information on this with teens or websites to help. Thanks