susanna

Thanks for the great info Ronnas. I will definitely make a point of contacting the NIMH this week and reading up on the info you posted. I had read your post in Braintalk but will go back and take another look. His facial tics are already improving. They weren't "awful" to begin with, I was just concerned because tics of any kind reappeared. It's actually sort of a relief to find out the strep was causing the tics...at least I have a clear-cut trigger and will know what to look for next time. I am having an awful time getting the antibiotic in him. It's augmentin and he hates it...this is a child who has always been a trooper about taking meds. I'll have to remember to ask the ped for something else next time he needs an antibiotic. Any tips or tricks to get him to take this? We've tried a number of things to no avail. Claire, my son does not have white spots on his fingernails. I still haven't had my follow up appointment with our homeopathic pediatrician where we will discuss supplementation and further testing. That should be happening within the next month or so. Thank you all again!

Update: Well I took my son to the pediatrician's this afternoon. As luck would have it we saw the doctor that we saw when my son started ticcing. This is the doctor that told us to mention to the neuro that my son had recently had strep (although at the time he didn't tell me why that was important and I didn't know enough to question it) Although my son doesn't have the classic strep symptoms, he did a throat swab to appease me. Guess what, the rapid strep test came back positive! The doctor was floored, and quite honestly so was I....I really felt I was just being paranoid, but I guess not. So now my son is on a round of antibiotics (have to pick up more probiotics tomorrow) The dr. also gave my son a nebulizer treatment in the office and we are to continue that until his chest congestion clears up. He wants to see him in 2-3 weeks for a strep recheck. The dr. did mention something about my son being a possible carrier of strep. I didn't get into what that really means for my son with the dr. at this time, but will follow up when we go for our recheck as I will make sure the recheck appointment is with this dr. since he at least acknowledges PANDAS even exists. I thought it was interesting that he questioned me on what the neuro thought of the PANDAS theory (neuro doesn't really buy into it)

Thanks for the feedback. My concern with the lozengses were that the ones I've seend contain echinacea and I believe I read somewhere that could be a no-no for certain kids...forget why but do rememver that my son fit into that no-no group. Ronna, yes I have read up on PANDAS and I do believe that was the trigger for my sons tics. I think I am going to go ahead with the throat swab...it can't hurt. Heather, I'll see what my homeopath has to suggest. Thanks again all...I knew I could count on you for advice and info.

My son has been sick with a cold the past few days. His sniffling, due to his illness, is also accompanied by some facial tics which we haven't seen for months. I'm hoping once the cold goes away the facial tics will as well. I've been giving him vitamin C. Also, would the zinc lozenges be helpful at this point? Anthing else I could try? My homeopathic dr. had previously mentioned some homeopathic remedies for the flu when we had discussed my not having my son get the flu shot this year...I also will check with her to see what she recommends for this cold. He hasn't complained of a sore throat, but do you think I should have a strep throat culture done anyway? It seems that a strep infection last March is what started the whole ticcing thing for him. I appreciate your feedback.

I too have recently been wondering whether the IgG test would show a sensitivity to salicylates. My son tested positive for oranges/citrus bit negative to grapes and apples. Since he also tested positive to dairy and soy, his drinks of choice lately have been apple juice and grape juice, and his fruits of choice are apples and grapes. Although tics aren't really an issue these days, behavior (rages) still were/are. They have gotten significantly better and less frequent, but not completely disappeared. I'm wondering if it's the continued consumption of apples, grapes, apple juice and grape juice, or if this is just the nature of my son. He can be very sweet, loving and affectionate, but he's always had a bit of a temper if he doesn't get his way. I hate to take away the fruits and juices at this point since his food choices are so limited these days...and I can't believe how good he is at sticking to his approved foods. We've been eliminating the foods he tested positive to for about 6 weeks now. Any thoughts?

Debbie Please let me know if you received my reply to your e-mail. If not, perhaps you can register here and send me a PM and I will reply with the info you requested. Susanna

This link actually explains about the different type of air cleaners/purifiers. http://www.natlallergy.com/newsletter/aug2004.html#st4 Apparantly the ozone-type cleaners can be unsafe for those with asthma. Claire, do you run your Hepa filters 24/7? How often does the filter need to be changed. Do you only use the filters in the bedrooms? How about other living space? I'm thinking of getting a filter for each of the bedrooms and wondering if I should get one for the family room as well....after all we could probably all benefit from cleaner air!

Claire Would you happen to know how the HEPA filters compare with the Ionic Breeze type air filters?

Linda I believe at the bottom of this message should be a box that says PM...I assume you click on that box and it should send a message to my e-mail