mommyfor4
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Hi Lynn, so as you saw in my post I suspected the paint, silly putty and after Cheri's son's observation the silly bands. So doesn't my ds come home from a movie with a friend with a mittful of them again. His tics were elevated...discussed it with him and he mentioned feeling light headed but thought it could be the movie (too much stimuli) He decided the bands could very well be the issue, gave them up and had an epsom bath and by this morning tics are mellow again! It's got me convinced. Makes sense as he too is sensitive to chemicals etc. He isn't willing to chance it, thank goodness! Let's hope this trend passes quickly...
Megan
P.S. Glad to see on your post that he is healing quickly and doing much better
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great to hear the multi is working well Megan
my son was recently given a few of those silly band thingies. He had a tic storm shortly after putting them on, and he said he also felt weird so he took them off and things improved, but still elevated, and it lasted till he also took his epsom bath!
He thinks it was likely a combo of the dye in them plus the silicone and other chemicals.
I see all these little kids with their arms covered in them and feel so concerned for what is passing thru their skin, and who knows if the chew on them even!
Oh, I am so glad you mentioned that. My kids have been coming home with them...I refuse to buy them but their friends feel sorry for my poor unfortunate kids
. I started to think I was over reacting but you're absolutely right and that could explain some mood stuff and some unexplained short term tic bursts last week! I knew I was right...wait til I tell my kids!!! Just kidding....tempting though.Megan
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Hi everyone, hope you all survived Halloween in one sane piece! We did pretty well our son raked in the candy, ironically, he can have none of it! He traded it all in for a gift card to Wal-Mart....
Anyway, I have had two major moments since Halloween. The kind that leave you thinking "are you kidding me?"
The first was Halloween night and the following day. We saw an obvious increase in tics and started to question if our ds had snuck some "forbidden fruit" while trick or treating. Then it hit me.....the face paint! All the colour, BHT and other junk. We washed him immediately and epsom salt bathed him and it mellowed after the second day.
The second incident was last night. He had received "silly putty" instead of treats from his teacher. After only 5-10mins of handling it he started ticcing like crazy, tics we have not heard in some time. It was the only new addition so I assumed it was the culprit...again sent him to wash and epsom salt bath and found the tics again started to diminish! Are you kidding me?!!!! I know the importance of clean diet, no chemicals etc. but I was shocked at the speed and reaction to these things. It was a reminder again of how quickly he can be thrown out of balance and how our skin's absorption also plays a big role. A little scary!
On a positive note...still doing really well on the Progressive multi, grandparents and teacher have even commented! Having one of those rare moments when we feel like we are really managing his tics and not always five steps behind, pinpointing triggers with a little more ease now that we have his basic gameplan down.
Have a great weekend all!
Megan
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Thanks for the feedback. Let me just tell you how crazy this gets. OK my DS has had motrin all his life (he has had many high fevers). So anyway I went out and got the dye free last night and gave him a dosage before bed (for his fever). These are the ingredients (anhydrous citric acid, butyparaben, flavor, glycerin, high frotose corn syrup, hypromellose, polsorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, xanthan gum). Let me just say he was not really congested and he did not cough once during his illness. Within 15-20 minutes he was so congested and coughing and almost crying (pretty much did start tearing up) because he could not breath out of his nose. I had him breathing in steam from boiled water with eucalyptus drops for about 15 minutes. He moaned that everytime he would blow his nose he feels it coming right back and he was coughing at the same time. Said he felt it going into his ears when he blew. This lasted about 1 1/2 hours. He cound not fall asleep and kept saying it's the medicine. I can not and will not try motrin again. My question is what type of ibuprofen do I give for fevers in the future ( he is my high fever child)? He woke up this morning saying he could breath out of his nose again. Crazy me is trying to figure out what ingredient is causing this. I mentioned it to the ped. and she says "oh yes, wow he is reacting to something" Thanks alot lady!! Asked her about an alternation and mentioned motrin tablets. Yes, are'nt these pink or purple (probably contain more crap then what I gave him. I am thinking the HFCP but who knows.
Mar
Hi Mar, we have had strickingly similar experiences with our ds9! And he also is our high fever child (to the point of sweating and even nightmare/hallucinations). I have to say that the past year or so since managing his diet and avoiding all artificials and watching for food intolerances we have not experienced such scary fevers. That being said, I was told a few years ago by a previous Naturopathic Dr. that we could use the homeopathic Belladonna for extreme fever. But I do want to caution the importance of talking to your Naturopath or Dr. first. I have used it on the rare/extreme occasion and it did seem to work but these are not things I would use without further advice. Maybe Chemar or some of the other more seasoned mom's might know more? What I DO know is our ds cannot have ANY commercial fever/cough/other meds. as he ALWAYS reacts and those reactions seem worse than the initial symptoms and prolong or exacerbate the situation. Good luck!
Megan
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Yes, been there too!
What if I didn't immunize ?( he reacted every time and yet I still finished) should have been stronger
What if I didn't allow those antibiotics when he was young? should have researched more
Maybe I started solids too soon? Maybe I was too stressed when I was pregnant? Maybe, Maybe, Maybe...
Then one day I realized it doesn't matter, can't change that. My Naturopath regularly reminds me that the mother's whole health (mind, spirit, body) directly effects the family as a whole. I stopped worry about the past and started focusing on my plan of attack. "What if's" leave you helpless, but creating a plan gives you back some power.
Yes, stress can effect our kids and exacerbate their tics, so taking care of you also takes care of them.
Stop blaming yourself and take back the control. Your son will thank you for it!
You are already on the right track:
A friend is one to whom
one may pour out all the contents of ones heart
Chaff and grain together,
Knowing that the gentlest of hands
Will take and sift it
Keep whats worth keeping,
And with a breath of kindness...
Blow the rest away
Be a friend to yourself
Megan
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what a hopeless and helpless mom I am! I am pretty sure the nasal spray and Singulair make his tics a lot worse, but I can't stop it since he has another asthma attack, and the only prevention drug we can use except singulair is steroid
Can't do anything but crying................
Oh Lele, I am so sorry
Have you seen a Naturopathic Dr.? Maybe they have some suggestions. It is such a helpless place sometimes being a parent especially when dealing with multiple issues. Know that you are a great mom, willing to look for answers, and that's all you can do right now! Is there any commonality with when he has an asthma attack? School, home etc. Maybe it is something that can be removed as a trigger? I don't have experience with asthma but do know that the cleaner the environment the less bronchial coughs our son got, plus eliminating dairy and wheat was huge for respiratory issues. I hope you can get some guidance from someone with more info than me. Just lending my best support and prayers. Megan
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Hey Kevin, the increase in tics could very well have been from a virus especially if he is now sick. Our son ( yes ds9)
often will have an increase in tics prior to symptoms of virus showing up, it's almost like an early warning system. Seems that the tics are signals of most imbalances in the body even viruses etc. At least in MHO ( my humble opinion). Hope everyone feels better soon. Our house is also experiencing a similar virus and it is apparently wide spread... seeing as we are in Canada!
Megan
Oh yah! And I second Chris's post re: goat's milk we too were told no animal milks of any kind, we use Almond milk or coconut, if in a crunch rice ( the kids don't love it)
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Interesting, Megan. The honey/sucrose is currently on the do-not-consume list but we may give this a try in a couple weeks if we can add it back in then.
How's the taste?
I'll admit it is takes some getting used to, but not as bad as Buckleys. The honey takes the edge off but there is no doubt you are getting medicinal plants. But that said ,even my 3 and 5 year olds will take it. My ds is sensitive to taste, smell etc. but he has quickly become accustom to it and asks for it now! It is also fairly cheap about 7.00 CA for the bottle.
Megan
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Thanks Cheri.
Yeah, the issue I have with the Benadryl is all the other crap in it, including sucrose. The list of "other ingredients" is just way too extensive. We won't be using that again anytime soon.
Oh. Last night we had tacos. He had the shell, who's ingredients were all allowed, the lettuce, onion, and beef. He was so happy to have something with a bunch of flavor. My wife and I don't like taco's all that much but we did it for him.
Tonight.... Well, Friday's are tough cuz he eats alone before gym at 4:30 so I need to get something. Maybe I'll make another soup. I should check with the local turkey farm to see what is in theirs. That could be very convenient.
I also started him back on Flonaise yesterday. This sniffle SEEMS tic-like but I'm still not convinced given the time of year. He's also complained that one of his ears seems clogged.
Maybe I should just take him in to the Dr just to make sure it's nothing like an ear infection. He doesn't usually complain when he gets them (even though it's been a while) so he might not even know it.
That sure would explain a lot.
Just thinking out loud here....
Hi Kevin, my ds9 also has a sniffing, throat clearing tic that seems like allergies but magnified. I feel like I should be a sales person for this product
but we use a natural cough/allergy product called NIN JIOM and it works fantastic for our ds, great for family colds too! All natural, great beneficial herbs and honey based. May be worth a try. We went the benadryl route early on and found it definately increased his tics. Best on luck...Megan
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Kevin,
I just found this blog of yours and read the entire thing. That's really great to see the improvements you have seen with your son. Although your last post seems to suggest that you may be seeing a shift in tics from coughing, etc to sniffing.
I only just found this forum a few weeks ago, and unlike many people on this forum, it's not my child that has TS/OCD, but me. (43 year old male). I do have very young kids, so I obviously know what to look for as they get older given the fact taht I have it (and have had it basically since I was about 8 or 9).
I've only been on the restrictive diet since Oct. 2nd, however I personally am not sure if its working -- but I try to remain optimistic that it will work given what everone else has said. I am also on Bontech and have been taking that since July.
I need to re-read your full list of diet restrictions, but I believe I am pretty darn close to that. However, I have been using evaporated cane juice sweetener for gluten free oatmeal, and your blog is making me wonder if I need to cut that out. And I agree, organic brown rice milk is not my favorite, but it's getting better.
I am seeing my naturopath tomorrow, as I called her today saying I needed some more ideas, as I don't get why my bontech/restrictive diet doesn't seem to be working. Cheri mentioned tomatoes as a possible issue, so I cut those out 3 days ago as well. I also heard bananas could be bad, so haven't eaten banana's - however, I see banana's aren't an issue for you, which is sure nice.
I need to reread your blog again to see if I need to eliminate other foods. I have not yet made the switch to organic meats and do wonder if that may be an issue. only reason I haven't moved to it yet was the chicken I buy is stated as "minimally processed, no additives/preservatives" so it seemed safe.
Ohhh, and should mention that I pick up my natural Calm tomorrow that Cheri (Chemar) recommended - however, I did read from Lynn777 who is also on bontech that she say minimal benefit from Natural Calm - so, we'll see.
And yes, free will can be tough... the diet I am on (no wheat/gluten, dairy, soy, coffee, alcohol, artificial flavor/color, preservative, artificial sweetener) can be limiting. I will remove evaporated cane juice sweetener if people insist that makes a difference, but man it's sure nice to have just a bit of that on my oatmeal.
Rick
Hi Rick, what about trying pure maple syrup or pure local honey? Our ds loves it on his oatmeal.
Sorry Kevin for jumping in on your posts.....
Megan
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Hi and welcome! You said you have looked into alternative treatments but have you begun any? Food allergies/sensitivities CAN definately be a source for tics as you will see all over this forum. Many of us find a good multi beneficial and a Magnesium supplement (we use Natural Calm - unflavoured). Unfortunately, many of us have had to go outside of Neurologists and used Enviromental or Naturopathic Drs. Some main food triggers can be found doing elimination diet, picking one food group and eliminating it and then adding it back in to watch for tic increases. Some of the big offenders can be wheat/gluten, dairy, soy and all artificials and dyes. Also processed sugars, high fructose corn syrup, glucose/fructose etc.
It is alot of work, especially in the beginning but many of us have seen dramatic results. Have you got Sheila Roger's book yet, it is a great place to start.
Best wishes.
Megan
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Megan, I checked the ingredients of the Flax Fusion. Here's a link with the info.
Again, I'm taken aback a bit. Several ingredients that I was somehow overlooking. Even though it seems that the omegas in it are good, I'm now going to find a new source.
So in the space of a few days I discover that two of the three supps I've been giving daily are no longer up to snuff. I recall now that I bought both before learning how to be as careful as I generally am these days, and I guess I've continued with them due to inertia.
Checked with our dr. and he recommended Klaire labs VitasSectrum powder as a multi. I'm going to choose today between it and the Kirkman multi mentioned by Lisa. I like the extras in the Kirkman.
Have a nice weekend!
Chris
Thanks for the quick reply Chris! I am now almost positive the Omega is causing tics so I am also looking into an alternative. Will keep updating...
Have a good weekend as well''
Megan
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Cheri I didn't even consider it could be the fish oil as he does well with fish! again, more food for thought....
Thanks Chris, look forward to hearing from you.
Megan
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Hi all,
So we have had two good nights now, no mood issues at all and tics are still greatly decreased. I did start him back on Natural Calm (original -no flavour). I am sure now that the flavour was increasing his night time tics. He is also back to epsom bath every other night if not nightly. It really does seem to be an amazing help! I am also suspecting his NutraSea Omega 3 may increase his tics, it is lemon flavour so possibly that's the issue. Will try unflavoured and if not would love other suggestions. Have seen the postings on krill, and am interested in the one your son uses/used? Cheri.
Chris I have also seen you use one called Flax Fusion, could you tell me who makes it and what is in it?
Megan
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Lynn, I am so sorry. It is amazing how quickly what effects our kids can bring us crashing down...
Our ds has also had tic increases after dental and injury in the past, so I can only imagine
It feels like everything is held in such fine balance and the slightest thing can tip the scale, so when something big happens it feels overwhelming. I will keep you and your son in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like a temporary increase because of trauma and discomfort so hopefully you will all see relief soon as he begins to heal. Hang in there, today is a bad day but as we all have seen with our kids it can change just as quickly , these kids are sooooo resilient. Now if only we as parents had the same on/off switch Megan
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Cheri, Thank you so much, you have gone over and above. Your findings are reassuring for me that this may be the multi for him. Thank you for clarifying what can be an overwhelming amount of ingredients, especially hidden triggers....I think I can speak for many (if not all) of us- you are such a blessing, a source of information, a sounding board...it is comforting to have a guiding hand when stumbling around through all this new information. Small kindnesses can have great residual effects...
Megan
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Hi, Great news about your sons tics!!! Very exciting.
My daughter is on spectrum complete by Kirkman. It is also free of sweeteners, additives, colours etc - it is gluten free and cassein free as well. The DAN doctor we saw (she does not have autism) but he is DAN certified recommended it.
Your post gave me chills - because my daughter is also in an amazing tic free period. I know we have communicated a lot in the past - so I thought how strange/funny that was. She is also much more attentive and focused (she has inattentive ADHD) BUT so moody and sad in the evenings as well!! She cries at the drop of a hat. She seems fine, but then gets really sad. She talks a lot about her 'worries'. She has left me notes on my pillow at night saying she was having a hard time with friends or school or whatever. I did talk to her doctor about it - and he said it is a huge age thing - when they hit around 9/10 years old - some kids are prone to get more anxious. He also said that perhaps all the vitamins/supplements she is on could be making her much more aware and not so inattentive, and she may be realising things more, noticing that she is not the 'same' and having difficulties with it.
I think she is also anxious that the tics are going to come back bad. I think she is realising how nice it is to be tic free right now, but I think she is aware now how bothersome it is to have tics.
Someone recommended Bach's "Rescue Remedy' to me - for anxious periods. Also Boiron 'Quietude' for before bed in the evenings. I will totally try the cantaloupe and limes too.
Good luck and such great news about your sons tics (or lack of them)! Now to figure out the moody/sad stuff!!
I have also heard good things about "Rescue Remedy" but have not yet tried it. Someone also mentioned to me last night the possibility of the moods being part of seasonal shift, the nights getting dark quicker and the cold weather moving in. He had a better night last night, we tried the Natural calm again and epsom bath but he told be after the Natural Calm his tics increased. This bottle was flavoured though lemon/raspberry, we were almost out so my mom picked some up, I'm assuming the flavour is the issue. I'll have to get more unflavoured.
Yes, I have been receiving notes too and even money from him! trying to do some penance for unknown crimes. He is going away with his dad,poppa, uncles and cousin for boys weekend too, so maybe anxious? My husband works shift work so I am their constant and he REALLY loves his mom
Here's to hoping both our kids continue on lesser tics and overcome their anxiety/sadness. Best wishes, talk soon.
Megan
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Hi Chris, we previously had him on a chewable multi by Quest but as I said we found the artificial sweeteners. I also thought I was being diligent. I am really pleased with the new one by Progressive but as Cheri noted there are some concerns if sensitive to corn. I am waiting to hear what, if any, response she gets. As far as the anxiety it is a wait and see for the cause, but the decrease in tics is amazing us! I will keep updating as time goes but as of now I will continue with the Progressive Kids Chewables. As I noted earlier I am shocked at how hard it is to find a "clean" multi....good luck and please let me know what you find and if you see postive results as well.
Take care,
megan
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That's funny, we just went shopping together and he specifically asked for canteloupe and lime, maybe he knows his body better than I ever suspected
Thank you and I will keep you updated. I will add the Natural calm back tonight and try the tea as well with his epsom bath. Does your son use loose leaf for tea or a bagged variety? Megan
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Just a thought, does the multi specify that is it Gluten free? As we are embarking on a gluten free diet, I just read that natural flavor could include gluten.
I'm sorry, I put the bottle away already, but I'm almost positive it does not specify gluten free, but the fact that he has not started his "gluten/wheat tic" is a good sign. I will keep an eye for it though in the multi and other food sources, I was not aware of that and we have had him gluten free for some years! Thanks for the heads up....
Megan
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It looks like a good multi, albeit with a lot more than a regular multi would have re all the foodstuff elements added, but unless your child has any allergies to those foods, then should be fine.
the non medicinal ingredients tho are ones my son would not take, as citric acid and fructose (both usually corn derived) plus malic acid of unknown source, are things he avoids, and we are always suspicious of "natural" flavors nowadays since learning companies use this when in fact these are not the real deal, just more "naturally" made
I have put in a call to the company to ask about those other ingredients and will post back if I get a return call
http://www.progressi...ins-ingredients
that does not mean there is a problem for your child with those.
Just brainstorming here:
Would any of the non medicinals be of concern regarding mood and anxiety? Same with foodstuffs? I know artificials effect his mood but have never seen this in any food other than sugars.Thus far he doesn't seem to have sensitivity with corn but I couldn't swear to it 100%.
I am wondering as I type if maybe he is coming down with something and the anxiety has replaced his tics as an early warning signal. Will watch what transpires as his sister does have a cold.
If he has been clear of pesticides etc. have you ever heard of symptoms as the body cleanses. He has also said he has a headache at night but I put it to the crying. Could his body be showing signs of detox?
Took him off Natural Calm at the same time because of Mag. in multi, dont know if that would be relevant.
Again thanks....
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He is taking Progressive MultiVitamins for kids, Natural SummerBerry Flavour Chewables. one in am another in evening
This is not his first nighttime anxiety but it seems so much bigger right now. He is great up until bed and then it's like the black cloud descends on him. He is pretty articulate and verbal so at least he is not suffering in silence but it is breaking my heart. He is having fears of losing me, and being bad and ungrateful. I have to say he is none of these things, in fact he is a dream son!
I do need to note we have had some great losses over the past two years. His grandfather 2 yrs ago, his 23 year old cousin (1yr) and his great grandmother(1yr), but he has seemed to handle these quite well up to date.
Thanks again for any advice. Megan
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Hi everyone, ds started a new multi two weeks ago as his other had sucralose and sorbitol and we wanted to eliminate all artificial sweetners.(I have to say it was really hard to find one without artificial sweetners even though they were clean of all other things). We have seen such a drastic drop in his tics, we have even experienced moments of silence, this is a child who always has some form of vocal tic even when doing well. The tics are not gone but are so much milder and he has definite tic free time periods. My husband and I just stand there in awe asking "do you hear that?"..."quiet". I don't think we've had this in at least three years if not longer! I also have noticed since dietary changes etc. he has been sick less and if gets sick it is sooo much milder. He was always prone to chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, been two years since any serious coughing fits (breathless,choking and throwing up). He was our two second cough kid, coughing ALL night with most colds. But this is the biggest change we have seen, since eliminating wheat and dairy etc. Feeling so positive and praying that we are onto something here! Oh, and we have gone completely organic on all fruits and veggies as well. We had tried before but were not super diligent. He is definately sensitive to chemicals, pesticides the works. Back to school today so interested to see how he is after. Sorry for rambling, just feeling like something good is happening here!
On the not so amazing side-The strange thing is as his tics are decreasing, his night time mood has changed, he is sad, and self deprecating, apologizing for behaviours that we did not even notice, and although we assure him that we are amazed by and proud of him he has spent most evening crying. Coincidence-or tied to the multi? I am fairly sure it is not an outside issue , friends etc. Any ideas?
Megan
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Hi Lele, I wanted to also add for your benefit (maybe)that our son was always prone to chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, he was regularly being checked for asthma etc. as every cold turned into coughing untill breathless and throwing up. We have seen dramatic change since dietary changes particularly removing wheat and dairy. He still gets colds but it has been almost two years since "scary" episodes. I still cringe a bit when his sisters get the odd cough but he has been handling them, minus tic increases of course. It is so hard to be the decision maker over our kids health and being torn in between conventional and alternative approaches. I empathize with you so strongly and pray that you find peace in the decision you make.
(We find a natural cough/allegy product called NIN JIOM has been an amazing help in giving him relief for colds and allergies, it has some really beneficial herbs and is pure and honey based. Not great tasting but better than Buckleys. Our ds9 asks for it now and is sold on its results)
Megan
. I started to think I was over reacting but you're absolutely right and that could explain some mood stuff and some unexplained short term tic bursts last week! I knew I was right...wait til I tell my kids!!! 
Just kidding....tempting though.
Have you seen a Naturopathic Dr.? Maybe they have some suggestions. It is such a helpless place sometimes being a parent especially when dealing with multiple issues. Know that you are a great mom, willing to look for answers, and that's all you can do right now! Is there any commonality with when he has an asthma attack? School, home etc. Maybe it is something that can be removed as a trigger? I don't have experience with asthma but do know that the cleaner the environment the less bronchial coughs our son got, plus eliminating dairy and wheat was huge for respiratory issues. I hope you can get some guidance from someone with more info than me. Just lending my best support and prayers. 
but we use a natural cough/allergy product called NIN JIOM and it works fantastic for our ds, great for family colds too! All natural, great beneficial herbs and honey based. May be worth a try. We went the benadryl route early on and found it definately increased his tics. Best on luck...
It feels like everything is held in such fine balance and the slightest thing can tip the scale, so when something big happens it feels overwhelming. I will keep you and your son in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like a temporary increase because of trauma and discomfort so hopefully you will all see relief soon as he begins to heal. Hang in there, today is a bad day but as we all have seen with our kids it can change just as quickly , these kids are sooooo resilient. Now if only we as parents had the same on/off switch 
Here's to hoping both our kids continue on lesser tics and overcome their anxiety/sadness.
any antibiotics that make tics worse?
in Tourette Syndrome and Tics
Posted · Edited by mommyfor4
Hi, I can't really help with the specific antibiotics but I can state that the problem may not always be "the antibiotic" but the form it comes in. Many kids antibiotics are liquid and therefore flavoured, coloured and sweetened, all which can increase tics in kids who are sensitive. Capsulated antibiotics can also have additives so being aware of any "additions" is important. Our ds is very reactive to most pharmaceuticals and I am convinced it is an additive issue. You can ask for a list of ingredients before accepting the prescription...just a thought!
Best wishes,
Megan
Oops must have missed Cheri's post or posting at the same time...I guess we agree