kim

Lenny, When I took my oldest son to the Neuro, he said TS, however my son had never had a vocal tic. Eventually, well after the onset of his head shaking tic, he did develope a period of one vocal tic for a short period of time. He did have the vocal, plus a motor tic within a 12 months, so I guess, for that period he would have clinically been classified as TS. Now, it has been A LONG time since that vocal episode, so I guess, we would be back to a "no TS" diagnosis. I really think these classifications are of more value for clinical purposes, than anything else. Have you ever read this page? http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic664.htm Under section three; Two case definitions for TS are accepted widely: the DSM-IV-TR definition, which is widely used in the US for clinical purposes (see the DSM-IV-TR criteria for tic disorders below), and the TSSG definition (see TSSG criteria for tic disorders below). Experts identify similar groups of patients by using either set of criteria. DSM-IV-TR criteria for tic disorders from the American Psychiatric Association, 2000 Diagnostic criteria for TS (DSM-IV-TR 307.23) Both multiple motor and 1 or more vocal tics have been present at some time during the illness, though not necessarily concurrently. (A tic is a sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic, stereotyped motor movement or vocalization.) The tics occur many times a day (usually in bouts) nearly every day or intermittently throughout a period of more than 1 year, and during this period there was never a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months

bmom, Here is a page with some good info on calcium. It looks like it has been updated since I last looked at it. http://www.enzymestuff.com/calcium.htm She mentions Pub Med studies which conflict about the absorbability of calcium carbonate. I found that too, when reading studies. It is stated many places that cabonate in not absorbable, but I don't know that that is necessairy true? The thing that concerns me the most is if it were made from oyster shells, because of possible lead content. I use calcium citrate and mag taurate, but there are other reasons for that, too. My youngest son does eat a diet high in oxalates, and the citrate will help bind oxalate. He also had chrystals in his urine. I don't want to get too technical, and confuse you, but I have tried to look at every supplement very closely, since we are not doing regular testing. He also eats no meat, so I think the taurine is beneficial for him. I have recently added L Carnitine to aid with fat digestion...I give before he takes his 3 6 9 combo EFA. My older son takes Omega 3 only, since he eats a variety of foods and probably has a much higher level of Omega 6 from his diet. As far as vit C goes, how much is in the natural calm? What I gathered from the articles I scanned, was urine that was too acidic would irritate the bladder and set the tissue up for easier infection. However, acidic environment, makes for less favorable conditions for bacterial growth, so it's a balancing act? You might want to search Pub Med and other sites, and see how much (dosage) vit C, one would have to take to even change the PH of urine. I suspect it will be a larger amount than what your son is getting in the natural calm.

bmom, If you search "alternative treatments and bladder infections," you will see where magnesium citrate (the form found in kids calm, I believe?) is sometimes recommended. Also zinc, fish oil, probiotics and other supplements that many here find helpful. Speaking of zinc, was that level tested during any of your appointments? Now the part I found really confusing. Many articles say that a bladder infection causes the urine to become alkaline. Citrate will also cause this, although, I have no idea how much you would have to have that effect. http://www.earthyfamily.com/A-bladder.htm Urine is ideally neutral to slightly acidic (pH 5.8–pH 7). Very acidic urine (below pH 5.5) encourages infections. An established infection gives rise to alkaline urine (pH 7.5 or higher), which causes stinging and burning. Test your urine with pH paper at any time except first thing in the morning. Cranberry juice lowers pH; vitamin C raises it. my comment..both of these are recommended in different articles http://www.allnaturalcures.net/bladder.htm Cranberry juice produces hippuric acid in the urine, which acidifies the urine, and inhibits bacterial growth. Other components within cranberry juice prevent the bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder. Cranberry juice may be taken in a concentrated supplement form. If you are using a citrate form of magnesium, ask the Dr. ( an alternative dr...I wouldn't waste my time asking a conventional Dr, this question) if you may want to replace that with a different form, until the infection is gone, or you may want to buy the test strips to test urine PH. It appears to me, that any form of supplement containing citrate, could be helpful or not during a bladder infection A few other articles that may contain something helpful http://www.urologychannel.com/kidneystones/index.shtml http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602271 http://en.allexperts.com/q/Family-Internal...infection-1.htm I'm wondering what form of calcium you're using? from Faith's post Agreed!!! AND, I think it's great that you are questioning everything. I believe often there can be a clue to the big picture in many things that happen with our kids.

I wanted to let anyone interested in these proceedings know that there is a gentleman in this group (lawyer) that is giving a critique of the days events. David Kirby (author of the book Evidence of Harm) also posts on this site, and has a good overview of "evidence" in a post today. Here are a few links for anyone interested. EOHarm · Evidence of Harm http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EOHarm/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EOHarm/message/57136 Title Day One of Omnibus Autism Trial Post on EOH by David Kirby (Evidence of Harm) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EOHarm/message/57337 Post about NIH (swedo) study from a Mom with a daughter with autism/pandas, no new info, just interesting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EOHarm/message/57363

Trubiano, If you go back to Deedees post above yours, and click on her name in the upper left corner, it will give you the option of "read members posts." Might give you some insight to her sons situation. Welcome! Deedee, I'm so happy for your success! Kim

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/...ur_b_51224.html David Kirby| BIO See You In (Vaccine) Court 9 Comments | Posted June 7, 2007 | 07:05 PM (EST) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read More: Breaking Living Now News On Monday, one of the most important legal proceedings in American medical history will get underway at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington. There, a special panel of three judges will begin hearing evidence to support -- and refute -- the hypothesis that mercury in vaccines and/or the live-virus measles-mumps-rubella shot caused autism or autism-like symptoms in some American children. Monday will mark the first time ever that evidence of autistic harm from childhood vaccines is examined and cross-examined in a court of law. This is far from a slam dunk case for either side, and the stakes - professional, financial, emotional -- could not be more intense.

Itsme, I have meaning to respond to this sooner, but I couldn't find the info in my files that I needed This is just one possible thing, that I can see that may have negative effects for some. A Dr. that I have referred to on this forum a few times , made a couple of remarks regarding vit B6's involvement in regards to kynurenine, which apparently has been found to be high in people with TS, alzheimers and autism. Her work involves supplementation based on genetic profiles. Anyway, she basically said that she has not always found high levels of B6/P5P to be helpful (doesn't say what "high" levels would be) because kynurenic acid is calming for neuro. transmitters, but the substance which kynurenic acid is converted into by B6, quinolinic acid, is excitatory. If you were taking the full dose of the vits, it would have given you 100mgs of B6. I wonder if initially, you saw a reduction, but as you continued on the 100mgs of B6, you increased levels of quinolinic acid? This initial improvement with B6, is something a friend of mine on another forum, with a pretty severe vocal tics experienced too. He was not taking a multi, only a couple of individual supplements. If you have any further interest in this, let me know, and I can PM you, and provide links to the forum and threads where this is discussed by the Dr. I mentioned. There are also a couple of remarks regarding the involvement of tryptophan/chronic viral/bacterial infections/kyurenine/B6.

CP.... I just had to post this, after David's remark; and your recent post about mosquitos not bothering your son this year, as opposed to last. http://www.charlottecountyfl.com/Environme...s/buggs/FAQ.htm Yes. The attraction to humans is very complex. Basically, mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide coming from the breath and pores of humans. In addition, some mosquito species are attracted to certain fragrances and colors.

June 5, 2007 The Disorder Is Sensory; the Diagnosis, Elusive By BENEDICT CAREY http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/health/p...amp;oref=slogin DENVER — Almost every parent of young children has heard an anguished cry or two (or 200) something like: “This shirt is scratchy, this shirt is scratchy, get it off!” http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/arti...in_page_id=1965 Using pesticides on house plants could more than double your risk of developing a brain tumour, a study suggests The findings come a week after British researchers warned that using pesticides while gardening could increase the risk of Parkinson's disease by more than 40 per cent.

Calicat, I would love to hear any thoughts or observations you come up with in this area. Also, wanted to mention the excessive thirst and urination have been something I have noticed with youngest son too. I'm always worried about him developing diabetes. He is drawn to salty crackers, french fries, pretzels etc. I never know if his thirst is excessive in light of that or not. Getting protein in him is another challenge. I was told to give him Pediasure, but when I compared it to Carnation instant breakfast, it didn't appear much different. He sucks one of those down so fast in the morning, it looks like he has been in the desert for days! He showed crystals in a urine test. Still don't know the significance of that?

Calicat, You're very welcome. I know the anxiety that is associated with thinking that you messed up, and subjected you child to something unpleasant. I'm glad your daughter handled the draw well. I can have blood drawn, no problem, but watching the kids have theirs done makes me light headed! Kim

Daniel, I'm so sorry to hear you are going through this scare with your son. I just want to ask, if you see the often described "bulls eye," around the bite? Also, remember that the enzymes are things that are naturally found in our bodies. You have to be careful in regards to time release medication taken with enzymes and I believe it is recommended to stop their use if you are having surgery. If your son is prescribed anything that you are unsure if it is safe, taken with the enzymes, call Houston. They are really good at answering questions like that. I am a big believer in taking things as far away from each other as possible. If I read take 2 hours away from something, I usually go 4 to 6,(or longer) just to be as safe as possible. I just want to mention to Chemar, that you posted questions to her above my post, so I don't cause her to miss your question to her Please let us know how he's doing, and what you find out.

Carolyn, I'm glad it wasn't too! Good that you got a second opinion

as Faith pointed out, moderate in salicylates. but high in oxalates. There has been a considerable amount of interest in oxalate in regards to GI conditions and Autism. Susan Owens has done a lot of reseach on this subject, and I read recently where Dr. Shaw from Great Plains Labs was speaking at a seminar on this. http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:5f02w...;cd=3&gl=us http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm

Calicat, I think you are confusing the throat swab, with the ASO antibody testing. If a throat swab is done, I believe it has been noted here, that 72 hours is the best, as opposed to a quick strep or 48 hour culture. I don't think that time frame applies to the test that you had blood drawn for. Here is a page that will help you understand the ASO testing http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/...ibody_tests.jsp The ASO titer is used to demonstrate the body's reaction to an infection caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Group A streptococci produce the enzyme streptolysin O, which can destroy (lyse) red blood cells. Because streptolysin O is antigenic (contains a protein foreign to the body), the body reacts by producing antistreptolysin O (ASO), which is a neutralizing antibody. ASO appears in the blood serum one week to one month after the onset of a strep infection. A high titer (high levels of ASO) is not specific for any type of poststreptococcal disease, but it does indicate if a streptococcal infection is or has been present.

Itsme, Do you remember how many of the Bontech vits you were taking at the time that this happened? Were you increasing everyday? What was the max that you reached?

Yes Faith, I do think controlling histime levels are MAJOR for my oldest son. Directly or indirectly he is much better when he is not an allergy mess! Again, I'm just a little disappointed, and that's probably not realistic, that the allergies haven't lessened. It seems like everything takes time in this whole process. Nothing happens overnight, so you can't say that any one thing like allergy control, digestive enzymes, extra mag (although it looks like many are getting fast results there) vitamins, fishoil, raising zinc levels etc. really did the trick. By the time you are thinking how well they are doing, the phrase "outgrowing" starts creeping in. I don't believe that at all, especially looking at my youngest son. We have seen no increase in tics at an age when you might expect it. My 14 year old made it through the last couple of years quite well too. I really believe that the knot that forms in your stomach when you see tics flairing, will never completly go away. It's just the fear of the unknown. I get a little more comfortable every month though! But you have to remember, I have a son who still doesn't eat anywhere near normally, and that is as big of a concern as tics. Sometimes, it's actually harder, since his tics were blinky, shoulder shrugging gentle tics. Only one period of head shaking and whole body type tics (abdominal ). That was the lowest point in my life, honestly. He appears to be more chemically sensitive, and less seasonal allergy sen. than older son. Faith, if you are thinking that your son is reacting to things like freshly cut grass, you might want to try a little Benedryl. When the boys Pediatrician kept telling me that oldest son was itching from winter dryness, and he would feel better in the spring, when doors and windows were open, I gave him Benedryl for a while. It did help. I know you want to know if it helped tics, and again, I can't say that I remember tics being the big problem at that time, but I wasn't focusing on that either. I remember one night, he was itching so bad, and he whipped one of his school books across the room, and asked me to leave the room. He said "this is embarassing." He was rocking on two chair legs (you know how kids tip on desk chairs) just sort of rocking and holding his head. It scared the daylights outta me. That's when I picked him up from school and marched into the Dr.s office, and demanded a referral to an allergist. It makes me furious to think back on, even now. Sorry, getting off topic here!

Calicat, As CP posted, removing the mold is always best, but if not possible right now, there are a few other things you can try. If the house has eavetroughs, make sure they are not clogged up. Use down spout extensions to get as much water away from the foundation as possible. You want to make sure that the grade (dirt) on the outside of the house is built up, to allow for positive run off. You can also try planting or landscaping the area to accomplish that. If the walls are painted, you can use a diluted bleach solution to kill the surface mold. Run a dehumidifier and keep it emptied. If there are heating registers in the basement, close them during the summer months. Keep the air exchange from the basement to the upstairs as minimal as possible. Mold loves building materials like adhesives, foams etc. even when you can't see it, it can be there. If you are able to remove the drywall and eliminate the mold completely, you will still want to take steps to keep it from returning. You may want to check your attic. If there isn't adequate ventilation, homes can get mold on the rafters/ trusses and insulating materials too. Also, I thought this study was kind of interesting in regards to this statement from your above post http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...l=pubmed_DocSum J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2005 Apr;15(2):285-92. Links Association of common cold with exacerbations in pediatric but not adult patients with tic disorder: a prospective longitudinal study.Hoekstra PJ, Manson WL, Steenhuis MP, Kallenberg CG, Minderaa RB. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center, Groningen, The Netherlands. Pieter.Hoekstra@kjpnn.nl Cross-sectional data and case studies suggest a temporal relationship between fluctuations in tic severity and preceding infections. In this study, we aimed to examine this possible relationship in a prospective longitudinal design. Two groups of tic disorder patients were included, a pediatric group between 7 and 15 years of age (n = 20), and an adult group over 15 years of age (n = 41). During a 24-week period, participants were asked to fill out weekly self questionnaires regarding the presence of tic exacerbations and the experience of the common cold. In addition, 6 throat swabs were taken at monthly intervals and cultured for streptococci; also, 3 serial serum assessments of streptococcal antibodies were performed at 8-week intervals. In the pediatric group, our results indicated a strong association between the self report of a common cold and a symptom exacerbation 4 weeks later (Odds ratio = 4.685; p = 0.001). In the adult group, we found no association between reports of common cold and tic exacerbations. Association with streptococcal infections could not be determined owing to the limited number of observed streptococcal infections. Thus, this study points to a hitherto unknown association of common viral infections with tic exacerbations in children, which may support the involvement of immune dysregulation in tic disorders.

Patty, You are not being invasive at all. My oldest son, who is now 14, probably started out with a humming type tic, when he was about 5. I didn't know it had anything to do with tics at the time. It was real humming, not the hum humm, type of tic. He started to shake his head around 7. I thought it was just a weird habit to begin with. A friend of mine told me that she had seen an episode of Ophra discussing TS, and maybe he had something along those lines. I didn't think it applied, since he could do it on demand. Yes, he did go through periods where it would disappear, but more on than off (although not horribley life altering...most of the time). I really feel, when we started the bontech vits, things started to improve for both boys. It was not an immediate disappearing of tics, but for my oldest son, the first, and most striking thing was, he stopped complaining of aching upon waking. That was so heartbreaking. Morning after morning, he would tell me "I hurt all over." As I learned more about TS, I started to realise other things were probably tics, that I wouldn't have known before, like squeaking his tennis shoes on any floor with a shiny surface. My my 10 year old (will be 11 in Oct.) is a much different story. His tics have been so mild, except right at the onset. Opps, gotta run (to be continued)

Sorry CP, the link posted would oly give you the abstract that was already posted, but this is for the full text http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/8/32

Hi Faith, Yes, my oldest son is still taking zyrtec and honestly, I don't think the supplements have made much difference in his allergies. I thought they were, until just recently, now...... I think not. It may just be the time of year, but he was back to square one, without his zyrtec. No tics, just itching and moody. I did a stupid thing over the holiday weekend. We ran out. I called first thing Tues. morning to get a refill on his prescription (he hadn't had any since Sat. morning). By the time he got home from school, he was itching from head to toe, literally. He said "even my toes itch." The itching, was the only thing that tipped us off, to his allergies in the first place. He never had the classic symptoms of watery eyes, sneezing etc. I really believe the histamine was affecting his moods, at the time these allergies were discovered, with conventional allergy testing. I think there was a discussion recently about corn and seasonal allergies. I wanted to mention that he was positive for corn pollen, along with mold, dustmites, every kind of tree grass and weed, cats, just about everything on the list

Calicat, I wanted to add another WELCOME. I'm so glad you found this forum. I think you will find numerous ways to lessen or alleviate the symptoms your daughter is showing. I have two sons with tics. We have dealt with eating, sleeping, bedwetting issues, along with tics, btwn the two boys. If it's any consolation, things are going very well, and very few people have any idea of any of these problems with the boys. You are in great company here...many caring people with much to share! Kim

Just wanted to share this study. Kind of interesting Extracellular Ascorbate Modulates Glutamate Dynamics: Role of Behavioral Activation Sandstrom MI., Rebec GV. BMC Neuroscience 2007, 8:32 (16 May 2007) http://www.biomedce ntral.com/ 1471-2202/ 8/32/abstract The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production. Background A physiological increase in extracellular ascorbate (AA), an antioxidant vitamin found throughout the striatum, elevates extracellular glutamate (GLU). To determine the role of behavioral arousal in this interaction, microdialysis was used to measure striatal GLU efflux in rats tested in either a lights-off or lights-on condition while reverse dialysis either maintained the concentration of AA at 250 uM or increased it to 1000 uM to approximate endogenous changes. Results When lights were off, both locomotion and GLU increased regardless of AA dose. In contrast, animals in the lights-on condition were behaviorally inactive, and infusion of 1000, but not 250, uM AA significantly increased extracellular GLU. Interestingly, when ambient light returned to the lights-off group, 1000 uM prolonged the GLU increase relative to the 250 uM group. Conclusions Our results not only support evidence that elevated striatal AA increases extracellular GLU but also indicate that this effect depends on behavioral state and the corresponding level of endogenous GLU release

This might be a little off topic for what you all are disscussig here, but Nadine's remark made me think of something. My oldest son and I were watching a news segment about a race horse. The horse shook his head, then my son did it, just like the horse. It made me think about "suggestive" tics. I have recently read a bit about mirror neurons. This short video talks about autistic children, possibly have broken mirror neurons. It occurs to me, that people with TS might actually have overactive mirror neurons. A 23 year old young man, posted on another group recently, about literally being able to feel physical pain, when someone is describing something that had happened to them. He said he has always had the ability to "feel" what others are feeling or describing. He was making these remarks casually. It also made me think about my own boys and how my oldest son especially, has unusual perception in regards to people and emotions. Anyway, here is a link to the video, in case anyone can relate http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3204/01.html JMT, Since you mentioned the eye blinking, I thought I would include this. I had never seen this before and thought it was interesting. I think this is the link to the article (it was copied to a saved file and some of mine get pretty messy, since one thing always leads to another, and I end up with tons of links and excerpts on one notepad)! http://www.springboard4health.com/notebook..._autism2.html#7 An interesting way to assess dopamine levels clinically is to count the number of blinks per minute. The average number of blinks is 15-30 per minute. The blink rate has been found to vary with the amount of dopamine present: the more dopamine, the more the blinking rate and vice versa.

Carolyn, I have never dealt with termites, but I would find out ahead of time exactly what they use to exterminate them! Learn all you can about the chemical/chemicals. I read recently where some insecticides work by interferring with the central nervous system. I'm not trying to be an alarmist, but I think it would be worth while to do a little investigating first.