Sheila

Hi -- I have sent you a private message and really apologize for your note slipping through the cracks! I hope you will let us know how things are going and if there has been a change in medication. We are glad to have you on the forums!

Hi momonmission, I was speaking with a doctor yesterday about kids with ADD/ADHD and she mentioned that many respond well to a prescription treatment for candida like Nystatin to help the gut issues--not just relying on diet and nutrients for candida. That's something you might want to consider if it hasn't been tried (?). If your son has a systemic yeast infection, which sounds very possible given his history, it can be a big help.

Hi -- I'm sorry to read that your son has had such a severe reaction. I'm on the road and apologize for the delay in responding. If you have not already done so, I suggest that you see a pediatric neurologist as soon as you can and do not try to treat this yourself. I say this knowing that you have taken him to physicians in the past; I am not suggesting that you have avoided getting professional help. In a crisis like this, it would help if you could take the lab work and son's history to a neurologist. You could go to the emergency room if you can't get an appointment and he remains so agitated. I believe you have commented that your son is very sensitive to medications; you could request that caution be used with conventional medications. We will watch for a reply, and are hoping that you find all the help you need. (Has he been any better over the last two days?)

Also, I'd just like to clarify about finding a dentist who can work with mouthpiece appliances for tics. Experience and skill no doubt play a role. I don't personally know anything about the Seattle (or California) reference one way or the other. You can always ask the nurse or doctor if there is a patient's family that is willing to talk with you to share their experience.

Hi Josyjoy, I know it is so challenging to deal with bedwetting, and distressing for the youngster. You gave a good clue in your post that could be useful. You mentioned that when your boy eats sweet fruits or some other food as yet determined, he will wet the bed more often. I would assume that his pediatrician has ruled out a structural issue. Dr. Doris Rapp wrote about bedwetting being due to food allergy and mold/yeast infections. When you said sweet fruits make the situation worse, it made me think that your son might have a systemic yeast infection (like candida). These types of infections are worse with sweets or sugars. (Watch out for Halloween! I haven't had a chance to read all your other posts, so please excuse me if this doesn't make sense in the context of your previous posts. Also, some people have tried eliminating, for example, milk with success, or corn--it all depends on the person and what they are allergic or intolerant of. Here's one of our articles on bedwetting, focused on Dr. Mensah http://latitudes.org/bedwetting-and-fungal-infections/ You will see that the article discusses fungal infections. That is referring to a candida type overgrowth. There's a lot of info on the internet on how to reduce candida by yourself. However, given your son's situation you might want to see an integrative physician who could test for a fungal overgrowth and prescribe an antifungal medication, if that is warranted. (Guys can have yeast issues, not just women.) In the meantime you could also start keeping a log of everything eaten during the day so you can target what is aggravating the situation. There may be unidentified food allergies or intolerances that are playing a role. Does your son have any other symptoms? Might there be an underlying chronic infection? We hope you can find the right answer for him. Please let us know what you think of this possibility.

Some may want to check out a study going on for dental appliances. Not sure if it is only taking place in NY or other locations are being used. https://www.tourette.org/blogs/research-medical/dental-device-study/

Hi NYDAD2014-- I wrote a note to your other post but wanted to add something here. Exposure to chemicals can definitely trigger eye tics, and in particular, many parents have reported an increase in tics after swimming due to chemicals in the pool. Some kids with tics can tolerate pools, and others with tics cannot.The levels and types of chemicals can also vary and cause different reactions, and length of time in the pool also makes a difference. Some kids find wearing eye googles helps. Limiting time, washing thoroughly after swimming. Others have to avoid it. If your son was able to handle swimming previously then in addition to chemical exposures in the pool, his immune system could be extra sensitive due to the flu shot (note I say "could be"). Sometimes it's a matter of overload from food reactions, other types of exposures, being anxious etc, possibly an underlying infection--and the pool chemicals tipped the scales. Does your son usually swim in enclosed pools (if that is what it was?) for the same length of time without any reactions?

HI NYDAD2014 and crazy. It sounds like you both have a good approach in trying to find the reasons for your boys' tics. A number of things can be involved with flares, including a reaction to seasonal allergies. But there are other possibilities as well. If there is a mold issue as crazy indicated, it is important to avoid exposure as much as possible and use a quality air purifier in the home and bedroom.Make sure the home and school are free of mold. An increase in tics can be caused by many triggers. It's good to experiment with diet and basic nutrients as you are doing. But please also be sure that there are no toxic products being used in the home, or in homes the kids visit. That includes things like plug-ins, Fabreeze, chlorine products, scented laundry products, etc. Personal products (like aftershave) for the 16 year old should also be natural. Cars should not have scented items as are often used. Keep a log each day, starting with how the boys are when they wake up, how they are after a shower, after breakfast, after school, after playing sports, etc. If tics are not better in the morning than when they went to bed, there could be something in the bedroom that is aggravating tics. Make sure no artificial flavors or colors are being consumed. Preservatives also bother many. Have you considered the items listed in this article http://latitudes.org/finding-triggers-for-tics-a-must-read/ ? Some kids have a candida yeast overgrowth that affects the gut and in return, the brain, and need to be treated for that. Sugary foods feed this. If it is an underlying problem, addressing it can make a big different. It often occurs along with a mold allergy. I would consider seeing an environmental physician or other integrative doctor to get some help in sorting things out. Thanks for posting and we hope you will stay in touch as you find answers.

smcdow6, I wish I had seen your post. I am working on a new ebook for Tourette's and have been neglecting the forums! Your recent experiences with your son are so concerning. Did the doctors have any additional insights into the whole body tic? What efforts did the naturopath come up with--did you get any testing done? Please let us know how your son is doing. I am going to send an email to you later today. Sheila

Hi Dreamsooz, Welcome to the Forums and I'm so sorry to have missed this post from you! I can answer your question based on feedback we have received from parents. In general it should improve your tics, and if started at a low dose it may not cause a big increase in tics. It does seem that you are moving in the right direction with this effort given your history. Did you start your treatment? Can you tell us how you are doing? Are you adjusting your diet along the lines of an anti-candida approach also? I hope things are improving for you. A systemic yeast infection can cause so many issues. You should feel much better after addressing it.

Hello, Bigal -- thank you for posting this, and it's wonderful that you found help with a dental appliance. I have sent you a PM and hope you could please look for it.

Hi PhillyKid, Is there any update on how things are going? The list of foods you gave, as far as night shades and histamine containing items aggravating tics, is very interesting. Since you mention bipolar, I wanted to let you know about this company that has had some success in treating it through their products http://www.truehope.com/ It might be useful to try. There has been some limited research with positive results. Let me know what you think -- and we would love to know how you are making out.

Hi Kathy04 and welcome to the forums. You've made some major positive changes for your daughter--congratulations. I can see why you are concerned though, with symptoms being stronger after starting the dietary changes. I agree with you that it would seem removing foods would not increase tics. I wouldn't worry that there are deficiencies so quickly. Do you feel like you are using a lot more of a particular food to replace some of the ones you are avoiding? If so, what would those be? Am wondering if there could there be something totally different going on in the past week. Where do you live? And did she just start school?

Hi PhillyKid, it looks like you are making a lot of helpful and practical changes. At what age did your tics start? Do you have allergies? Tourette syndrome can be treated for many people. Sometimes it takes the help of a professional to sort things out and provide treatment. There is not a single approach that helps everyone. Please tell us more about yourself, if you like.

Hi MHidalgo, We're glad you posted on the forum about this and will look forward to more feedback from you. Here are some articles on tics and melatonin on the forum that might interest you. Please see what you think is helpful--and maybe you can let us all know! (I notice the product also has a small amount of zinc gluconate which could also be playing a role.) As you say, it is only one day of observation so far. We really would be interested in hearing more from you on this. Melatonin and dopamine 5 posts 5 authors Question about Melatonin? - PANS / PANDAS (Lyme ... 14 posts Just hit me! - Tourette Syndrome and Tics 3 posts Melatonin - Tourette Syndrome and Tics 14 posts Melatonin use - Tourette Syndrome

Please get back to us and let us know how things go. We know they are mailing these out at their own expense in an effort to learn more about which people respond best. If no feedback is given to them (or us, and we pass it on), they of course don't learn anything! Good luck!

Hi everyone, This info was provided by the parent behind this: Four years ago I co-founded a small medical device company called Mater Technologies. The first product we developed, REPREEVE, was designed to treat an eye disorder called nystagmus. Nystagmus causes uncontrolled eye movement, making many aspects of life difficult. REPREEVE is a chemical-free, non-invasive approach that we have found provides relief for some people with nystagmus. In short, REPREEVE is a set of six, small Band-Aid like patches that are worn continuously in six different locations on the body. Each patch contains a little bead of inactive substance that puts pressure on the skin. In doing this approach, it was learned that some with tics were also helped. You can request a free sample with the idea of providing feedback, as they want to find out who it can best help.

Hello -- I will try to make contact and let you know. I was in touch last week and nothing had changed. Maybe they are out of town. I'll let you know what I find out.

Hi -- I'm wondering how your son is doing with his tics? Has anything improved? Also you may be interested to know, since he was not born with color blindness, that some medications have been linked to this condition. I thought it would be interesting for you to see that blood pressure medications are included in the list, along with chemical exposures. The American Optometric Association wrote (and note that they use the term color deficiency, which they say is the same as the term color blindness): What causes color vision deficiency?Usually, color deficiency is an inherited condition caused by a common X-linked recessive gene, which is passed from a mother to her son. But disease or injury that damages the optic nerve or retina can also cause loss of color recognition. Some diseases that can cause color deficits are: diabetes glaucoma macular degeneration Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease multiple sclerosis chronic alcoholism leukemia sickle cell anemia Other causes for color vision deficiency include: Medications. Drugs used to treat heart problems, high blood pressure, infections, nervous disorders and psychological problems can affect color vision. Aging. The ability to see colors can gradually lessen with age. Chemical Exposure. Contact with certain chemicals, such as fertilizers and styrene, have been known to cause loss of color vision. Please let us know how things are going. Sheila

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Hi -- families and physicians have reported a connection between tics and a systemic yeast/fungal infection like Candida Albicans. Treatment typically would not include widespread use of an antifungal topical lotion. These lotions are usually used in a specific area of an outer fungal infection. It might be best to consult a naturopath or integrative practitioner if you think a fungal infection is involved with the tics. Several approaches can be used to strengthen the immune system and to treat and prevent systemic fungal infections.

Hello GloryMom, I have been following responses to your thread in the PANDAS/PANS forum and believe that is where you'll find the most help given the nature of your daughter's condition. With that in mind, I'm going to close this Tourette's thread and encourage everyone to post in the PANS forum so responses are not split up. Please know we all join in wishing you and your family the very best.

Hi mscdow6-- Welcome to the Forums; we are so sorry to read about the health challenges your boy is having and we know how stressful that is for you. It's good you will see an eye specialist related to the vision color issues. A neuro-ophthalmologist might also be considered. I agree the color change is unusual and to my knowledge we have not had similar Forum reports. Chemical exposures have been known to affect vision and color perception. I'm not saying this is the case, because of course we have no way of knowing. But we also know toxins can often be related to tic disorders. Mold exposure is also a possibility to be considered. Given your child's history of tics for over a year as well as the latest developments, it is advisable to strictly avoid toxic chemicals exposures in the home and in food (eat organic). No scented products, use natural cleaning products, no typical air fresheners, etc. Have there been any exposures outside--such as to pesticides and herbicides, weed killer on lawns or fields? Also, personal products should be unscented and natural. Has he been wearing bug repellent? Any pets in the home being treated for fleas? Any known mold in the home? Has your boy been swimming in treated pools? I'm wondering if you have you had a chance to look into efforts we often recommend on our website to reduce tics in general. You didn't mention your child's age or where you live. Do you want to tell us any more about his situation? I sure hope the last day has gone better. Please let us know. Sheila

Joy, I'm going to send you a private message. Please let me know if you do not receive it. Sheila

Hi -- I just want to mention that when ads appear on our site, they are not posted by us nor do we endorse them. Did you finally connect with Native Remedies and hear back? It's a good idea to have a professional help guide you in your efforts. Sometimes parents manage to do amazing jobs at tracking down causes and fine-tuning approaches themselves, and at other times a naturopath or physician is needed to help guide the process which can sometimes be more complicated than some forum reports may indicate. Please let us know how things are going.