HelenJenn

his initial ocd symptoms only came on after having a course of antibiotics. we feel that it is his gut that is creating his issues. it was not only the antibiotic issue we encountered but also that he had had his initial symptoms(frequent urination) after eating at an event-wheat, dairy, sugar, strawberries. we were not sure what was the trigger but it happened within about 10 min and lasted for 6 weeks. so we could see his symptoms were triggered by food and for us with antibiotics. due to his rapid decline with every small sore throat etc i researched natural antibiotics and found vit c to do the trick for him. the gaps diet works at the level of healing the gut, immunity, etc etc. this fit with my understanding of things and worked for him. today... 10 weeks from his regression... i saw a small reduction in symptoms. not sure but fingers crossed that this episode may be settling down again.

We have taken a path of treatment that involves following the GAPS diet(Natasha Campbell Mcbride) and treating infections, minor sore throats etc with vit c to bowel tolerance. Our son had presented with OCD(mild Jan 2011 to increased in Aug 2011) and with this approach we managed all symptoms except he had still refused to use bathrooms other than those at home. Over Christmas(2012) he had a cold and I got quite ill with a flu. While I was out of commission my husband did not follow my protocol for vitamin C and our son regressed to the place he had been 1.5-2 years earlier. It has now been about 10 weeks with no reduction of symptoms. We are back on our diet(stage 4 gaps) after giving it up in Jan. I am not back to supplements yet but will start to include again soon. Just wanted to share this. It is sooo hard to manage regressions. I had worked day in and day out to get him to where he was. There are some positives out of this. My husband now sees what happens when not cared for with diet and vit c. As well it affirmed for me what we are dealing with(PANDAS). I had prevented all reactions(regressions) by starting vit c at the beginning of sore throats etc. I also just wanted to connect and sympathize with parents and kids going through this - the up and down nature of it, the endurance to work with and heal, the extreme crisis this puts a family into. I see that we can become closer through it but it is hard work, isolating, and the rewards are not always forthcoming.

Our approach uses only foods, probiotics and some simple remedies at pharmaceutical strength. GAPS diet guides through diarrhea- restores the gut etc. We did need to bride/take the focus off the changes by giving a special gift after 1 month or 6 weeks. Small encouragements go a long way. Vit c(vit c foundaiton for non gmo/corn source) will manage just about any infection. Add a bit a sodium bicarbonate to buffer. GAPS diet is developed by docs(sidney haas/SCD, natasha campbell mcbride) but is the kitchen sink/grandmother level- all stuff at home that heals and strengthens everyone. Really returning to simple foods, prepared in very healthy way.