Susan0101 and TV/tic improvement

[Claire]

Hi Susan,

 

I just saw your post to Helen, that is GREAT news about the improvement in tics from the TV changes, and even better news that your son understands the correlation now so that he is receptive.

 

I agree that neurologists don't even know this, but if enough people go back and tell them about their success, this will change with time.

 

Since you mentioned that you discovered the correlation from this site, can you help us help others and post more info. I have a survey thread on this where I note everyone who makes screen changes and what the results were, and I would like to add your results. As you know, seeing the success rate of other parents impact gets more people to try it.

 

Questions:

1. Did you do no screens at all (e.g. no computer/TV/gameboy/big screen movies...)for the week? If not, exactly what was your child allowed to do or not do (e.g. 30 minutes of LCD or normal TV/day).

 

2. You said you were happy with the results, but was the difference in tics you saw? Significant, Major, Complete elimination? Did they have vocal tics before/after?

 

3. How did you make this change? Did your TV 'break' or did you set up a reward system? Did you explain why you were doing this? Any tips on what made it easier?

 

4. How long til you noticed improvement? When did it taper off to what might be his 'baseline' without TV/computer?

 

Thanks, and I am glad you are looking at ways to heal. I think we have found that supplements are usually needed, and food sensitivities are common. Keep us posted if you start accupuncture.

 

Claire

[susan0101]

Claire,

 

We went without any TV or Gameboy for 10 days. Computer he had twice at school, which I believe is about 40 minutes/session. It took at least 3 days to notice a difference, but after 7 days there was a SIGNIFICANT difference. He doesn't have vocal tics, just the eye tic. It didn't disappear, but is reduced dramatically compared to what it was two weeks ago. We explained to my son (9 years old) why we wanted to do this. I have to say, he's been a real trooper! He even commented a few days ago that his eyes had "gotten better". That in itself kept him motivated. We didn't set up a reward system, but we've spent more time keeping him occupied with board games, cartoon tracing books, etc. The other interesting thing we've noticed is how stress comes into play. In NC all 4th graders take a writing exam and must do well otherwise they face summer school. My son's been very nervous about this. Even though the tic has improved a great deal, whenever the subject of the writing exam comes up, we notice the tic more. We met with an acupuncturist yesterday - he was terrific. My son didn't even feel the needles. There's a good 60% chance he'll be able to help control the eye tic so he can return to his usual routine and watch a little TV, play computer games etc. He will not provide a diagnosis, suggest dietary changes or herbs until our next visit. Again, I'm praying this helps him. I know there isn't a cure, but I'd like to see him enjoy things kids his age enjoy. I strongly encourage everyone out there to follow their heart and try alternatives if possible. It's more expensive, but I've been doing more shopping at Earth Fare, a store that offers no preservative and organic products. I almost croaked today when I paid $9 for 1 1/2 lbs. of boneless chicken. OUCH! However, I've known for a long time that hormones fed to animals we eat have an adverse effect on us - especially our children. Since it didn't seem to effect my family, I pushed it to the back of my mind. I can no longer do that. I'll keep you posted on the acupuncture results.