Which doctor type do you recommend

[mommy2three]

I want to take my daughter to a doctor who is familiar with TS.

I contacted the TS assoc. and they mailed me a list of doctors in my state that deal with TS.

 

Some are regular MD's

some are Psyc.

some are Neuro- Psyc.

and some are regular Neuro.

 

I am not sure which I should contact.

 

Also,

those who have used prescription medication for tics, Is there any kinds that most of you have found should be avoided, or some medications that are better then others, when it comes to control and less side effects etc.

 

I am just curious. If we ever did decide to take the medication route to try, I just wanted some opinions from others who have used them.

 

thanks

[Guest]

Personally I'd stay away from psyc. doctors. I prefer finding a doctor from these sources as I don't use medications anymore: http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=565

 

I've tried many different medications. However, how I reacted to one may be totally different from your daughter's reactions. I can tell you which one's I've been on which were really bad as far as side effects, increases tics, or made no difference. I've been on Orap, Paxil, Haldol, Risperdal, Clonidine, Pimozide, Nopramin, Tranxene, Clorazepate, Tofranil, Zoloft, and Tegratol. Orap caused manic issues. Haldol made me too tired. I'd have to go back and look in my notes for other specifics on each one. Clonidine & Risperdal I was on for 10 years and that was where we stopped switching meds. Risperdal can mess up hormones. Here's my feelings on the choice of meds for me: I wish I'd never been on medications in the first place. I'm really glad to be off medications now. Also get a feel of what your daughter's feelings are as I always was fighting the medications. If I was offered the option to try alternative methods at that time I don't think I would have fought that. From your posts before it sounds like your daughter has pretty mild tics. Are they bothering her? I wouldn't medicate for mild tics.

 

Carolyn

[Chemar]

I would agree with carolyn!

 

although the TSA is very good in many areas, when it comes to recognition of alternative treatments for TS, they are waaaay behind. All of those types of docotrs that you have been referred to by them will most likely tell you to either do nothing or will recommend the brain drugs that are commonly prescribed for TS by mainstream medicine.

 

As carolyn has posted, those drugs, although they help some people, yet they have a loooooooong list of adverse side effects, some VERY serious and so should be approached with caution and much research.

 

I would personally recommend that you find an Integrative Doctor who is experienced in treating TS Integrative docotrs have the advantage in that they are fully qualified MDs who have then gone further to specialise in Alternative/Complementary medicine . They generally have the letters MD PA behind their name

 

When contacting any doctor, you should always FIRST ask if they have experience in treating TS, and if they are able to also consider natural treatment methods rather than just prescription drugs

[mommy2three]

From your posts before it sounds like your daughter has pretty mild tics. Are they bothering her? I wouldn't medicate for mild tics.

 

Carolyn

 

I was just curious about the medications for information. I guess just to learn about them in case it ever got to that point with her.

I don't want her to be on medication either. I want to try the vitamin route and see if that helps her.

She hates her tics and having them has really changed her personality wise, so if the vitamins could help that would be wonderful. I am still researching them as its very confusing to know what to give her.

 

I was even going to order bonnies plan since it was all put together but knowing which of her pills combos to order is also confusing so I am still figuring that out.

 

I did want to consult with a doctor who deals with this, just to get a lot of questions answered etc..

I just didn't know which type of doctor would be the best to start with.

 

thanks

 

 

 

I would agree with carolyn!

generally have the letters MD PA behind their name

 

When contacting any doctor, you should always FIRST ask if they have experience in treating TS, and if they are able to also consider natural treatment methods rather than just prescription drugs

 

 

How do I find a doctor like this in my area?

I've tried the links provided but I can't find anything about it specifically.

 

thanks

[Guest]

Mommy2three,

 

What area do you live in? If you can't find anything in your area because there just are none or your in a small town, you may have to travel. I travel 3 1/2 hours for one DAN doctor. I also travel to FL for my allergy doctor who is also a DAN doctor. We don't have anyone local that is good. Also when looking for a DAN doctor look for one that's been to several DAN concerences.

 

Carolyn

[Chemar]

if you can let me know which area you are in I would be happy to help you find a doctor. if you dont want to post your location on the forum, just send me a private message

[mommy2three]

Mommy2three,

 

What area do you live in? If you can't find anything in your area because there just are none or your in a small town, you may have to travel. I travel 3 1/2 hours for one DAN doctor. I also travel to FL for my allergy doctor who is also a DAN doctor. We don't have anyone local that is good. Also when looking for a DAN doctor look for one that's been to several DAN concerences.

 

Carolyn

 

 

 

I did a search for Integrative Doctor's in the biggest city near where I live.

I found that a major hosiptal has a group of doctors (practice) that deal with alternative methods of healing.

They find ways of working with vitamins, diet, exercise, etc to deal with lots of issues.

They are all MD's who have gone beyond that to specialize in alternative treatments.

 

They don't particularly deal with TS but with all medical issues that people are looking for other alternatives to medication.

So I made her an appt there.

I am wondering if I did the right thing, or if I should stick with the docs that just specialize in TS?

[Guest]

Mommy2three,

 

You're lucky you have such a place. I hope the appt. goes well. I think I would probably ask them if they've worked with TS or Autism before. Please keep us all updated.

 

Carolyn