Symptoms and school getting near

[pandakid11]

Hi

Our son was getting better. He still had issues from time to time but overall better. Now that school is getting close, he is regressing fast into pain attacks, can't breathe etc...I don't think it is happening on purpose. We have reassured him over and over that school will be fine but it isn't helping. Now, we are afraid he isn't going to make it. What do you do?

 

This entire illness is the most frustrating I have ever experienced. Just when you think things are moving in the right direction, it crashes on you..

 

Thanks

[minimaxwell]

Oh yes the dreaded school approaching. this kicks up anxiety every year. FYI there is a private FB page for kids to vent about this, it is seen by all the parents but parents stay silent. Here is an example of a recent exchange:

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  Hi everyone! I am going back to school this year for the first time since I've been diagnosed with PANDAS. I am really nervous. Is school hard for you guys? How do you explain everything to your friends? Do you guys miss a lot of school? I love this group, you are all so supportive! Thanks!
  Like · · Follow Post · 9 hours ago
  
  • Seen by 8
  • • [/url] hi alissa, i think everyone starts to feel nervous this time of year. school can be hard, but i like to look at it as a challenge when my friends ask, i tell them about pandas, sometimes ill email them some reading material to help them understand. if you dont feel comfortable explaining it, you could always make a joke, i used to tell people aliens were taking over me but they will return to their home planet soon. (nobody asked questions after that one) who knows maybe if you spread the word about pandas you could help someone who is undiagnosed! last year, i was only in school for 30 full days, this year im going to try my best to not let my ocd and anxiety get the best of me. best of luck · Like ·
    • thanks drew! I was just diagnosed about 2 months ago but have been really sick and undiagnosed since last August so I only did 4 full days of school last year. I have been having awful mood swings and have a hard time explaining to my friends why. I might actually use that alien joke if thats ok pandas is a challenge and I really hope everyone can spread the word so its not so unknown. Thanks for the advice. How long have you had pandas? · Like
    • Hi Alissa,
      I am very nervous for school this year. I haven't gone to school since April 2011. I have 3 friends that know I have PANDAS and they get it. I just explain the truth! This year I am starting a Montisorri school and they understand PANDAS Have a great day! via · Like

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[Agnes26]

 

This entire illness is the most frustrating I have ever experienced. Just when you think things are moving in the right direction, it crashes on you..

 

 

Totally.

 

We did not make the start of school two weeks ago. DD will have homebound services until October, at which point her tutor will also be in the classroom to help transition her back in.

[MomWithOCDSon]

Hi

Our son was getting better. He still had issues from time to time but overall better. Now that school is getting close, he is regressing fast into pain attacks, can't breathe etc...I don't think it is happening on purpose. We have reassured him over and over that school will be fine but it isn't helping. Now, we are afraid he isn't going to make it. What do you do?

 

This entire illness is the most frustrating I have ever experienced. Just when you think things are moving in the right direction, it crashes on you..

 

Thanks

 

In our experience, because the anxiety emblematic of PANDAS is frequently born of rational concerns (what will the new year be like? what will my teacher be like? will the other kids like me? will I be able to keep up?) but can escalate to irrational levels, reassurance isn't going to quell his concerns all that well.

 

Is your DS still being medically treated? And there's no sign that he's been re-exposed or developed some additional compromising issue (cold, virus, allergies) himself that might increase his symptomology? There's been some research that suggests, nonetheless, that stress alone can lead to a more permeable blood brain barrier, which would in turn allow more antibodies and other unwelcome nasties through to the basal ganglia too, though, so it can become something of a self-perpetuating cycle if you can't keep the anxiety sufficiently tamped down to give the BBB a chance to heal and normalize in terms of that permeability.

 

I would add some ibuprofen to his regimen, I think, and maybe some valerian root, too, to try and reduce inflammation and anxiety on a biological level. Does he have a therapist? If so, I'd turn to that professional for some good ERP to help fully identify and "shrink" the fears behind his increasing anxiety. That professional should also be able to give you some tools for helping your DS through "homework exercises" at home to address the anxiety behind his panic.

 

I'm so sorry. I know this is frustrating and scary. You and your DS can get through it, though. Hang in there!