Absolute beginner

[twinklestar]

Hi.

I'm reading a variety of posts with intrigue and fascination!! My son has had tourettes since he was 2yrs. We didnt go down the route of diagnosis until he was 9yrs as his tics were mild in presentation, until recently (He's now 11). Over recent weeks they have exploded and are much more obvious than ever before. He has "whole body tics"- legs arms and head all tic at once, jumping and blurts out random words. In the past he has also had self injurious behaviour compulsions but thankfully they didnt last long. I worry about what the future will bring for him.

 

We have, for a number of years, noticed that his tics are much more pronounced at this time of year (late spring, early summer) and guess what....he has had ongoing gastrointestinal complications since he was a baby. He was investigated for ceoliac when he was 6yrs, bloods were positive but histology negative. We are currently waiting for results of recent investigations. (Query ceoliac and IBD). Regardless of results however, we have decided that our next step is an elimination diet...with one problem...I dont know where to start and feel a bit bewildered to say the least!

 

My son is a star!! He is brilliant at sports and has a very positive outlook on life. He has always eaten a really healthy diet (???? now very questionable). He is more than willing to try anything to help with his tics.

 

I would be really grateful for any advice re: nutritional supplements and elimination diets.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this!!

[MMMommy]

I find it interesting that your sons tics and my son's tics present at the same time each year... It has to be allergen related.. I keep thinking that there is something that is bothering him when the pollen comes in...

 

I am just starting too. I am not sure where I am going but am most afraid at making it worse for him. My son is nearly 9.

 

Here is to both of us helping our boys..

[Chemar]

Hi twinklestar and welcome

I am on my way to work so will post a bit more later...but would suggest you read our Helpful Threads pinned to the top of this forum (I also have a link in my signature below) as that will be a good place to start learning more. Also highly recommend Sheila's book (also linked in that thread)

[mar]

I would love to share some info! Ds just turned 11 also. I noticed eye tics as young as 3 and they would show up in the fall and spring. Ds also had stomach problems as a child. He was a colic baby with formula switched several times ( unfortunately I was unable to breast feed bc no production) he always was constipated for first three years. You mentioned positive for celiac. I would definately go gluten free. Both my kids are not celiac but gluten intolerance and it has made a huge difference especially for dd. I have read so many posts with this spring and fall coinsidence with tics and that is how my ds always was. I know how you feel ds is so awesome and plays all his sports and has his great spirits and when you see the tics is just heart breaking! ds has had eye blinking, shoulder shrugs, head bobbing, lips turning red all around, mouth opening, holding breath in, eyes rolling to the side and I am sure I am missing some. They have all came and gone and he has had bad weeks but the weeks are so much better now. At least I know when someone tic comes on we could help it by watching what he eats and making sure he is not stressed out about something. Stress is a huge thing also . I have seen him ticcing bc of stress. J always try to keep an open conversation and teach him about stress. But a diet with food sensitivities helped him a lot!!! If you have not done so already test him for food sensitivities. Ds came up with 28 I believe at the age of 7. It was really hard on him in the beginning and myself bc what do I cook. The point is it helped. As you watch and take notes and learn now if seems like nothing. In your case I would definately try gluten free I would also get a food sensitivity blood test just to be sure. If it wasn't for this site I would of never done this and who knows what would of happened with ds! I would of never guessed in a million years that foods were making him worse. It's crazy. I feel for your child and you but please try it and don't give up. It might take months but it did help my ds.

Mar