PANDAS at 3, puberty at 8?

[FallingApart]

Hi all,

 

DH and I are thinking that DD, just turned 8, is beginning puberty. We just came to the conclusion this weekend, so haven't had any bloodwork or discussion with ped. Aside from being floored that we seem to be entering this phase, we are wondering if anyone has experience on this? I've read some posts that seems to say things have improved on the other side of puberty, but what about the phase of going through it? Is it going to get worse, stay the same as it always he been or could we possibly be heading into better times.

 

Here is a very brief history: overnight change at 3y1m, younger sister had scarlet fever. fumbled around for at least 6 months trying to figure out what had happened. Lots of testing, eventually figured out it was PANDAS. Treated with abx, steroids, PEX, IVIG, SSRIs, and homeopathy. Improved dramatically after IVIG although the results would never hold. Homeopathy has been the most helpful along with abx. Just had tonsils removed in both girls in mid October. Currently doing neuropsych eval (for 3rd time) to check for additional issues.

 

I will say that she has not been worse since she had her tonsils out. But her rages, sleeplessness, and ability to understand how her actions impact others are all still there. DH and I are wondering what we are in for for the next few years until we get to the other side.

 

The other thing is her body type. I feel like most of the kids described on here (although this could be completely false) are very slight in their body type. Our DD is quite solid. She has OCD around finding sugary and salty foods and eating them nonstop.

 

Thanks,

FallingApart

[qannie47]

That seems so young...has she started her menstrual cycle? As far as body types, I know my 8 yr old (HIs b-day today!), weighs 55 lbs soaking wet, and he is all muscle. I don't think it is a certain body type that is a part of the Pandas profile as much as the result of it....hyperactivity, anxiety.....

 

Did she have a steroid before tonsils out to prevent inflammation?

[JoyBop]

Puberty can last years depending in when they start. Each kid is so different. My oldest non pandas child started puberty at age 8 and it lingered on until he was 13. He's now 14 and a complete man, 5 foot 10 in men's large clothing. Many of his friends still had baby faces and voices that sounded like they were on helium until just last year. Then they went through the changes overnight. So each kid matures differently. As a parent of 4 I can tell you each child goes through a difficult period at different times as well. With that said, my 14 yr old had two very tough years even without pandas it was very challenging. No one can tell you how or when your child will got though puberty but its sure to make you nuts wether they hav pandas or not. I also don't think anything magically changes as they go through puberty which is why they say these kids that are on preventative and need to stay on them until they are 21. The chances of getting a new onset of pandas is greatly reduced after puberty though. Even if your child at 8 is showing signs if puberty, it is bound to take several years. It would be great if your child actually gets better!

[FallingApart]

She has not started her period yet. But we noticed a tiny change in breasts. DH and I have to remain hopeful that things might improve on the other side of this. From what I read last night: breast development is first and menstruation is 2-3 years after that. I don't know how it happened with me. But if what I read is correct, she is on the same path as me. I started my period at 11.

[cobbiemommy]

My son is very stout and sturdy. He is 5'10" and 208 lbs at age 14 (He has recently lost 15 lbs!!). I don't think there is one body type for Pandas.

[MomWithOCDSon]

I agree . . . I don't think there is any one PANDAS body type.

 

My DS was very slight . . . almost petite . . . until about age 8, at which point in time he started to fill out. Since then, I have described his growth patterns as almost "Christmas tree-like;" he grows out, then up, then out, then up. So he'll get heavier, and then stretch that new weight up over a taller frame, and repeat the process.

 

We did start SSRIs at that same age (8), due to a "regular OCD" diagnosis and prior to getting support and intervention for PANDAS, and I do feel that his heightened level of anxiety prior to serotonin support contributed to his slightness in the early years. I'm also not entirely convinced that the SSRIs didn't contribute to weight gain, though the literature (and the doctor) state affirmatively that the ones we've used do not (statistically, anyway).

[3bmom]

I don't think there is a body type for PANDAS either but the sugar/salt cycle is a clue.

 

Sugar is an endocrine disrupter and produces more Estrogen. I know it can lower testosterone too. Another thing is sugar feeds yeast which can give you behavior issues and a host of other things. GMO food and pesticides are also endicrine disrupters. Widely used Imidacloprid pesticide is systemic and both a neurotoxin and endocrine disrupter along with Glyphosate in Round Up weed killer and Round Up ready crops. I think it is just another piece of the puzzle.