What type of blood work should I order?

[momof4boys]

Hi! I am brand new to this forum and am excited to learn more about tics and tourettes. Quick history here, my second oldest boy (he will be 5 in September) has struggled with a transient tic disorder and it is getting worse and I am suspecting a diagnosis of tourettes. The pediatric neurologist can't see him until August 1st but my son is struggling greatly and looks terrible. He is in a special preschool program because he has fine and gross motor delays and he has a long list of allergies, both food and seasonal. He is the sweetest little boy but just seems to have so many mysteries surrounding his health. We will be going next week for more bloodwork and besides the cbc/diff panel, we are asking for lyme, mono... and I really need suggestions from the seasoned parents as to what else to request that might show up considering he has the tic disorder. (he currently has an eye roll, head bob and something strange he does with his throat/tongue) Please give me some ideas as to what else we can request for the bloodwork (is there a test that shows magnesium levels?) Getting bloodwork done is very difficuilt because he HATES it and I want to be sure we have ordered the right tests so we don't have to go back and do it again! I look forward to hearing from anyone who can post and I am really enjoying reading the different topics and don't feel so alone anymore. We all have such special kids and I'm glad to find the support here! Thanks!

~ Jody

[CSP]

Hi Jody, welcome.

 

I'm guessing you have done the allergy testing? I would have a Dr. do blood work for vit. deficiencies. SpectraCell labs did ours. Have a hair analysis done to show mineral ratios and toxicity of metals. Also have an OAT (organic acid test) done that is a urine sample to test his metabolic system. It will help you see how his body processes food, disturbances do to bacteria. This is a good start. If anyone else has more tests that we have not done please let us know.

 

CP

 

P.S. Hope you find all you answers here. A great group.

[peglem]

I'd do ASO titers to check for recent strep infections.

[Chemar]

Hi and welcome

 

in addition to the tests suggested above, I would also ask for Candida albicans testing. We had blood test but I know some docs prefer the stool test.

 

 

you would also need to test for heavy metals (especially mercury) which can be done blood or hair analysis

 

take a look thru our Essential Threads sticky as well as there are a number of important tests listed there

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2459

which includes a helpful thread from Claire on Testing 101

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=755

[ml_gwi]

I'd do ASO titers to check for recent strep infections.

Hi. I've been reading about the strep infection link to TS. My son had a Klebsiella Pneumoniae infection before. Does anyone know if it is the same as a strep infection? If not, has there been any indication that it can be an underlying cause of TS?

[kim]

Jody,

 

I don't know what type of Dr. you're seeing next week, but if it's a mainstream Dr. you will probably not get them to order some of the tests mentioned on this thread (Oat etc). Here are some things that I did get a mainstream Dr. to order.

 

thyroid

lead

Vit D level

zinc/copper (if they give you flack mention Wilsons disease in relationship to movement disorders).

folate

B12

celiac marker, which may not give a complete picture, but doesn't hurt to get

 

The type of yeast test that reg ped did for us showed more of an allergic reaction to yeast, not necessarily yeast overgrowth in the gut. Some have reported a positive on this test which is a good thing to know. Some vaccines warn against use, when there is a known yeast allergy.

 

Be sure to request copies of all blood work/tests for your own file and scrutinizing . Even if something falls in the "normal" range, there may be some clues that reg. Dr.s don't pay any attention to. Calcium and magnesium levels can be ordered, but they won't tell you much about how well the body/cells are utilizing it unless you do a test like spectracell, which I think someone already mentioned.

 

There seems to be a little something "off" with my boys platelets. Comparing blood work from both boys (last time which was over two years ago) we are in the normal range now, but low.

 

Also, Dr recently ordered CBC morphology. My son showed anisocytosis 1+, Macrocytosis 1+ and ovalocytes 2+. His Dr. acted like this wasn't completly normal, but didn't know if it had any real significance. I know it has to do with the shape of the cells, but I'm not sure at this point if it means much either (other than ovalocytes seem to suggest a resistance to malaria... ohhh goody what a clue!!!!)

 

We have a history of high MPV and platelets on the low side.

 

Good luck and please let us know how it goes