strep questions

[dcmom]

My non-pandas daughter had strep two months ago. She had no typical strep symptoms, except stomach-ache. (This was at the same time my pandas dd had strep that caused pandas.) She was treated with amoxicillin for 8 days (had to go off two days early because of hive-reaction). She did have a negative culture about a week after stopping the antibiotic. Since then the stomach aches have not gone away. This has been going on for two months. I took her to a gastro dr., he took a lot of tests with so far no results. He is suggesting she might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, that it can be triggered by a virus. This is too much for me-can one strep strain have left both of my kids with ongoing chronic disorders?

 

Could this still be strep that is not gone? Should I re-culture- even though I don't trust cultures (her tonsils are already gone, and my neurologist definately thinks cultures are unreliable)? I am considering begging the gastro (or ped) for antibiotics...

 

 

One more question: Pandas dd has raised skin color bumps on both of her knees (this is relatively new), any thoughts?

 

Thank you...

[chrisw]

Dcmom,

I would get your daughter cultured (not rapid test) again. My son always had a stomach ache as one of his only symptoms of strep. It is possible that the amox. failed, especially because she had to stop it early. My son came down with flesh colored bumps on his arm that lasted about 6 mo. and went away after we started proph. abx. Before PANDAS dx., the Dr. called it molluscum contagiosum. When I looked it up, I found out that it is common in people with weak immune systems. They itch and spread. We got a strong cortisone cream and used it every night. That helped, but I think the Azith. may have helped the most. He also had some eczema around the same area (he is 9 and never had eczema before) which has also mostly cleared up. I hope things get better for you soon!

Christie

[momtotaylor]

Hi Dcmom,

 

I would culture again as well. When my daughter has strep, her only symptom is a stomach ache/nausea as well. If you think your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic, I would totally go that route. I don't think you can be too cautious given the situation.

 

Your Pandas daughter, are they bumps or swelling/fluid retention?

 

Hang in there!

[Dedee]

I agree with the others. Absolutely test again for strep. My non PANDAS son only complains of stomach ache with strep. It takes another week usually (if I don't pick up on it), before his throat hurts and fever starts. Just as a side note to some. I have purchased the kits for rapid strep testing on line. They are very easy to use. I am an RN, but I assure you any one who can get a throat swab can use these tests. They come with complete instructions and for me, have always been as reliable as at doctors offices. It helps me know when to take my kids in to the office. I have three children and since my oldest is PANDAS, I am always worried when the younger two complain with sore throat. I test them immediately at home. If they are positive, obviously they go straight to the doctor for antibiotics. If negative, I feel ok about waiting another day to see how things play out. It just keeps me from freaking out everytime someone clears their throat around our house. Anyway, just sharing.

 

Dedee

[mom2ty]

One more question: Pandas dd has raised skin color bumps on both of her knees (this is relatively new), any thoughts?

 

Hi DCMom,

 

As a newbie to PANDAS I don't really have a suggestion for you on the strep portion of your question. Re: the bumps, my son does have these and they drive him quite crazy...they itch and he digs at them. The infectious disease specialist is constantly looking for rashes like these each visit. This past week the bumps increased in number and severity of itch; he suggested that we re-test for Bartenella (a co-infection of the Lyme Disease). He indicated that these type of bumps can be indicative of a co-infection borne by tics. He also indicated that many times when on an antibiotic, bacteria can hide or become dormant in the body for quite some time and then flare even though antibiotic treatment is in place.

 

He did suggest putting in place a humidifier (to increase the humidity). This has helped but minimally.