Who wants to play doctor?

[faith]

thanks colleen!

my son is 10 yrs old and weighs about 50 lbs. a little guy.

 

the dose says take 1 1/4 teasoon twice a day. So am I correct that EACH teaspoon has the 400 mgs. in it? and if so, then the 1 1/4 tsp. twice a day (every 12 hours?) means he's getting 1000 mgs. per day? Is this good?

 

 

 

thanks

Faith

[momtocole1]

Hi Faith, (It's Judy) ,

 

Your doctor reminds me so much of my son's previous pediatrician. He's kickin it old school! Yuck.

 

What my new pediatrician told me is that the dose of Augmentin that I am giving my son is much higher than even an adult would get so the standard weight vs. dosing charts for this medication don't even apply.

 

My son is quite a bit heavier than yours so I don't know what to say.

 

What I can tell you is that my son is 118 pounds and he was on 1200 mg. per day at first. That was the Augmenting 600mg per 5 ml's. So it was 600 mg. per teaspoon. We started to see a decrease in his OCD symptoms for about 13 days and then a sharp, sudden, backslide. That is when I switched him to what everyone is calling the "saving sammy" dose. That is 2000 mg. per day and literally overnight my son started to improve. (We have a long road, but it is really helping).

 

Read Worried Dad's posts too. His son is 106 pounds and he is on that really high dose.

 

It does feel like we are playing dr. I do think that the Augmentin vs. the Amox really works better for some kids. And... the higher dose works better for some kids.

 

It scared me when you wrote about your son and the intrusive thought about his chest, etc.

 

When do you see Dr. Lattimer? That will be so great for you and she will answer so many questions. You will leave there with a plan.

 

I really think that you should do the Dr. Cunningham blood tests. It just seems that for any child that has tics or ocd that comes with a sore throat or other types of symptoms when they are sick should have this blood word done. Then you will know for sure...

 

I talked to a friend of mine that just moved up to Northern Cal about 5 months ago. Her 6 1/2 year old son developed tics overnight after a strep infection. She was the one that told me about the Saving Sammy book. She did not know about the new PANDAS blood tests available from University of OK. She is going to order a kit tomorrow because she has talked to so many parents, doctors and read so much that she does not know what to think.

 

She was under the impression that a child would have to show OCD symptoms to have a possible PANDAS diagnosis. Her son only has tics. But, when I searched this forum last night, there were quite a few posters that talked about their child having only tics and they still have PANDAS. In some cases the parents did not realize that some of the rigidity that their children were showing in their behavior was actually OCD but that the children did not verbalize what we consider to be more "classic" ocd behaviors. Does that make sense?

 

I hope that the antibiotic starts to help very soon.

 

Thanks again for the phone call last week!

 

Judy...

 

 

 

 

 

 

thanks colleen!

my son is 10 yrs old and weighs about 50 lbs. a little guy.

 

the dose says take 1 1/4 teasoon twice a day. So am I correct that EACH teaspoon has the 400 mgs. in it? and if so, then the 1 1/4 tsp. twice a day (every 12 hours?) means he's getting 1000 mgs. per day? Is this good?

 

 

 

thanks

Faith

[matis_mom]

Hi there,

My son never complains of a sore throat. I only remember him having it once, and they only swabbed him because I went in with a sibbling who tested positive, so they were kind enought to test everybody. But, besides that instance, I have no clue how many times he's had it, because he has a very high threshhold for pain... He is one of seven and I don't take them in every time they feel off, otherwise, I would be there twice a week! Of course now I am a little more aware, sigh! He has been diagnosed with PANDAS, but the strep was found in his gut. So if anything, check for other symptoms: upset stomach, just not feeling well, vomiting. Dont' just think THROAT, it can be in other places... Ask that they do a stool test.

 

Isabel

[matis_mom]

Hi there,

My son never complains of a sore throat. I only remember him having it once, and they only swabbed him because I went in with a sibbling who tested positive, so they were kind enought to test everybody. But, besides that instance, I have no clue how many times he's had it, because he has a very high threshhold for pain... He is one of seven and I don't take them in every time they feel off, otherwise, I would be there twice a week! Of course now I am a little more aware, sigh! He has been diagnosed with PANDAS, but the strep was found in his gut. So if anything, check for other symptoms: upset stomach, just not feeling well, vomiting. Dont' just think THROAT, it can be in other places... Ask that they do a stool test.

 

Isabel

[faith]

thanks Isabel,

aside from those stomach symptoms, how does one find strep in the gut? was there some sort of test? a stool test? my son does get the 24 hr. virus type illness about once or twice a year, but that's pretty much it. maybe a stuffy nose type cold once a year too (has that right now).

 

 

Faith

[colleenrn]

Hi Faith,

Yes, getting 1 1/2 tsp, twice per day is 1000mg total, which is a good dose for 50lb. What is the plan for after he finishes the 10 days? How is he doing?

Colleen

[sf_mom]

Judy,

 

I am happy to speak with your friend in Northern CA... My son presented with mostly TICS and very mild OCD. I would have missed the OCD if it had not been pointed out to me. There are some fairly good resources for getting help in the Bay Area.

 

You can PM and I'm happy to forward my phone number and e-mail address.

 

-Wendy

 

 

 

Hi Faith, (It's Judy) ,

 

Your doctor reminds me so much of my son's previous pediatrician. He's kickin it old school! Yuck.

 

What my new pediatrician told me is that the dose of Augmentin that I am giving my son is much higher than even an adult would get so the standard weight vs. dosing charts for this medication don't even apply.

 

My son is quite a bit heavier than yours so I don't know what to say.

 

What I can tell you is that my son is 118 pounds and he was on 1200 mg. per day at first. That was the Augmenting 600mg per 5 ml's. So it was 600 mg. per teaspoon. We started to see a decrease in his OCD symptoms for about 13 days and then a sharp, sudden, backslide. That is when I switched him to what everyone is calling the "saving sammy" dose. That is 2000 mg. per day and literally overnight my son started to improve. (We have a long road, but it is really helping).

 

Read Worried Dad's posts too. His son is 106 pounds and he is on that really high dose.

 

It does feel like we are playing dr. I do think that the Augmentin vs. the Amox really works better for some kids. And... the higher dose works better for some kids.

 

It scared me when you wrote about your son and the intrusive thought about his chest, etc.

 

When do you see Dr. Lattimer? That will be so great for you and she will answer so many questions. You will leave there with a plan.

 

I really think that you should do the Dr. Cunningham blood tests. It just seems that for any child that has tics or ocd that comes with a sore throat or other types of symptoms when they are sick should have this blood word done. Then you will know for sure...

 

I talked to a friend of mine that just moved up to Northern Cal about 5 months ago. Her 6 1/2 year old son developed tics overnight after a strep infection. She was the one that told me about the Saving Sammy book. She did not know about the new PANDAS blood tests available from University of OK. She is going to order a kit tomorrow because she has talked to so many parents, doctors and read so much that she does not know what to think.

 

She was under the impression that a child would have to show OCD symptoms to have a possible PANDAS diagnosis. Her son only has tics. But, when I searched this forum last night, there were quite a few posters that talked about their child having only tics and they still have PANDAS. In some cases the parents did not realize that some of the rigidity that their children were showing in their behavior was actually OCD but that the children did not verbalize what we consider to be more "classic" ocd behaviors. Does that make sense?

 

I hope that the antibiotic starts to help very soon.

 

Thanks again for the phone call last week!

 

Judy...

 

 

 

 

 

 

thanks colleen!

my son is 10 yrs old and weighs about 50 lbs. a little guy.

 

the dose says take 1 1/4 teasoon twice a day. So am I correct that EACH teaspoon has the 400 mgs. in it? and if so, then the 1 1/4 tsp. twice a day (every 12 hours?) means he's getting 1000 mgs. per day? Is this good?

 

 

 

thanks

Faith

[EAMom]

Mati's mom...

fyi you can buy a box of rapid test kits from Amazon. I think these are the same rapids they use at the doctors. (does anyone know?) It's important to get a good swab of the tonsils (not just the back of the throat, tongue etc)....maybe colleen or someone else has more info. on this. Obiviously not as ideal as bringing your kid in and having a doc do a rapid (and a 72 hour culture if the rapid is neg). But, if you have 7 kids it might be something to try for those times when you wouldn't be able to make it to the doctor anyway, just for a little added insurance. Usually there are 25 (or 50) tests in a box depending on what brand you get. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=sear...apid+strep+test

[faith]

thanks Coleen,

I have no plan really, because this abx was given just because I went into the pediatircian to ask for a strep test because I saw the red patch on his throat. he gave me the abx probably to just pacify me, but I did manage to get 2 refills on it. I'm going to just give it until I see Dr. Latimer in a couple of weeks. then take it from there.

 

We started Sat. nite, so far I'm not seeing anything drastic or miraculous, but I with all I know now, I guess I just have to wait and see. he had a cold in the days before this and that's when he did seem to decline the tics in frequency, as is his pattern when ill, but they are still there (as well as other behavioral, namely the irritability/irrational behavior).

 

Faith

[faith]

MY SON'S PEDIATRICIAN JUST PISSED ME OFF!!!

 

I'll update here instead of starting a new thread:

 

The doc just called to tell me my son's culture was also negative. and how this is definitely NOT strep. and asked how he was doing. I was honest and said, well, maybe a little better, but its only been three days and I can't tell you his tics are completely gone. He then said, well if he's not doing DRAMATICALLY better than I think you can feel comfortable discontinuing the augmentin. He was so rigid and in the box about how he does NOT HAVE STREP, and if he IS NOT BETTER ON THE ANTIBIOTICS BY NOW, then he is NOT falling into the PANDAS category. He does not know ANYTHING about my son other than I said he has tics and ocd. I told him that I wanted to just finish the course (and he said he would note that) but his tone was very condescending and he was letting me know in no uncertain terms that this was not (what little he probably knows about PANDAS) and 1. gets strep, 2. gets tics/ocd 3. takes abx 4.. gets well on abx and tics are gone! .....NEEXXT! I thanked him politely and told him I was scheduled to see a specialist soon (Dr. L.) so would like to be able to report what happens with the whole course of abx. I was not even going to waste my breath stating the variables to him...... he's also the one who gave me the advice a few years back to 'get assertive with my mother and tell her there is nothing wrong with my son's weight and that he is perfectly healthy' when I told him how my mother used to nag me about why he wasn't gaining weight and eating better, she actually thought he had an eating disorder. my mother saw all the red flags, but what could I do when no doctor would agree there was any problem or easy solution?

 

This is the same thing that occurred two years ago. I listened. and then spent the next two years dealing with my son and exploring every natural treatment out there for tourettes. we are no better for it, worse if anything. For those that are getting familiar with my son's history, .... what say you? should I just ignore this clown and chalk it up? he's not the guy I'm using to treat my son for all this anyway, I was just using him for the throat culture and script, . at least ge gave me the script and refills.......but I know he is trying to dissuade me......that's just wrong......... man, he pisssed me off! ........

 

Faith

[mama2alex]

Faith,

 

That's AWFUL! Where are you located? Is there anyone on this forum who can recommend a pediatrician in your area who actually knows something about PANDAS? In my opinion, this is ridiculous and you need a new ped. You have enough to deal with, without having to fight your pediatrician for antibiotics and strep tests! He thinks he knows a lot about this, but is very ill-informed - the worst kind.

 

Hope your appointment with Dr. Latimer goes well. If you can't find another doctor, maybe she can call your current ped and try to educate him?

 

Jennifer

 

 

 

MY SON'S PEDIATRICIAN JUST PISSED ME OFF!!!

 

I'll update here instead of starting a new thread:

 

The doc just called to tell me my son's culture was also negative. and how this is definitely NOT strep. and asked how he was doing. I was honest and said, well, maybe a little better, but its only been three days and I can't tell you his tics are completely gone. He then said, well if he's not doing DRAMATICALLY better than I think you can feel comfortable discontinuing the augmentin. He was so rigid and in the box about how he does NOT HAVE STREP, and if he IS NOT BETTER ON THE ANTIBIOTICS BY NOW, then he is NOT falling into the PANDAS category. He does not know ANYTHING about my son other than I said he has tics and ocd. I told him that I wanted to just finish the course (and he said he would note that) but his tone was very condescending and he was letting me know in no uncertain terms that this was not (what little he probably knows about PANDAS) and 1. gets strep, 2. gets tics/ocd 3. takes abx 4.. gets well on abx and tics are gone! .....NEEXXT! I thanked him politely and told him I was scheduled to see a specialist soon (Dr. L.) so would like to be able to report what happens with the whole course of abx. I was not even going to waste my breath stating the variables to him...... he's also the one who gave me the advice a few years back to 'get assertive with my mother and tell her there is nothing wrong with my son's weight and that he is perfectly healthy' when I told him how my mother used to nag me about why he wasn't gaining weight and eating better, she actually thought he had an eating disorder. my mother saw all the red flags, but what could I do when no doctor would agree there was any problem or easy solution?

 

This is the same thing that occurred two years ago. I listened. and then spent the next two years dealing with my son and exploring every natural treatment out there for tourettes. we are no better for it, worse if anything. For those that are getting familiar with my son's history, .... what say you? should I just ignore this clown and chalk it up? he's not the guy I'm using to treat my son for all this anyway, I was just using him for the throat culture and script, . at least ge gave me the script and refills.......but I know he is trying to dissuade me......that's just wrong......... man, he pisssed me off! ........

 

Faith

[thereishope]

I've had many bad conversations with pediatricians on the phone. They like to think they know what they are talking about, but they dont. They won't actually listen. I think they get a power kick out of it. Even after 3 times having my son get OCD and other PANDAS behaviors come with a + strep test, then begin to improve with antibiotics the ped STILL suggested he was just bipolar. No matter how much I try to reason, there is no getting through to some of them.

 

ps...he's no longer my son's pediatrician.

 

 

 

MY SON'S PEDIATRICIAN JUST PISSED ME OFF!!!

 

I'll update here instead of starting a new thread:

 

The doc just called to tell me my son's culture was also negative. and how this is definitely NOT strep. and asked how he was doing. I was honest and said, well, maybe a little better, but its only been three days and I can't tell you his tics are completely gone. He then said, well if he's not doing DRAMATICALLY better than I think you can feel comfortable discontinuing the augmentin. He was so rigid and in the box about how he does NOT HAVE STREP, and if he IS NOT BETTER ON THE ANTIBIOTICS BY NOW, then he is NOT falling into the PANDAS category. He does not know ANYTHING about my son other than I said he has tics and ocd. I told him that I wanted to just finish the course (and he said he would note that) but his tone was very condescending and he was letting me know in no uncertain terms that this was not (what little he probably knows about PANDAS) and 1. gets strep, 2. gets tics/ocd 3. takes abx 4.. gets well on abx and tics are gone! .....NEEXXT! I thanked him politely and told him I was scheduled to see a specialist soon (Dr. L.) so would like to be able to report what happens with the whole course of abx. I was not even going to waste my breath stating the variables to him...... he's also the one who gave me the advice a few years back to 'get assertive with my mother and tell her there is nothing wrong with my son's weight and that he is perfectly healthy' when I told him how my mother used to nag me about why he wasn't gaining weight and eating better, she actually thought he had an eating disorder. my mother saw all the red flags, but what could I do when no doctor would agree there was any problem or easy solution?

 

This is the same thing that occurred two years ago. I listened. and then spent the next two years dealing with my son and exploring every natural treatment out there for tourettes. we are no better for it, worse if anything. For those that are getting familiar with my son's history, .... what say you? should I just ignore this clown and chalk it up? he's not the guy I'm using to treat my son for all this anyway, I was just using him for the throat culture and script, . at least ge gave me the script and refills.......but I know he is trying to dissuade me......that's just wrong......... man, he pisssed me off! ........

 

Faith

[EAMom]

I was honest and said, well, maybe a little better, but its only been three days and I can't tell you his tics are completely gone. He then said, well if he's not doing DRAMATICALLY better than I think you can feel comfortable discontinuing the augmentin. He was so rigid and in the box about how he does NOT HAVE STREP, and if he IS NOT BETTER ON THE ANTIBIOTICS BY NOW, then he is NOT falling into the PANDAS category.

 

Ohh my goodness....blockhead doctor alert!!!!

[matis_mom]

fyi you can buy a box of rapid test kits from Amazon. I think these are the same rapids they use at the doctors. (does anyone know?) It's important to get a good swab of the tonsils (not just the back of the throat, tongue etc)....

 

Thanks so much for the tip! It would be worth the try... at least if I have them on hand I can quickly (and conveniently) check the suspect asap... We are blessed to have very good insurance (only $10 copay!), but when you add that to the time wasted at the drs. office, it makes total sense to have some of those rapid tests at home.

 

Isabel

[matis_mom]

So, how do you all go about this kind of thing? Do you see the specialist once in a while and then go to the pediatrician for the monthly prescriptions? We are about 45 mins. away from our doctor, and about 90 mins away from Dr. Latimer... It would be great to get the pediatrician to work with us (they are only 5 mins away!) But I wondering if I will have any luck "educating" them... It's always worth a try. They have several docs at the practice, I wonder should I go for the older or younger ones?