Not sure what to do... (warning: long post)

[CandKRich]

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Edited August 12, 2013 by CandKRich

[dcmom]

Karen- So sorry for what you are going through.

 

Just a few quick thoughts for you:

 

It seems like different antibiotics work for different kids. I would consider finishing the zithromax, if still no improvement consider going back to Augmentin if you felt that worked better- read some of the recent posts on dosing for augmentin- preferably ask for augmentinXR. Be sure to give daily probiotics. We bounced around to a few antibiotics, zithromax finally worked for my daughter- but it took 30 days to see about 75% improvement, and she had only been sick for a month. I wouldn't consider going down to a twice weekly dose until he has been 100% for quite some time.

 

The other issue- I have definitely seen a sawtooth pattern of healing. So in other words there will be spikes of behavoir- look at the weekly trend (I know that is hard)

 

My daughter (and many others) have really benefitted from a steroid burst. I think this can be more nervewracking for those with tics, because if it is TS it can aggravate the tics. Hopefully some others will chime it- but I would definately bring it up to your doc. I suggest the monthlong burst- 2 weeks of treatment dose, 2 weeks of tapering down.

 

He will get better.

[sf_mom]

I would also culture everyone in the house for strep and I would retest ASO and Anti-DNase-B to see if there is a directional change. Maybe re-culture to see if the strep is back.

[Kayanne]

So he is currently taking 400mg of azith once a day?

 

I would definately push to keep him on tha azith or augmentin every day even after you are done with the 30 day course.

 

Is this liquid red, and cherry flavored? You may need to find out, some kids don't do well with the dye and artificial sweeteners found in the liquid meds---my daughter doesn't really have a problem with it--so it isn't all kids, but generally it is still good to not go overboard on them.

 

From your description, it seems that the cold that he had gotten caused an exercabation. Azith won't stop a common cold, so that could be why he is worse. I"m not sure if you are at the hightest dose for azith....I think it is 500mg a day...but that may be for only one or two days...not sure on that one.

 

Some parents had found that ibuprofen helps with PANDAS symptoms.

 

It is possible that the azith may not be working for him because there is a pocket in Western PA and the Ohio Valley that has a strain of strep that is resistant to azith. Sometimes you have to go with your gut, and follow what has worked in the past. Many parents have seen good results with azith, but then some have not....sadly, it is a little trial and error.

 

I'm sorry that you are going through this right now!

 

~Karen

[thereishope]

Everyone has given you good advice. I would take SFMom's suggestion and take him back for another rapid and culture. If his breath smells bad, he could have some pus hiding behind his tonsils (if he still has his tonsils).Maybe politely remind them to do a good swab.

 

Also, ask him if he has a weird taste in his mouth. Soemtimes if there is pus, you can taste it.