Help, I need a backbone!

[Guest Lulu]

Hi,

 

While I know in my heart of hearts that meds aren't the route to go for my son I am about to be put up against the wall. At the end of 4th grade my son fell apart academically. Tests showed that he had super high levels of adrenalin running through his brain which caused his inability to stay focused and on task. Lexapro was prescribed (after a painful decision making process) to slow down his brain chemicals and lo and behold it worked! Grades went up, he was a just joy to have around since we didn't have to get into the daily fighting over homework. Six months into it he developed tics (insert says less that 2% will develop tics) and an abundance of OCD (he's had that minimally before). We weaned him off the Lexapro, OCD subsided but tics stayed. I have seen waxing and waning and he's had verbal tics over time - even before the Lexapro. Now we are "controlling" them with vitamins and all seems well.

 

However, academically he is falling again hard. We need to do something more.

 

If too much adrenalin is still the problem causing the inattention, can doing all the right things (mentioned on this board) make a difference in that? Of course my huge concern is that anything prescribed will exaccerbate his tics. What would you all do???????

 

Lulu

[Claire]

I don't understand 'too much adrenalin', sorry. Is it adhd? add? wasn't there some general diagnosis?

 

There is a braintalk message forum on ADD/ADHD, with people on both sides of the camp. I would suggest posting to Mrs. Doubtfyre there--she researches natural methods.

 

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumd...isplay.php?f=86

 

Also, Pfeiffer clinic uses natural methods for adhd/add. They run tests first to screen for the best method. e.g. 30% of those with adhd/add have pyroluria. This is simple to address if this is what it is and cheap to find out. You can order the $40 test yourself.

 

http://www.pyroluriatesting.com

 

To answer your question directly--if it is adhd/add, yes, these are identical to the tests and methods used--in fact, they are more commonly done for adhd than for tics. There is a much bigger body of research there. However, I don't get if your son has something else going on with the adrenaline--unless that is a common thing for adhd.

 

In particular, artificial additives are known to set off adhd...if you have already eliminate this without results, then I would try pyroluria next. And there are great supplements depending on what the issue is (e.g. blood sugar issues, low energy..)

 

Claire

[Claire]

Another thing to try:

 

Some children study better when they MOVE. Bouncing a ball, swinging, climbing a tree. Good for when they need to memorize (spelling words, math facts) or study vs write--or even for math they can do in their head. (You can take down the answers and they can copy them later.

 

I have also read that many children do better typing homework--the task of writing is just too arduous. Plus they have great voice recognition software--ask your teachers about turning in assignments that are typed (I don't know how old he is).

 

Claire

[Guest Lulu]

Thanks, Claire.

 

It was like a lightbulb went off last night after I read your question, does he have ADD?? Nobody, and I mean nobody, has heard of the fact that too much adrenaline in the brain results in inattention and ability to focus. Except my doctor who doesn't even believe that there is such a thing as ADD - more that the symptoms of it are due to some chemical inbalance such as too much adrenaline. So, I wasn't really thinking ADD, but I had some clarity last night and realize that whatever the cause, I do need to address that. Thanks for the help!

 

And also, clear as a bell, I woke up this morning and realized that my son has slept (this will gross you out) with a large decorative pillow on his bed for years and years (he's 12). It doesn't get washed regularly because it's too big. And he puts his head on it some nights!! Obviously, the pillow is coming off his bed the minute he wakes up!

 

His tics are moving into the background now as we focus on other things. And who knows, maybe when we address those issues (I'm going to look into the pyroluria and the braintalk comm.), his tics will subside even further. I never thought I'd see the day when his tics weren't foremost on my mind! Praise the Lord!

 

Thanks again Claire for all you do. I'm always eager to see your reply on the forum. You have a lot of wisdom and experience and we're grateful that you share it.

 

Lulu