In discussing PANDAS, I use "we" because this is a disorder that affects everyone in the household not just the child with PANDAS.
Before diagnosis our son had already been diagnosed as ADHD; he rapidly cycled from one extreme emotion to another; he had suddenly developed an obsession about being bullying; he had obsessive thoughts; and he was occasionally suicidal. These behaviors took us from one to another psychiatrist looking for assistance and a diagnosis that fit the symptoms. Mostly we were given medications for ADHD that just amplified the symptoms. We finally found a doctor in Houston who was willing to listen to the parent and the child and work with us to find a diagnosis.
After meeting with our new doctor (I will not list names unless I have been given specific permission by that person), our ds (diagnosed son) was diagnosed with PANDAS based on medical history, self-evaluation forms, and blood work. His ASO and AntiDNase titers were both very high.
We began a regiment of mood stabilizers and antibiotics to help improve our ds's health. This method more or less worked until we hit puberty during the summer between 5th and 6th grade. Testosterone does not play nice with PANDAS!
During the summer, our ds began raging for sometimes several hours. During these rages he was not aware of his behaviors or his surroundings. He was self-injurious and violent toward those around him. Our doctor added new medication to inhibit his anger. It helped some! During this same time period, our ds developed a breathing tic that sounds like he is underwater. Scary but not dangerous!
School has been a difficult issue this year. Homework just doesn't happen on a regular basis. If it weren't for the whole hearted support we get from his teachers and school personnel, it might have been a disaster. As it is, we are just trying to survive the 6th grade and hoping that 7th grade will be better.
We have been mostly rage and tic free for the last month. Our ds has begun riding his bicycle and playing with friends again. Hope has reemerged for our family!
Before diagnosis our son had already been diagnosed as ADHD; he rapidly cycled from one extreme emotion to another; he had suddenly developed an obsession about being bullying; he had obsessive thoughts; and he was occasionally suicidal. These behaviors took us from one to another psychiatrist looking for assistance and a diagnosis that fit the symptoms. Mostly we were given medications for ADHD that just amplified the symptoms. We finally found a doctor in Houston who was willing to listen to the parent and the child and work with us to find a diagnosis.
After meeting with our new doctor (I will not list names unless I have been given specific permission by that person), our ds (diagnosed son) was diagnosed with PANDAS based on medical history, self-evaluation forms, and blood work. His ASO and AntiDNase titers were both very high.
We began a regiment of mood stabilizers and antibiotics to help improve our ds's health. This method more or less worked until we hit puberty during the summer between 5th and 6th grade. Testosterone does not play nice with PANDAS!
During the summer, our ds began raging for sometimes several hours. During these rages he was not aware of his behaviors or his surroundings. He was self-injurious and violent toward those around him. Our doctor added new medication to inhibit his anger. It helped some! During this same time period, our ds developed a breathing tic that sounds like he is underwater. Scary but not dangerous!
School has been a difficult issue this year. Homework just doesn't happen on a regular basis. If it weren't for the whole hearted support we get from his teachers and school personnel, it might have been a disaster. As it is, we are just trying to survive the 6th grade and hoping that 7th grade will be better.
We have been mostly rage and tic free for the last month. Our ds has begun riding his bicycle and playing with friends again. Hope has reemerged for our family!