Okay, to be technical, pandas aren't bears at all, but are more closely related to racoons (hence the markings). But the P.A.N.D.A.S. that I am referring to is a pediatric neurological disorder that DS11 has been diagnosed with. It happens when the immune system makes way too many antibodies after being exposed to strep. Then the antibodies attack the part of the child's brain that regulates emotion. It brings out strong OCD symptoms. We're having a flare up. It has been a very wild week for us and I haven't had a chance to write anything up for the blog.
Unfortunately, because this flare up brought about different symptoms this time, I didn't see it for what it was at first. This time it was all about guilt and worry. Plus, he couldn't sleep because he was afraid that he would die in his sleep. Last year (the first time we saw it from PANDAS) it was very different. He saw disturbing images in his mind.
So our wonderful "shrink" has changed his medicine and we will know by Tuesday or Wednesday if it is helping. We also have Xanax to help with emergency melt downs. If this new cocktail of medication doesn't work, we may have to rely really heavily on the Xanax and risk making him a zombie for the 3-4 months that his antibodies will remain elevated.
Also, his sinus infection hasn't cleared up. The doctor is giving us another antibiotic to try and I will have to call the pediatrician to see about getting DS11's sinus cavity x-rayed.
We did have a wonderful, small snowfall this week with big, lovely flakes. I went out and took pics of hubby and kiddos. I will post them when I can. Since it was gone by morning (no snow day--boo hoo), I am glad that I got them when I did. It was a wonderful diversion from the OCD symptoms for DS11, a rare moment of total focus and clarity for him. Those moments are the memories that I will hold forever.
What can I say, when it comes to my kids, it's a love thing. A maddening, stressful, insane love thing.
Showing posts with label health issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health issues. Show all posts
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friends, therapy, and adrenal glands
I always look forward to my little coffee klatches with my friend Kristin during our sons' group therapy sessions. And, despite the fact that the Dunkin Donuts coffee was really nasty today (usually not the case), it turned out to be an amazing thing.
In addition to the 3 million things that we try to cram into a conversation that is far too short, and giggling at her daughter's antics (she's a hoot!), we happened onto the topic of hormones, endocrine problems, etc.
First off, I should probably give some background for folks who don't know me well. Kristin and I both have Aspie kids. We both live it 24/7. She is my only friend who really, truly, GETS the mess that is my life, sometimes. I don't have to explain it to her, she just KNOWS what is in my head. And one of the things parents with kids on the Autistic Spectrum have to deal with is doing incredible amounts of research into alternative treatments, diets, neurology, studies that are being formed, studies that have been completed (far too few that are reliable), and the AMA's avoidance of actually having any reliable treatments or therapies for our kids. I have earned my own special brand of medical degree from having to find out answers for myself that the medical community (who should know and acknowledge much of this) refuses to admit even exists. Kristin is in the same boat. We share lots of information and data. We compare notes on doctors, therapies, digestive enzymes, and nutritional supplements.
I have been to a series of doctors through the years for problems that I have had relating to depression, inability to lose weight, significant hair loss that won't grow back (I have had to wear wigs for the last 5 years), and thyroid problems. Other than with helping me with the low thyroid, I can't find answers. Kristin mentioned that she had a discussion with her doctor about how hormones and adrenal function can affect metabolism. Kristin promised to send me some info, but since my email is mysteriously down, I can't receive anything.
I googled adrenal gland function and got a heck of an interesting read. I have many of the symptoms of adrenal failure and my hair loss could be explained by this. I can't wait to get more information. It finally might be something worth pursuing.
Then, I called my mom and mentioned this to her and she told me that my Grandmother had and my Aunt has a condition called ichthyosis. It is caused from adrenal dysfunction. So, I have a direct family history of adrenal problems and didn't even know it. Score another one for the self-made medical degree!
It's nice to have hope that I can feel better. I can't imagine what I would do with hair that actually grows out of my own head. I'd like to find out.
In addition to the 3 million things that we try to cram into a conversation that is far too short, and giggling at her daughter's antics (she's a hoot!), we happened onto the topic of hormones, endocrine problems, etc.
First off, I should probably give some background for folks who don't know me well. Kristin and I both have Aspie kids. We both live it 24/7. She is my only friend who really, truly, GETS the mess that is my life, sometimes. I don't have to explain it to her, she just KNOWS what is in my head. And one of the things parents with kids on the Autistic Spectrum have to deal with is doing incredible amounts of research into alternative treatments, diets, neurology, studies that are being formed, studies that have been completed (far too few that are reliable), and the AMA's avoidance of actually having any reliable treatments or therapies for our kids. I have earned my own special brand of medical degree from having to find out answers for myself that the medical community (who should know and acknowledge much of this) refuses to admit even exists. Kristin is in the same boat. We share lots of information and data. We compare notes on doctors, therapies, digestive enzymes, and nutritional supplements.
I have been to a series of doctors through the years for problems that I have had relating to depression, inability to lose weight, significant hair loss that won't grow back (I have had to wear wigs for the last 5 years), and thyroid problems. Other than with helping me with the low thyroid, I can't find answers. Kristin mentioned that she had a discussion with her doctor about how hormones and adrenal function can affect metabolism. Kristin promised to send me some info, but since my email is mysteriously down, I can't receive anything.
I googled adrenal gland function and got a heck of an interesting read. I have many of the symptoms of adrenal failure and my hair loss could be explained by this. I can't wait to get more information. It finally might be something worth pursuing.
Then, I called my mom and mentioned this to her and she told me that my Grandmother had and my Aunt has a condition called ichthyosis. It is caused from adrenal dysfunction. So, I have a direct family history of adrenal problems and didn't even know it. Score another one for the self-made medical degree!
It's nice to have hope that I can feel better. I can't imagine what I would do with hair that actually grows out of my own head. I'd like to find out.
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