Anxiety in dd5? Normal? Something else? Sorry so long...

[Kerileanne99]

My dd5 is intense in every aspect of her life. She has always been...quirky?

But lately I am really beginning to worry. Maybe threse things are attention-seeking (after 5.5 yrs as an only she has a 5 mo old brother!), but it seems more than that.

There are just too many examples.

 

Here are just a few of the more recent ones:

Dd can swim like a fish. She can do the length of the pool in freestyle, back, breast, and has a rudimentary butterfly. Suddenly she freaked out at swim lessons, which are private. She loves math and was doing strange mental calculations about getting into the 5 ft depth. Screaming and refusing to get in. We left after 20!minutes of attempted coaxing and are taking a break from swimming as she insists she won't go. She will pipe up with random calculations, such as the volume of water she would have to swim across to get to the flags:(

For multiple weeks it was roaches. Never mind that she has never even seen a roach alive in our house. I don't even know where that one came from but she made us shake out her blankets, exchange dark blankets for light ones so she could 'see', and would even wake up in the middle of the night in fear of them, claiming they were crawling in her bed. I finally had the idea of having our semi-annual pest treatment person talk to her when he sprayed (we live in Texas!) and that seemed to work. Fingers crossed.

 

Today she is obsessed with the idea of Tapeworms. She recently read a book for SOTW called The Secrets of Mummies, in which one was revealed to have died due in part to a tapeworm. She fully understands and appreciates where a tapeworm comes from. She spent ages researching, as the only way to seemingly allay even some of the fear is a wealth of information. The kicker is that we are vegetarian!!! She is worried about raw pork!

And that is another issue...whilst we are vegetarians, we have been very, very careful to make sure she knows it is always her choice. We do not pass judgment on other's choices. We do not turn up our noses. We do not comment. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, she seems to have picked up on SOMETHING:(

We recently ate out with friends, and her little friend ate baby back ribs RIGHT next to her. Dd freaked. Crying. I was sympathetic but we also do not let her get away with being rude. She was allowed to move by me, but I cannot let her get away with rudeness. She ended up clinging in my lap and wouldn't eat:(. At the time I thought she was overly tired and emotional, but since then she says she 'can't stop thinking about it' and suddenly won't eat random things like the red goldfish crackers in the box that 'are meat colored' or the berry Nutrigrains she usually begs for when we tried to give her when we had to get out the door one morning.

 

If you have gotten this far, thanks! We are dealing with other behavioral issue, so I am not exactly sure what to make of it! Any insight or thoughts would be great...

[zoobie]

That sounds outside the norm. It's interfering with her life and activities, which is usually the line at which to seek assistance.

 

Has she had strep recently? (PANDAS) It sounds almost OCD-like in some aspects, but anxiety can skirt those lines.

[Joanne]

Anxiety often co-exists with giftedness.

 

If you are calling her "big sister," you may want to stop. "Little" might look pretty good to her. Allow her to be little or big as she wants - not put her in the position of big based on her sibling's existence. "Big" is often experienced as pressure rather than encouraging.

 

I think the quirkyness is fairly profound, and appears to be impacting her life in a significant way. I'd keep an eye on it, and look for **qualified** help in the area.

[Incognito]

I highly recommend watching a Gordon Neufeld video on anxiety in children.  I watched a series with some friends (it was checked out from the library) but if you can't get it that way there appear to be at least portions of it available online.

 

Like any resource, not everything will apply to you or your child, but there were really good bits for me about the positive role anxiety plays in life and how we can help kids get past the fixation on fear and onto courage in the face of fear.

 

ETA: The one I watched was "Making Sense of Anxiety in Children and Youth (4hr)"

[texasmama]

IMO, her anxiety and quirkiness are outside the norm and negatively impacting her life pretty significantly. I would seek an evaluation.

[Catwoman]

I hate to say this, but I agree with the others who have said that this behavior seems outside the norm to me.

 

Can you think of anything that happened to her at around the same time she started exhibiting the more extreme behaviors? (I know you said she has always been intense and quirky, but it sounds like you're in new territory with the current issues.) Was she very frightened by something or someone?

[sbgrace]

I, too, think what you describe is outside of normal.

I see, as someone else said, OCD edges to it. It's hard to say for sure, but this would be important to know for two reasons:

 

First, OCD is treated differently than other anxiety disorders, and requires a therapist who is trained and specializes in OCD specifically. In my experience, someone--no matter how good otherwise--can do more harm than good with OCD if they aren't trained in it specifically. The OCD foundation online has lists of therapists trained, and you can search for pediatric especially. https://iocdf.org/find-help/This would be a good starting point for evaluation, as a specialist in this area would know if it is or isn't OCD for sure. If it is, he or she would be able to treat as well. Other therapists, even cognitive behavioral, could miss OCD if it's not in a stereotypical presentation.

 

Second, a sudden onset of OCD can be indicative of PANDAS. This could be strep, but other infections can cause it too. A friend's daughter had mycoplasma (I think that was it!) causation. Her daughter's was caught and treated quickly and she fully recovered on antibiotics. Time really matters with PANDAS, and it can be hard to find a treating doctor. The hallmark is sudden (day/night type) onset, and other symptoms tend to cluster with it too (frequent urination, separation anxiety, emotional lability...I can't remember for sure as it's been a long time since my son was tested for it). If it seems like PANDAS is possible, I believe there are online groups. Hopefully there is a doctor near you knowledgeable. My friend had to consult with a doctor who specialized in it from another state.

 

Anxiety, OCD and otherwise, can certainly just happen at this age too. I feel for all of you. I know how hard this for the child and to deal with as a parent too.

I would seek some help, and I would try to find an OCD foundation listed  therapist--even if I had to drive, based on what you described.

 

 

 

[SparklyUnicorn]

My older kid did some very strange things shortly after his brother was born.  The age range with them was only slightly different.  The stuff was so strange, I'm not even willing to talk about it.  LOL

 

BUT I don't think he had anxiety to that extent.  I would have that checked out.

[Farrar]

When the anxiety is interfering with regular life on any sort of regular basis, it's time to think about getting help.

 

Please rule out PANDAS. And then look for a therapist.

 

In the meantime, What to Do When You Worry Too Much is a good book for her and you as a first step while you sort out an evaluation or finding the right person to see. Five seems a little young for it (I would say it's aimed at age 7-10ish), but it sounds like she's a pretty smart little kid.

[Kerileanne99]

That sounds outside the norm. It's interfering with her life and activities, which is usually the line at which to seek assistance.

 

Has she had strep recently? (PANDAS) It sounds almost OCD-like in some aspects, but anxiety can skirt those lines.

Wow. This is frightening. When I wrote the post I was really thinking this crazy behavior must be some further manifestation of her quirky, gifted self.

To everyone that suggested I look at PANDAS: I looked at symptoms and got cold chills. She has had strep multiple times in the past, but recently our whole house was ill for two months. I got the flu, followed by pneumonia. Eventually both hubby and dd were treated for walking pneumonia as well.

The thing is, dd is allergic to both the penicillin family and cephalosporins. She was given a 3-day course of Zithromax and went absolutely MANIC.

 

I think every parent secretly hopes that when their child's behavior goes horribly wrong that there is a quick solution, a magic bullet or pill:) but this sounds like something I really need to have checked.

It is just such a strange change. This is the kid who never looks back but takes new places and faces at a run. Never had a bit of shyness or separation anxiety from day one.

The other thing that really worries me is worsening (ah, that doesn't even come come to describing it!) of her ADHD symptoms. Literally going crazy silly, can't stop. And her behavior, oh wow. The same consequences (verbal warning, our point system for earning American Girl stuff, going to her room until she can calm down) suddenly don't work and she doesn't seem to care.

 

She has had a lot of changes all at once as well: new brother, taking her out of Montessori part-time preschool to homeschool full-time for Kindy, and a few other biggies. Sigh.

[Kerileanne99]

Anxiety often co-exists with giftedness.

 

If you are calling her "big sister," you may want to stop. "Little" might look pretty good to her. Allow her to be little or big as she wants - not put her in the position of big based on her sibling's existence. "Big" is often experienced as pressure rather than encouraging.

 

I think the quirkyness is fairly profound, and appears to be impacting her life in a significant way. I'd keep an eye on it, and look for **qualified** help in the area.

This is a good point, I need to think about this. She is such an asynchronous mix! She desperately wants to be the ' big' girl and definitely identifies with much older children. We have tried to take our cues from her in this, but something to think about.

[Kerileanne99]

When the anxiety is interfering with regular life on any sort of regular basis, it's time to think about getting help.

 

Please rule out PANDAS. And then look for a therapist.

 

In the meantime, What to Do When You Worry Too Much is a good book for her and you as a first step while you sort out an evaluation or finding the right person to see. Five seems a little young for it (I would say it's aimed at age 7-10ish), but it sounds like she's a pretty smart little kid.

That book looks pretty good. I just ordered it from Amazon. Even if it is something like PANDAS, I am still going to need to work with the now. I also ordered a couple others like it by the same authors.

Thanks To you and Sadie for the recommend...

[Guest]

I'm sorry. I agree with others; those look like OCD features to me.

 

P.S. One of my children did some things like this at a young age, but it did not develop into a full-blown anxiety disorder. This child had night terrors, too, where he was absolutely convinced there were crabs crawling in his bed. It was so distressing. (Hugs)

[MercyA]

Another very good OCD-specific book is What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck.  It's by the same authors as What To Do When You Worry Too Much.

 

:grouphug:  :grouphug:  :grouphug:

[Kerileanne99]

Another very good OCD-specific book is What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck. It's by the same authors as What To Do When You Worry Too Much.

 

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Thanks, I ordered this one and also the anger one.

[wapiti]

Definitely be aware that other infections can cause PANDAS, sometimes referred to as PANS.  As sbgrace mentioned, mycoplasma is one and is often the germ responsible for "walking pneumonia."  This can get complicated very quickly and be aware that the diagnosis is still extremely controversial.

[Kerileanne99]

I went ahead and made an appointment with her pediatrician, but am worried that he is going to think I am crazy if I ask about PANDAS off the bat. Anyone have any experience with this? How did they know to look?

[texasmama]

I went ahead and made an appointment with her pediatrician, but am worried that he is going to think I am crazy if I ask about PANDAS off the bat. Anyone have any experience with this? How did they know to look?

I've stopped worrying about being thought of as "crazy", so I just go in, present my well-researched case and ask for the appropriate testing.  I also choose doctors who listen to me and will partner with me and not make me feel stupid.  They aren't always right in their initial diagnoses, either, after all.  I once went in to my doc, described my symptoms and stated the three possible causes, as I saw it.  One of them was a bit of a zebra medically, but it  was an issue that my grandmother had.  The doc gladly ran a few tests, and it turned out that I had my grandmother's issue.  It wasn't the front-runner, for me or for my doctor, but that was it.  In fact, my levels were technically not low enough, as they were still in the norm, but my doc thought it was worth treatment because my symptoms were severe.  I am so grateful for her.  

 

I've had kids with several medical issues, and I tend to be anxious myself, so my need to have information trumps my need to not feel stupid.  I do approach doctors with "This may be far-fetched, but since it seems within the realm of possibility, can we do some testing to rule it out?"  Usually docs don't mind, particularly if the testing is simply a blood test.

[sassenach]

I went ahead and made an appointment with her pediatrician, but am worried that he is going to think I am crazy if I ask about PANDAS off the bat. Anyone have any experience with this? How did they know to look?

I guess it depends on your relationship with your ped, but I would go in, explain the symptoms, especially the suddenness of the change, admit that you were looking for resources on anxiety in kids and came across info on pans, ask the dr to help you explore that possibility. Personally, I would not bring up the life changes (school, baby), but would instead focus on the clinical symptoms.

 

Good luck.

[Katy]

I agree with everyone that mentioned the PANDAS and maybe an evaluation.

 

Another thing to think about- you mentioned that you're vegetarian.  I don't know if you're vegan or not, but a friend of mine was having trouble with their son and OCD, I think he was about 6.  They were vegan so he wasn't eating any animal sources of saturated fat, just a little coconut oil from time to time.  A doctor they went to told them to try adding 3 whole eggs and at least 3 cups a day of whole milk for a week.  It made a huge difference.  I think maybe they even had him drinking half and half for a while with meals, and I want to say they even had him eating bacon for a while - something about choline?

 

Anyway, I don't know where they landed.  She was a diehard PETA vegan for 20 years and now she never mentions diet at all anymore, but her son seems fine.   But if you don't have her eating any animal sources of saturated fat, I would definitely try that.

[Kerileanne99]

I guess it depends on your relationship with your ped, but I would go in, explain the symptoms, especially the suddenness of the change, admit that you were looking for resources on anxiety in kids and came across info on pans, ask the dr to help you explore that possibility. Personally, I would not bring up the life changes (school, baby), but would instead focus on the clinical symptoms.

 

Good luck.

This is kind of what I was thinking, except for dd has been adamant that she needs a female doctor. Her reg ped is lovely, and a father of eight himself:) But she has always wanted women for everything, and in this case with so much going on I am going to try another doctor for her to ease the anxiety.

So far most things are more like strong preferences, if that makes sense? She always wants the 'one on the left' for example, or even numbers of things. Randomness that often cause a bit of drama but could easily just be her need for some control. This is an extremely intelligent kid who doesn't really fit with kids her age but wants to:(

I would just hate to pass it off as quirky when there is something I might be able to do.

Last night I had to zip her into a sleeping bag in her bed three separate times when she woke up sure there were roaches in her bed:(

[wapiti]

. 

 

[Kerileanne99]

I agree with everyone that mentioned the PANDAS and maybe an evaluation.

 

Another thing to think about- you mentioned that you're vegetarian. I don't know if you're vegan or not, but a friend of mine was having trouble with their son and OCD, I think he was about 6. They were vegan so he wasn't eating any animal sources of saturated fat, just a little coconut oil from time to time. A doctor they went to told them to try adding 3 whole eggs and at least 3 cups a day of whole milk for a week. It made a huge difference. I think maybe they even had him drinking half and half for a while with meals, and I want to say they even had him eating bacon for a while - something about choline?

 

Anyway, I don't know where they landed. She was a diehard PETA vegan for 20 years and now she never mentions diet at all anymore, but her son seems fine. But if you don't have her eating any animal sources of saturated fat, I would definitely try that.

Yes, we are vegetarian. I am absolutely not opposed to giving her whatever she needs as far as diet. Unfortunately this is much harder done than said:(

She is allergic to eggs and milk. Or at the very least was when she was small. I think we will ask about retesting as well. She is also EXTREMELY picky, and won't drink anything but water.

We do slip in a DHA supplement from fish oil for her on the advice of her ped nutritionist. She would freak if she knew, which upsets me as we believe in being completely honest with her, but she has recently been rejecting all the foods that she needs:(

[Incognito]

So, what happens if you just let her be really upset about something but don't "fix" it?  Like if she thinks there are roaches in her bed but there aren't and you just hold her and let her cry and freak out but don't DO anything about it?

 

FWIW, sometimes when a brain is so used to searching for and finding answers, it is hard to just FEEL the FEELINGS and let it go.  There is catharsis in a good cry.  It is part of our job as parents to be with kids through their problems, but sometimes we end up trying to solve their problems for them and that doesn't actually help as much as letting them accept the futility of the situation.

 

ETA: I agree that her current levels of anxiety are affecting her life, but having pursued testing and evaluation in a child for anxiety the answers we ended up getting were the books you have been recommended, in addition to Worry Dragons and What to do if your Brain Gets Stuck, and then if it all isn't enough medication. 

 

Also, has your daughter tried playing an instrument?  It can be very challenging and centering.

[beaners]

My daughter's anxiety is much worse when she is anemic. Perhaps with the dietary restrictions that could be an extra issue?

[Kerileanne99]

My daughter's anxiety is much worse when she is anemic. Perhaps with the dietary restrictions that could be an extra issue?

Good thought. Something else to ask at the ped this afternoon. She always has bloodwork done at annual exams, but that isn't until December.

[Katy]

Yes, we are vegetarian. I am absolutely not opposed to giving her whatever she needs as far as diet. Unfortunately this is much harder done than said:(

She is allergic to eggs and milk. Or at the very least was when she was small. I think we will ask about retesting as well. She is also EXTREMELY picky, and won't drink anything but water.

We do slip in a DHA supplement from fish oil for her on the advice of her ped nutritionist. She would freak if she knew, which upsets me as we believe in being completely honest with her, but she has recently been rejecting all the foods that she needs:(

 

In this case I would make some sort of "veggie" burgers or meatloaf for her.  See if you can get grassfed ground beef (because the fat is higher in omega 3's), the highest fat version possible, mix in veggies (carrots, onions) and some grains (barley) and maybe a little TVP so it's not obviously meat based and give her that. 

 

Another option is to make baked goods with lard.  Preferably leaf lard that's been home rendered, as the stuff on the average grocery store shelf has been hydrogenated.  Perhaps a non-vegetarian friend or family member can render some fat from a butcher for you?  It's really easy to do in a slow cooker.  That way you don't have the scent of pork in your home.

 

If both are super objectionable I've heard that many people who are allergic to milk are okay with clarified butter because the proteins are filtered out.  You could make anything high fat with clarified butter.  Perhaps even something like a cake with double frosting.  I would just try to sneak as much saturated fat as possible into her diet for a couple of weeks and see if that helps.

[Catwoman]

This is kind of what I was thinking, except for dd has been adamant that she needs a female doctor. Her reg ped is lovely, and a father of eight himself:) But she has always wanted women for everything, and in this case with so much going on I am going to try another doctor for her to ease the anxiety.

So far most things are more like strong preferences, if that makes sense? She always wants the 'one on the left' for example, or even numbers of things. Randomness that often cause a bit of drama but could easily just be her need for some control. This is an extremely intelligent kid who doesn't really fit with kids her age but wants to:(

I would just hate to pass it off as quirky when there is something I might be able to do.

Last night I had to zip her into a sleeping bag in her bed three separate times when she woke up sure there were roaches in her bed:(

The things you have described in this thread sound like a lot more than "strong preferences."

 

And regarding the doctor, if your male pediatrician seems like the best person to see, I would stick with him. At some point, your dd may have no choice but to see a male doctor or nurse, so I'm not sure I would let her have her way on that particular issue.

 

Is she comfortable around other men? Is it just male doctors she doesn't like? Has she told you why she is uncomfortable with male doctors?

[Kerileanne99]

The things you have described in this thread sound like a lot more than "strong preferences."

 

And regarding the doctor, if your male pediatrician seems like the best person to see, I would stick with him. At some point, your dd may have no choice but to see a male doctor or nurse, so I'm not sure I would let her have her way on that particular issue.

 

Is she comfortable around other men? Is it just male doctors she doesn't like? Has she told you why she is uncomfortable with male doctors?

Yes, I agree! Previously things were 'quirky.' Now it is out of control:(

 

As far as preferring woman: nothing nefarious, and I am hyper-vigilant as a survivor of abuse as a child!

She simply says women are 'prettier, nicer, and much fancier!' It isn't that she is uncomfortable at all, she just warms up to women much more.

[sbgrace]

OP, I am going to suggest you also search out online support groups to try to find a provider who treats within a drive of you.

These sites might also provide information to share with the pediatrician. Hopefully you will get listened to and helped. I know that didn't happen for my friend. My instinct is you will have better luck with a pediatrician who already knows you.

Some possibly helpful links: http://pandasnetwork.org/?s=providers

https://www.facebook.com/pandasnetwork

http://latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=17

[Ravin]

Just another voice agreeing with the "time to get professional help" chorus.

 

With my DD things looked a little different, but there was definitely a period there in between "normal" and "really really scary" that I wish we'd gotten help sooner. We waited until "really really scary" which included obsessive thoughts about death and dying and wanting her life to end because she was so miserable. At 7. 

[Kerileanne99]

Update:

After one of the very longest and most miserable days of my parenting life, we saw the pediatrician...who pretty much ignored everything I had to say. She examined dd and said she didn't see any sign of infection, hadn't heard of PANDAS and saw no need for bloodwork as dd appeared in great health.

I insisted on at least a throat culture for step, and lo and behold, guess what? Positive within a minute. Doctor came back very apologetic, but we already made an appt with her reg pediatrician (who is out of town) so I don't really care.

Maybe I am now on the right track at least:(

You know, every time we have run into major behavioral problems with dd I have discovered that she had an ear infection, and felt badly. Now I am wondering, since ear infections are typically secondary, if Strep wasn't the ultimate problem:(

 

The other issue: dd is allergic to penicillin and cephalosporins, and after her recent reaction to Zithromax the only option left was Clindomycin. Anyone with experience knows this tastes and smells like cat urine. I have to get my incredibly picky 5 yo to down 12 mL three times per day for the next 10 days!!! The only option if I can't do this is to admit her to hospital and have it IV?!

 

Off to search for local oR thereabouts PANDAS experts....

[Ottakee]

Can you get the meds in pill form? My girls HATED most liquids with a passion and were swallowing pills at 2 years old.

[Kerileanne99]

Can you get the meds in pill form? My girls HATED most liquids with a passion and were swallowing pills at 2 years old.

I tried this with her, but she gags:(

I really, really wish it was a possibility! She won't even drink anything but water. With her current level of compliance I don't actually know if it will be possible. She knows that the only option is IV in hospital, so that will help. I resorted to bribery tonight, in the form of TJ chocolate to wash out the taste, and managed the first dose after 20 minutes of tears and drama.

 

I have an amazing, lovely hubby...but tonight I am not feeling particularly happy after dealing with all this, as well as the fact that he scheduled an evening exam...on our tenth wedding anniversary😄

[Catwoman]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

 

Thank goodness you insisted on the strep test! I hope you are able to get her to take the medicine. Did the pharmacy add flavoring to it? (Although sometimes I swear the medicines taste even more disgusting with the added flavoring! :ack2:)

 

It sounds like you will have a rough several days ahead of you. :(

[Spryte]

Oh my goodness, so glad you had her tested! I was going to join the chorus of those concerned about PANDAS, but you're on it. You might seek out a doc knowledgable in it, as treatment may be different or longer than acute strep. A chronic infection can be hard to treat.

 

For the meds, my doc suggested that we teach our kiddo to swallow pills at that age. I thought it wouldn't work, he sounds amazingly like your DD, but she told us to get tic tacs to practice, and dip them in chocolate pudding so they'd slide down. He was so excited about the pudding, it worked like a charm. I couldn't believe it. Just a thought. :)

[wapiti]

Wow.  I'll keep my fingers crossed that things go smoothly.  I heard a PANDAS doc say that most of his patients respond well once the the right antibiotic is found.  After that, the tricky part is what to do about future flares.

 

As for the Florastor, that's a personal decision of course, but be aware that some kids do not react well to it (IME).

[Katy]

So glad you figured it out!

[sbgrace]

I'm so glad you insisted on that test. I'm not surprised the ped. wouldn't listen.

 

Do seek out an expert. I think some work distance, though insurance won't cover those doctors who can't see in person-so within a (even long) drive is better. But I mention because my friend's daughter improved on antibiotic, but went right back when the round was over. They put her back on, tried off again a few times, and then finally she was on for a I think a year. Then she never had symptoms again (it's been years now). So it may take a while to find the right med and treat this until it's gone.

 

I so hope she responds to this med.

 

 

:grouphug:

[Kerileanne99]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

 

Thank goodness you insisted on the strep test! I hope you are able to get her to take the medicine. Did the pharmacy add flavoring to it? (Although sometimes I swear the medicines taste even more disgusting with the added flavoring! :ack2:)

 

It sounds like you will have a rough several days ahead of you. :(

They did add some flavoring. In fact, the pharmacist came out and specifically told me I needed to! She said she highly recommended it because this particular antibiotic smells and tastes 'like cat urine.' What?! Gross.

We shall see how it goes this morning. I am not above bribing with a bit of chocolate to get rid of the taste:)

 

Unfortunately, the more I read the more it seems as though PANDAS/PANS is probable. It would explain so much. But it is very upsetting as it looks like it will be a difficult road.

[Kerileanne99]

Oh my goodness, so glad you had her tested! I was going to join the chorus of those concerned about PANDAS, but you're on it. You might seek out a doc knowledgable in it, as treatment may be different or longer than acute strep. A chronic infection can be hard to treat.

 

For the meds, my doc suggested that we teach our kiddo to swallow pills at that age. I thought it wouldn't work, he sounds amazingly like your DD, but she told us to get tic tacs to practice, and dip them in chocolate pudding so they'd slide down. He was so excited about the pudding, it worked like a charm. I couldn't believe it. Just a thought. :)

Thanks for the idea. I think we will practice as I can't see making her go through this regularly if she needs more long term treatment:(

[Kerileanne99]

I have been reading and researching, and have found quite a few references to the possibility of decreased infections/symptoms after removal of tonsils. Anybody have experience with that?

[Ottakee]

Removing tonsils heloed y kids tremendously. A few days of not fun recovery (just push fluids, fluids, fluids) but never regretted it for an instant.

 

I would also work in the pill swallowing thing. I would think of the chocolate as a reward, not a bribe.

 

In a positive note, my nephew had PANDAS at 3 and was treated and has not great since.

[wapiti]

. 

 

[wapiti]

One other area in which to exercise caution:  PANDAS patients have an increased chance of overreacting to SSRIs.

[Terabith]

My daughter was five when we finally started medicating her for anxiety.  It made a dramatic difference.