PANDAS

I really, really wish I meant these little guys.

So cute and cuddly and.....something you can walk away from when you are tired of observing.

Instead, I'm referring to something you might find in a medical journal -- Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus (PANDAS)

My six year old appears to have this.

In a nutshell, it seems to start with undiagnosed strep.  When strep is not treated, the body takes over and builds antibodies to fight strep.  Apparently sometimes these antibodies do their job well, but sometimes they begin attacking various parts of the body as well.  The antibodies can be measured through bloodwork.  My little guy's were very high. 

High levels alone do not cause PANDAS.  However, when coupled with lengthy (weeks to months) come-and-go episodes of OCD behavior, tic disorders, or other significant emotional/behavioral changes, PANDAS enters the scene. 

So far we seem to be very fortunate.  Of all of the scary behaviors and symptoms listed, he has a tic which comes in the form of clearing his throat.  A LOT.  Sometimes it is hardly noticeable.  Other times it is nearly 10 times a minute and makes you want to jump out of your skin.  He has had three episodes, possibly four, spanning over the past 20 months. 

One doctor thought it was allergies.
Another told us it was acid reflux.
Most people thought it was just a habit.

Throat clearing is not exactly something you rush your kid in for, but looking back, I now realize that his little body has possibly been fighting this since he was FOUR. 

This diagnosis raises so many questions.

Does this mean he is a strep carrier?
And if so, what does that really mean?
How do we treat this?
What are the long-lasting effects?
Will he get worse?
Will he grow out of it?
How dangerous can it be?

For every answer I have found, I have read nearly the exact opposite answer as well.  In fact, there is controversy in the medical world if PANDAS even really exists. 

Nice.  That is very helpful. 

Regardless, we have now begun a new journey of reading, researching, and learning new information.  Our first appointment since the diagnosis is Thursday.

If you doctor at the same place as me, here's fair warning not to make an appt. after 2:00 on that day.  I told them to schedule me PLENTY of time.  :)