new to group

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome -

You'll find a ton of useful information as well as lots of support here.

My son, age 14, was diagnosed OCD at around age 12 - although the symptoms

were there at a younger age. His first medication was Prozac. This made a

night and day difference in his overall demeanor and lifting his depression

almost

instantaneously. Unfortunately, in trying to raise the dose high enough to

touch the anxiety and obsessive thoughts the medication caused him to become

aggressive, which was so out of character for him. It was scary for him as well

as the family. He then was placed on Zoloft and did beautiful and about two

months ago Abilify (small amt) was added in an attempt to get at the real hard

obsessive thoughts (i.e. refusing to eat with anything other than paper

products). The thoughts are still there, but the anxiety level is much

improved.

Medication is a hard decision and might not be for everyone, but many children

have gained tremendous success through medication and therapy. Some children

can't even attempt therapy until they are medicated.

Good luck to your son and keep us updated.

[Guest guest]

Hi Tabitha, welcome to the list. As you've experienced it's common for OCD

to wax and wane, or sometimes play a game of peek-a-boo such as with your

daughter. Then some big thing happens, maybe a good thing such as the birth

of your second child, and then OCD is there, no kidding and probably to

stay. Untreated, it will probably continue to wax and wane, albeit at this

new, more intense level.

Your daughter's obsessions are " normal " and common for OCD. In most OCD

symptom lists I've read it's called fear of contamination, or fear/avoidance

of substances. The way her fears and avoidances have spiraled, and

contamination spreads, to where you think she may next be fearful of air is

also " normal " in untreated OCD.

The first treatment suggested for children with OCD is a certain type of

behavior therapy called Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Exposure and

Response Prevention. This is the only type of therapy (vs. art therapy,

play therapy, and so on that is sometimes offered for young children) proved

to reduce and eliminate OCD obsessions and compulsions. For some kids, this

is the only treatment needed to reduce OCD to a livable level and give them

the tools to deal with any new Os or Cs that pop up. Depending on your

area, however, it may be difficult to find a child therapist expert in

treating OCD. Your insurance provider list, your pediatrician, or even

someone here (post your general area) may be good sources in locating

someone.

Some kids also need medication. The SSRI antidepressants, given in larger

doses than typically for depression, work to resolve OCD symptoms. In " real

life " , kids are sometimes started on antidepressants before therapy because

of the difficulty in locating an appropriate therapist who will work with

young kids, or because the child's anxiety is so high that she needs

medication in order to benefit from the therapy.

Has your daughter been formally diagnosed? If not, the place to start is an

appointment with a child psychiatrist. Your daughter does not need to be

experiencing severe symptoms at the time of the visit since most doctors

will take a history from the parents. Once diagnosed, an effective

treatment plan can be decided on. Most psychiatrists do not do therapy, but

frequently can suggest someone or may even have appropriate therapists in

practice with them.

Take care,

Kathy R. in Indiana

----- Original Message -----

From: " Tabitha " <hotjazzyjava99@...>

>I have suspected my 6 yearold to have ocd for a couple of years.

> However, everytime I was ready to get help the symptoms would

> disappear, well I just had my 2nd child and a month before it came back

> and just wouldn't go away. She is afraid of oil on the road, laundry

> soap, dishwashing detergent...all is poison and everything gets

> contaminated with everything, even me. I am just waiting for her to

> fear airspace. I am a single mom and I haven't found much on poison.

> If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear from you!

> Tabitha

[Guest guest]

Hi Tabitha, welcome to the list. As you've experienced it's common for OCD

to wax and wane, or sometimes play a game of peek-a-boo such as with your

daughter. Then some big thing happens, maybe a good thing such as the birth

of your second child, and then OCD is there, no kidding and probably to

stay. Untreated, it will probably continue to wax and wane, albeit at this

new, more intense level.

Your daughter's obsessions are " normal " and common for OCD. In most OCD

symptom lists I've read it's called fear of contamination, or fear/avoidance

of substances. The way her fears and avoidances have spiraled, and

contamination spreads, to where you think she may next be fearful of air is

also " normal " in untreated OCD.

The first treatment suggested for children with OCD is a certain type of

behavior therapy called Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Exposure and

Response Prevention. This is the only type of therapy (vs. art therapy,

play therapy, and so on that is sometimes offered for young children) proved

to reduce and eliminate OCD obsessions and compulsions. For some kids, this

is the only treatment needed to reduce OCD to a livable level and give them

the tools to deal with any new Os or Cs that pop up. Depending on your

area, however, it may be difficult to find a child therapist expert in

treating OCD. Your insurance provider list, your pediatrician, or even

someone here (post your general area) may be good sources in locating

someone.

Some kids also need medication. The SSRI antidepressants, given in larger

doses than typically for depression, work to resolve OCD symptoms. In " real

life " , kids are sometimes started on antidepressants before therapy because

of the difficulty in locating an appropriate therapist who will work with

young kids, or because the child's anxiety is so high that she needs

medication in order to benefit from the therapy.

Has your daughter been formally diagnosed? If not, the place to start is an

appointment with a child psychiatrist. Your daughter does not need to be

experiencing severe symptoms at the time of the visit since most doctors

will take a history from the parents. Once diagnosed, an effective

treatment plan can be decided on. Most psychiatrists do not do therapy, but

frequently can suggest someone or may even have appropriate therapists in

practice with them.

Take care,

Kathy R. in Indiana

----- Original Message -----

From: " Tabitha " <hotjazzyjava99@...>

>I have suspected my 6 yearold to have ocd for a couple of years.

> However, everytime I was ready to get help the symptoms would

> disappear, well I just had my 2nd child and a month before it came back

> and just wouldn't go away. She is afraid of oil on the road, laundry

> soap, dishwashing detergent...all is poison and everything gets

> contaminated with everything, even me. I am just waiting for her to

> fear airspace. I am a single mom and I haven't found much on poison.

> If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear from you!

> Tabitha

[Guest guest]

Tony -

Since you're right at the beginning of this " journey " I'll share something

that helped my son tremendously. Just having the diagnosis and the validation

that he wasn't " crazy " reduced his anxiety the week after leaving the

psychiatrist's office. He didn't start medication until about six months or so

after

that, but it was almost as if actually having a name for what he was

feeling/going through made the world of difference.

Yes, it's emotionally tought right now, but you'll see - it'll get better.

My son used to spend his time literally being scared to death - He used the

phrase " I'm scared " approximately 40-50 times a day. We haven't heard this

phrase in almost a year. Some of his " quirks " we're able to laugh about these

days.

It'll get easier - maybe therapy for the entire family might be in order -

short term at least, to help everyone cope with what is happening now.

Come on here and vent whenever the need strikes - we've all been where you

are now at the beginning and know what it's like.

In a message dated 10/31/2005 8:56:04 PM Eastern Standard Time,

steve7496@... writes:

Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply. We are so worried about our son. We are trying

to cope.

[Guest guest]

Tony -

Since you're right at the beginning of this " journey " I'll share something

that helped my son tremendously. Just having the diagnosis and the validation

that he wasn't " crazy " reduced his anxiety the week after leaving the

psychiatrist's office. He didn't start medication until about six months or so

after

that, but it was almost as if actually having a name for what he was

feeling/going through made the world of difference.

Yes, it's emotionally tought right now, but you'll see - it'll get better.

My son used to spend his time literally being scared to death - He used the

phrase " I'm scared " approximately 40-50 times a day. We haven't heard this

phrase in almost a year. Some of his " quirks " we're able to laugh about these

days.

It'll get easier - maybe therapy for the entire family might be in order -

short term at least, to help everyone cope with what is happening now.

Come on here and vent whenever the need strikes - we've all been where you

are now at the beginning and know what it's like.

In a message dated 10/31/2005 8:56:04 PM Eastern Standard Time,

steve7496@... writes:

Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply. We are so worried about our son. We are trying

to cope.

[Guest guest]

We are new to the group as well. Our soon to be 12 year old son began what

seemed like overnight OCD symptoms 8 weeks ago.PANDAS ruled out strep.

Intrusive thoughts that CBT alone can not manage. I have a history of OCD/panic

disorder as well which I always contributed to environment.

Am completely heartbroken and guilt ridden. Everytime I drop him at school I

panic and worry.

his episodes last for hours. He is depressed, exhausted and feels like a freak.

Our family is...

Tomorrow we will see a child psychiatrist for an assessment. I feel he needs

medication but am so afraid of it as well. It seems like a life sentence and

with side effects...

Anyone out there have any success with meds. or alternative treatments?

Also, we live in chicago if anyone knows of a great CBT or Child Psychiatrist?

Thanks,

toni

Tabitha <hotjazzyjava99@...> wrote:

I have suspected my 6 yearold to have ocd for a couple of years.

However, everytime I was ready to get help the symptoms would

disappear, well I just had my 2nd child and a month before it came back

and just wouldn't go away. She is afraid of oil on the road, laundry

soap, dishwashing detergent...all is poison and everything gets

contaminated with everything, even me. I am just waiting for her to

fear airspace. I am a single mom and I haven't found much on poison.

If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear from you!

Tabitha

Our list archives, bookmarks, files, and chat feature may be accessed at:

/ .

Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D., Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.(

http://www.worrywisekids.org ), Dan Geller, M.D.,Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., (

http://www.lighthouse-press.com ). Our list moderators are Birkhan,

Castle, Fowler, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Gail

Pesses, and Kathy . Subscription issues or suggestions may be

addressed to Louis Harkins, list owner, at louisharkins@... ,

louisharkins@... , louisharkins@... .

[Guest guest]

We are new to the group as well. Our soon to be 12 year old son began what

seemed like overnight OCD symptoms 8 weeks ago.PANDAS ruled out strep.

Intrusive thoughts that CBT alone can not manage. I have a history of OCD/panic

disorder as well which I always contributed to environment.

Am completely heartbroken and guilt ridden. Everytime I drop him at school I

panic and worry.

his episodes last for hours. He is depressed, exhausted and feels like a freak.

Our family is...

Tomorrow we will see a child psychiatrist for an assessment. I feel he needs

medication but am so afraid of it as well. It seems like a life sentence and

with side effects...

Anyone out there have any success with meds. or alternative treatments?

Also, we live in chicago if anyone knows of a great CBT or Child Psychiatrist?

Thanks,

toni

Tabitha <hotjazzyjava99@...> wrote:

I have suspected my 6 yearold to have ocd for a couple of years.

However, everytime I was ready to get help the symptoms would

disappear, well I just had my 2nd child and a month before it came back

and just wouldn't go away. She is afraid of oil on the road, laundry

soap, dishwashing detergent...all is poison and everything gets

contaminated with everything, even me. I am just waiting for her to

fear airspace. I am a single mom and I haven't found much on poison.

If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear from you!

Tabitha

Our list archives, bookmarks, files, and chat feature may be accessed at:

/ .

Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D., Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.(

http://www.worrywisekids.org ), Dan Geller, M.D.,Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., (

http://www.lighthouse-press.com ). Our list moderators are Birkhan,

Castle, Fowler, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Gail

Pesses, and Kathy . Subscription issues or suggestions may be

addressed to Louis Harkins, list owner, at louisharkins@... ,

louisharkins@... , louisharkins@... .

[Guest guest]

Hi, Steve, and welcome

I'm sorry that you are going through this right now. You have come to the right

place. In answer to your question, yes, my now-10yo daughter has had great

success with meds. Specifically, Prozac has been her " wonder drug. " No, I would

not have planned or wanted to put my 9yo on such heavy duty medications. But

when daily living activities became so stressful for her and for us as a family,

we knew we had to do something to help her. (To make a long story short, her

onset was also relatively quick but not a " typical " presentation. They started

off by looking for possible early onset dementia, because she acted like someone

with Alzheimer's.) The good news, however, is that it was diagnosed as " just "

OCD and with meds and therapy (including participation in a treatment study) she

has come a LONG way in just over a year. Is the OCD still there? Absolutely. But

can she function at a reasonable level now? Yes!

P.

steve doyle <steve7496@...> wrote:

We are new to the group as well. Our soon to be 12 year old son began what

seemed like overnight OCD symptoms 8 weeks ago.PANDAS ruled out strep.

Intrusive thoughts that CBT alone can not manage. I have a history of OCD/panic

disorder as well which I always contributed to environment.

Am completely heartbroken and guilt ridden. Everytime I drop him at school I

panic and worry.

his episodes last for hours. He is depressed, exhausted and feels like a freak.

Our family is...

Tomorrow we will see a child psychiatrist for an assessment. I feel he needs

medication but am so afraid of it as well. It seems like a life sentence and

with side effects...

Anyone out there have any success with meds. or alternative treatments?

Also, we live in chicago if anyone knows of a great CBT or Child Psychiatrist?

Thanks,

toni

Tabitha <hotjazzyjava99@...> wrote:

I have suspected my 6 yearold to have ocd for a couple of years.

However, everytime I was ready to get help the symptoms would

disappear, well I just had my 2nd child and a month before it came back

and just wouldn't go away. She is afraid of oil on the road, laundry

soap, dishwashing detergent...all is poison and everything gets

contaminated with everything, even me. I am just waiting for her to

fear airspace. I am a single mom and I haven't found much on poison.

If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear from you!

Tabitha

Our list archives, bookmarks, files, and chat feature may be accessed at:

/ .

Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D., Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.(

http://www.worrywisekids.org ), Dan Geller, M.D.,Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., (

http://www.lighthouse-press.com ). Our list moderators are Birkhan,

Castle, Fowler, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Gail

Pesses, and Kathy . Subscription issues or suggestions may be

addressed to Louis Harkins, list owner, at louisharkins@... ,

louisharkins@... , louisharkins@... .

[Guest guest]

Hi, Steve, and welcome

I'm sorry that you are going through this right now. You have come to the right

place. In answer to your question, yes, my now-10yo daughter has had great

success with meds. Specifically, Prozac has been her " wonder drug. " No, I would

not have planned or wanted to put my 9yo on such heavy duty medications. But

when daily living activities became so stressful for her and for us as a family,

we knew we had to do something to help her. (To make a long story short, her

onset was also relatively quick but not a " typical " presentation. They started

off by looking for possible early onset dementia, because she acted like someone

with Alzheimer's.) The good news, however, is that it was diagnosed as " just "

OCD and with meds and therapy (including participation in a treatment study) she

has come a LONG way in just over a year. Is the OCD still there? Absolutely. But

can she function at a reasonable level now? Yes!

P.

steve doyle <steve7496@...> wrote:

We are new to the group as well. Our soon to be 12 year old son began what

seemed like overnight OCD symptoms 8 weeks ago.PANDAS ruled out strep.

Intrusive thoughts that CBT alone can not manage. I have a history of OCD/panic

disorder as well which I always contributed to environment.

Am completely heartbroken and guilt ridden. Everytime I drop him at school I

panic and worry.

his episodes last for hours. He is depressed, exhausted and feels like a freak.

Our family is...

Tomorrow we will see a child psychiatrist for an assessment. I feel he needs

medication but am so afraid of it as well. It seems like a life sentence and

with side effects...

Anyone out there have any success with meds. or alternative treatments?

Also, we live in chicago if anyone knows of a great CBT or Child Psychiatrist?

Thanks,

toni

Tabitha <hotjazzyjava99@...> wrote:

I have suspected my 6 yearold to have ocd for a couple of years.

However, everytime I was ready to get help the symptoms would

disappear, well I just had my 2nd child and a month before it came back

and just wouldn't go away. She is afraid of oil on the road, laundry

soap, dishwashing detergent...all is poison and everything gets

contaminated with everything, even me. I am just waiting for her to

fear airspace. I am a single mom and I haven't found much on poison.

If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear from you!

Tabitha

Our list archives, bookmarks, files, and chat feature may be accessed at:

/ .

Our list advisors are Gail B. , Ed.D., Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.(

http://www.worrywisekids.org ), Dan Geller, M.D.,Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., (

http://www.lighthouse-press.com ). Our list moderators are Birkhan,

Castle, Fowler, Kathy Hammes, Joye, Kathy Mac, Gail

Pesses, and Kathy . Subscription issues or suggestions may be

addressed to Louis Harkins, list owner, at louisharkins@... ,

louisharkins@... , louisharkins@... .

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply. We are so worried about our son. We are trying to

cope.

It is so emotionally and physically exhausting. I know I don't have to tell you

this.

As a mother, I feel so guilty and responsible for genetics. When I see how my

son is now, and how/who he used to be, it breaks my heart. OCD breaks hearts and

dreams. We will survive. We are grateful for this forum.

Thanks,

toni

Nchaotic@... wrote:

Hi and welcome -

You'll find a ton of useful information as well as lots of support here.

My son, age 14, was diagnosed OCD at around age 12 - although the symptoms

were there at a younger age. His first medication was Prozac. This made a

night and day difference in his overall demeanor and lifting his depression

almost

instantaneously. Unfortunately, in trying to raise the dose high enough to

touch the anxiety and obsessive thoughts the medication caused him to become

aggressive, which was so out of character for him. It was scary for him as well

as the family. He then was placed on Zoloft and did beautiful and about two

months ago Abilify (small amt) was added in an attempt to get at the real hard

obsessive thoughts (i.e. refusing to eat with anything other than paper

products). The thoughts are still there, but the anxiety level is much

improved.

Medication is a hard decision and might not be for everyone, but many children

have gained tremendous success through medication and therapy. Some children

can't even attempt therapy until they are medicated.

Good luck to your son and keep us updated.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply. We are so worried about our son. We are trying to

cope.

It is so emotionally and physically exhausting. I know I don't have to tell you

this.

As a mother, I feel so guilty and responsible for genetics. When I see how my

son is now, and how/who he used to be, it breaks my heart. OCD breaks hearts and

dreams. We will survive. We are grateful for this forum.

Thanks,

toni

Nchaotic@... wrote:

Hi and welcome -

You'll find a ton of useful information as well as lots of support here.

My son, age 14, was diagnosed OCD at around age 12 - although the symptoms

were there at a younger age. His first medication was Prozac. This made a

night and day difference in his overall demeanor and lifting his depression

almost

instantaneously. Unfortunately, in trying to raise the dose high enough to

touch the anxiety and obsessive thoughts the medication caused him to become

aggressive, which was so out of character for him. It was scary for him as well

as the family. He then was placed on Zoloft and did beautiful and about two

months ago Abilify (small amt) was added in an attempt to get at the real hard

obsessive thoughts (i.e. refusing to eat with anything other than paper

products). The thoughts are still there, but the anxiety level is much

improved.

Medication is a hard decision and might not be for everyone, but many children

have gained tremendous success through medication and therapy. Some children

can't even attempt therapy until they are medicated.

Good luck to your son and keep us updated.

[Guest guest]

I feel so ashamed to tell my family, friends, and school about our son's OCD.

Symptoms came suddenly about 8 weeks ago, ruled out PANDAS, We are crushed to

say the least. I am afraid he will believe his OCD thoughts.

We can't be with him 24, although I would if possible.....

Broken hearted but not giving up-

toni

steve doyle <steve7496@...> wrote:

Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply. We are so worried about our son. We are trying to

cope.

It is so emotionally and physically exhausting. I know I don't have to tell you

this.

As a mother, I feel so guilty and responsible for genetics. When I see how my

son is now, and how/who he used to be, it breaks my heart. OCD breaks hearts and

dreams. We will survive. We are grateful for this forum.

Thanks,

toni

Nchaotic@... wrote:

Hi and welcome -

You'll find a ton of useful information as well as lots of support here.

My son, age 14, was diagnosed OCD at around age 12 - although the symptoms

were there at a younger age. His first medication was Prozac. This made a

night and day difference in his overall demeanor and lifting his depression

almost

instantaneously. Unfortunately, in trying to raise the dose high enough to

touch the anxiety and obsessive thoughts the medication caused him to become

aggressive, which was so out of character for him. It was scary for him as well

as the family. He then was placed on Zoloft and did beautiful and about two

months ago Abilify (small amt) was added in an attempt to get at the real hard

obsessive thoughts (i.e. refusing to eat with anything other than paper

products). The thoughts are still there, but the anxiety level is much

improved.

Medication is a hard decision and might not be for everyone, but many children

have gained tremendous success through medication and therapy. Some children

can't even attempt therapy until they are medicated.

Good luck to your son and keep us updated.

[Guest guest]

I feel so ashamed to tell my family, friends, and school about our son's OCD.

Symptoms came suddenly about 8 weeks ago, ruled out PANDAS, We are crushed to

say the least. I am afraid he will believe his OCD thoughts.

We can't be with him 24, although I would if possible.....

Broken hearted but not giving up-

toni

steve doyle <steve7496@...> wrote:

Hi,

Thanks so much for the reply. We are so worried about our son. We are trying to

cope.

It is so emotionally and physically exhausting. I know I don't have to tell you

this.

As a mother, I feel so guilty and responsible for genetics. When I see how my

son is now, and how/who he used to be, it breaks my heart. OCD breaks hearts and

dreams. We will survive. We are grateful for this forum.

Thanks,

toni

Nchaotic@... wrote:

Hi and welcome -

You'll find a ton of useful information as well as lots of support here.

My son, age 14, was diagnosed OCD at around age 12 - although the symptoms

were there at a younger age. His first medication was Prozac. This made a

night and day difference in his overall demeanor and lifting his depression

almost

instantaneously. Unfortunately, in trying to raise the dose high enough to

touch the anxiety and obsessive thoughts the medication caused him to become

aggressive, which was so out of character for him. It was scary for him as well

as the family. He then was placed on Zoloft and did beautiful and about two

months ago Abilify (small amt) was added in an attempt to get at the real hard

obsessive thoughts (i.e. refusing to eat with anything other than paper

products). The thoughts are still there, but the anxiety level is much

improved.

Medication is a hard decision and might not be for everyone, but many children

have gained tremendous success through medication and therapy. Some children

can't even attempt therapy until they are medicated.

Good luck to your son and keep us updated.

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni,

We were able to get my sons intrusive thoughts under control with CBT and

Inositol. Inositol is in the Vitamin B family. We ordered the pure powder form

on line at bioalternatives. I don't know if this will work for your son or

not but if you want to you can give it a try before meds. I give him 1 tsp in

the morning and 1 tsp at night. He weighs 52 lbs so I am sure you will have to

look into the dosage for your son. Maybe someone on the site can advise you.

was 5 when we started. He went from mild OCD symptoms and moderate

anxiety to sever OCD in a matter of a day. He was crying hysterical for days

that he was having thoughts of killing me (who he is most attched to due to

mediacl issues). He also kept having thoughts of sticking knives in his neck

and

eyes. I can't tell you how freaked out I was because he is a very loving,

caring little boy. Then I found out that 2 boys in his class were telling him

they were going to do this to him (Kindergarten!! Do you believe it?) and it

triggered something in him. After 3-4 days of Inositol, itslowed down. In a

week, it stopped. I recently took him off for 3 days and on the third day, he

came uo to me and said he was thinking about me dying again and he didn't know

why! Also, really making face his fears, helped them go away faster. I would

make him think the bad thought all the way through. Then the thought no longer

had control of him.

Good luck to your family. I hope you get relief fast!, Jodi

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni,

We were able to get my sons intrusive thoughts under control with CBT and

Inositol. Inositol is in the Vitamin B family. We ordered the pure powder form

on line at bioalternatives. I don't know if this will work for your son or

not but if you want to you can give it a try before meds. I give him 1 tsp in

the morning and 1 tsp at night. He weighs 52 lbs so I am sure you will have to

look into the dosage for your son. Maybe someone on the site can advise you.

was 5 when we started. He went from mild OCD symptoms and moderate

anxiety to sever OCD in a matter of a day. He was crying hysterical for days

that he was having thoughts of killing me (who he is most attched to due to

mediacl issues). He also kept having thoughts of sticking knives in his neck

and

eyes. I can't tell you how freaked out I was because he is a very loving,

caring little boy. Then I found out that 2 boys in his class were telling him

they were going to do this to him (Kindergarten!! Do you believe it?) and it

triggered something in him. After 3-4 days of Inositol, itslowed down. In a

week, it stopped. I recently took him off for 3 days and on the third day, he

came uo to me and said he was thinking about me dying again and he didn't know

why! Also, really making face his fears, helped them go away faster. I would

make him think the bad thought all the way through. Then the thought no longer

had control of him.

Good luck to your family. I hope you get relief fast!, Jodi

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni, and welcome to the list. I imagine your son got his OCD from the

same place you did--his genetic background. Your own disorder did not cause

OCD in your son. OCD is a " no fault " biochemical brain disorder that you

can not cause in your child if he is not genetically susceptable. A

difficult environment or life situation can exacerbate the symptoms perhaps,

but not cause the disorder.

Medication and CBT/ERP combo was necessary to bring my child's symptoms

under good control and give her her normal life back. If the doctor

prescribed medication for your son, please keep in mind that it is not at

all a life sentence. Some kids, with medication on board, are able to make

great gains in therapy and later be medication free. Though my child still

takes meds (overnight onset at four, will turn 12 in January), it's not true

for all that once on meds, always on meds. A number of parents here have

children who took medication for awhile, and then later were able to

function well without it.

Write again and let us know how you and your son are getting on.

Kathy R. in Indiana

----- Original Message -----

From: " steve doyle " <steve7496@...>

> We are new to the group as well. Our soon to be 12 year old son began what

> seemed like overnight OCD symptoms 8 weeks ago.PANDAS ruled out strep.

> Intrusive thoughts that CBT alone can not manage. I have a history of

> OCD/panic disorder as well which I always contributed to environment.

> Am completely heartbroken and guilt ridden. Everytime I drop him at school

> I panic and worry.

> his episodes last for hours. He is depressed, exhausted and feels like a

> freak. Our family is...

> Tomorrow we will see a child psychiatrist for an assessment. I feel he

> needs medication but am so afraid of it as well. It seems like a life

> sentence and with side effects...

> Anyone out there have any success with meds. or alternative treatments?

> Also, we live in chicago if anyone knows of a great CBT or Child

> Psychiatrist?

> Thanks,

> toni

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni, and welcome to the list. I imagine your son got his OCD from the

same place you did--his genetic background. Your own disorder did not cause

OCD in your son. OCD is a " no fault " biochemical brain disorder that you

can not cause in your child if he is not genetically susceptable. A

difficult environment or life situation can exacerbate the symptoms perhaps,

but not cause the disorder.

Medication and CBT/ERP combo was necessary to bring my child's symptoms

under good control and give her her normal life back. If the doctor

prescribed medication for your son, please keep in mind that it is not at

all a life sentence. Some kids, with medication on board, are able to make

great gains in therapy and later be medication free. Though my child still

takes meds (overnight onset at four, will turn 12 in January), it's not true

for all that once on meds, always on meds. A number of parents here have

children who took medication for awhile, and then later were able to

function well without it.

Write again and let us know how you and your son are getting on.

Kathy R. in Indiana

----- Original Message -----

From: " steve doyle " <steve7496@...>

> We are new to the group as well. Our soon to be 12 year old son began what

> seemed like overnight OCD symptoms 8 weeks ago.PANDAS ruled out strep.

> Intrusive thoughts that CBT alone can not manage. I have a history of

> OCD/panic disorder as well which I always contributed to environment.

> Am completely heartbroken and guilt ridden. Everytime I drop him at school

> I panic and worry.

> his episodes last for hours. He is depressed, exhausted and feels like a

> freak. Our family is...

> Tomorrow we will see a child psychiatrist for an assessment. I feel he

> needs medication but am so afraid of it as well. It seems like a life

> sentence and with side effects...

> Anyone out there have any success with meds. or alternative treatments?

> Also, we live in chicago if anyone knows of a great CBT or Child

> Psychiatrist?

> Thanks,

> toni

[Guest guest]

At 07:16 AM 11/4/2005, you wrote:

>I'm new here and new to natural perfumery in general.

>I'm really looking forward to learning from you all.

>I live in South Florida and was wondering who here

>lives in that area and also to see if anyone knows of

>a school in this area for natural perfume. Thanks!

>

>Macha02012

Hi Macha

I'm in SoFla, and no, there aren't any natural perfume schools here. I

think you'll either have to travel for a class, or take an online one, or

buy a workbook.

We have a lot of new members, including someone from the West Coast of Fla.

It would be lovely if you all could introduce yourself, just a note to let

us know about you.

I'd spend more time welcoming everyone, but I'm still on a generator for

power, so I can't even spend much time reading or replying to the past 10

days of messages.

A special welcome to all our new members from oils_herbs group ;-)

Anya

http://.com

The premier site on the Web to discover the beauty of Natural Perfume

" The Age of the Foodie is passé. It is now the Age of the Scentie. "

[Guest guest]

jjindra2002 wrote:

73 warts on his feet

from Dale,

, my non-pid son had an invasion of multiple warts on his feet the

summer before he left for college. We decided that maybe stress had

lowered his immune system enough to let them attack. Anyway -- he was

scheduled to have them frozen off -- but spent a weekend away and played

beach volleyball all weekend. When he got home -- he had sanded them

all off!!! I don't know whether you have a beach close by -- but if

you do -- running barefoot might be an option! Then again -- I don't

know how safe some beaches are. Maybe a play gorund that has sand???

Anyway -- once off - they didn't return. Don't know whether that will

help you or not.

In His service,

Dale

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/9/2006 2:40:21 PM Pacific Standard Time,

screising@... writes:

We have used bug juice, freezing, surgical removal, and Aldara.

,

Is Aldara the cream?? I have used a cream that my Bro uses in his practice

with excellent results. had up to 15 warts on his fingers at one

point. After being treated with the cream and the pads--they have never grown

back.

Sandi, Mom to age 12, CVID

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/9/2006 2:40:21 PM Pacific Standard Time,

screising@... writes:

We have used bug juice, freezing, surgical removal, and Aldara.

,

Is Aldara the cream?? I have used a cream that my Bro uses in his practice

with excellent results. had up to 15 warts on his fingers at one

point. After being treated with the cream and the pads--they have never grown

back.

Sandi, Mom to age 12, CVID

[Guest guest]

Sandi

Yes, the Aldara is a cream that comes in tiny foil packs perscribed by my

Dermotologist. I wish it came in a big tube, the individual packets are a pain

when I practically use a whole packet on his knee b/c he has so many warts.

It has worked for my planters wart , but my son's knee has been resistant. Do

you know of any other treatment or cream that works?

Re: New to group

In a message dated 1/9/2006 2:40:21 PM Pacific Standard Time,

screising@... writes:

We have used bug juice, freezing, surgical removal, and Aldara.

,

Is Aldara the cream?? I have used a cream that my Bro uses in his practice

with excellent results. had up to 15 warts on his fingers at one

point. After being treated with the cream and the pads--they have never grown

back.

Sandi, Mom to age 12, CVID

[Guest guest]

Hi Kayleen,

Welcome! You'll find lots of warmth and support here.

You'll also find that EACH child is very different.

Remember that scoliosis in young children is not

common. It is rare. Many in the medical world have

never seen an infant/toddler with scoliosis. It is

very important to be seeing a PEDIATRIC orthopedist

who has extensive experience treating a child similar

to your own.

That said, there is much more information you need to

have before continuing with any treatment, brace

included. I'm assuming you know these things, since

she's nearly 3, but just in case...

You need to know if her scoliosis is congenital

(meaning there is at least one vertebrae that is

malformed contributing to the curve) or idiopathic

(meaning there is no known cause, the bone structure

of the spine is formed correctly, just curved) or has

a neuromuscular cause (i.e., spina bifida,

arthrogryposis, CP, etc.).

Why are they doing another MRI? Does she have

symptoms of re-tethering? Or does the ortho want to

make sure there are no other spinal cord issues? I'm

not completely sure why the neurosurgeon is involved

at this point.

Waiting 4 more months seems too long, IMHO. I would

suggest you find another ped. ortho for another

opinion. Shriners is a great suggestion, however, I'm

not completely certain the Shriners nearest you is

fluent in treating toddlers with scoliosis.

You are right - surgery at this age is not an ideal

option. Surgery should never be taken lightly.

Surgery (and even fusion) does have its time and

place, but that should be a last resort for children

this age (in general).

Please keep us posted. Feel free to ask more

questions! There are lots of experiences here.

Carmell

mom to Kara 19, idiopathic scoliosis, Blake 15, GERD and Braydon 10, VACTERL,

GERD, DGE, Titanium Rib Project patient #137 (dbl implant 8/01), thoracic

insufficiency, rib anomalies, congenital scoliosis (fusion surgery 5/96),

missing coccyx, fatty filum/TC (released 4/99), anal stenosis, chronic

constipation, horseshoe (cross-fused) kidney, dbl ureter in left kidney,

ureterocele (excized 6/95), kidney reflux (reimplant surgery 1/97), neurogenic

bladder, bilateral hip dysplasia, right leg/foot dyplasia, tibial torsion,

clubfoot with 8 toes (reconstructed 2/96, 3/96, 1/97, 3/04), pes cavus, single

umblilical artery, tonsil-adnoidectomy and ear tubes (3/98), etc.

http://carmellb-ivil.tripod.com/myfamily/

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:42:31 -0000, brianholtzsuncom wrote...

Melisse,

You are very lucky to have a diagnosis so early. It took almost 3

years for my five year old daughter to get the diagnosis. with

regard to sores in the mouth, that was one of the last symptoms my

daughter developed they did not start until almost 2 years into her

illness. That's why they finally diagnosed her. My daughters sed

rate and white blood count are always up when she has an episode.

Has your daughters blood been looked at like that? Best of luck and

know that we have all gone through the worry and sleepness nights. I

feel for all these innocent little children and all that they go

through.

Kris (mom of 5 years)

[Guest guest]

Hi Melisse - I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say that we

have also seen Dr. Gans at Stanford. We were referred to Stanford

1.5 years ago when my daughter (now 2.5) started having cyclical

fevers. We saw Dr. Gans, as well as the Rheumatology doctors at

Stanford. We still see the Rheumatology doctors since the most

plausible diagnosis they have at this point is Systemic JRA (my

daughter had one episode where she had an enlarged spleen and liver,

which are symptoms of systemic JRA, but since she hasn't developed

arthritis yet, as far as we can tell, we still don't have a

diagnosis). About the genetic testing - we had the testing done and

the doctors at Stanford were supportive of doing it (all I had to do

was ask and the test is easy - just a swab in the mouth). They sent

it to GeneDx and it was covered by our insurance without any

questions. We also applied for the NIH study with the help of the

doctors at Stanford and went for our appointment in November, which

was inconclusive and we were told to wait and see, which is the same

thing the doctors at Stanford told us. So anyhow, we are waiting and

seeing and luckily my daughter has been doing really well lately - we

are hoping its a new trend Overall I've been pleased with the

doctors at Stanford - they have all been responsive and genuinly

concerned. Good luck with your daughter and please let me know if

you have any questions I can help with.

am

(mom to Layla, 2.5 years, undiagnosed periodic fever syndrome)

>

> Hi, my name is Melisse, and my 5-1/2 year old daughter Zoe has

> possible . She started getting fevers last June, and has been

> having fevers approximately every three weeks since then. She's

had

> about a dozen episodes to date. The episodes usually last about 48

> hours. She usually starts out with a low fever and often a tummy

> ache that progresses to a higher fever (102-104F). She's never had

> sores in her mouth. Sometimes her throat is red. She often will

> feel nauseous and will vomit. After vomiting, she always feels

much

> better.

>

> She usually responds very well to Motrin and will be back to normal

> for a few hours until the Motrin starts wearing off and so she will

> go through a six hour cycle with each Motrin dose. Her appetite is

> very low during episodes. She hasn't really gained much weight in

> the past six months. Our doctor has now prescribed Prednisone -

but

> we haven't given it to her yet. She had cold symptoms with her

last

> two episodes so we weren't sure if they were truly episodes.

> We're nervous about the steroid treatment but will probably give it

a

> try with her next episode. She actually had an ear infection back

in

> December and was given antibiotics - and that threw off her 3 week

> cycle a bit, but then it came back.

>

> Our pediatrician has given the diagnosis of . Zoe's had about

5

> blood draws where they've tested for spider bites, lyme disease, as

> well as testing her blood count and immunoglobulin levels. She's

> been referred to Dr. Gans, an Infectious Disease & Immunology

> specialist at Stanford, and we've seen her twice. She's also

leaning

> towards as the diagnosis, but did not recommend any genetic

> testing. She's still trying to rule out autoimmune diseases. We

> never had the testing to rule cyclic nutropenia...but the doctors

> didn't think her symptoms warranted putting her through the 24

blood

> draws.

>

> ly, I was relieved with the probable diagnosis as

> initially I was so concerned about more dangerous disorders like

> blood cancers, etc. We really haven't had enough testing to give a

> definitive diagnosis of - so I don't know how much I should

> push for more testing. We'll wait to see if Zoe responds well to

the

> Prenisone. I'm worried about her fever cycle becoming shorter.

> Also, I'm also worried about a bad reaction. The specialist was

> optimistic that if we started using the steroid, that that might

> break the cycle of fevers. That would be great as Zoe has been

> missing a lot of school this year. We'll see how it goes.

>

> I've been reading the posts to this group for the past month or two

> and have learned a lot. My heart goes out to all the kids and

> parents who are coping with this syndrome.

>

> - Melisse

>