Hi, I am a new member, my name is Nancy. I live in the Chicago area with hubby and my two sons, Joey (12) and Chris (16). Joey has Asperger's and Tourette's. Chris is bipolar, has ADHD, OCD, etc. Life is challenging, but I am always trying to do my best for them. Joey is my concern right now. His tics sometimes include verbal profanities, but mostly motor tics. He has been under a ped. psychiatrist care since he was 6 years old. He has been diagnosed with Tourette's for at least 4 years. He also has attention/anxiety problems which are probably spinoffs of the two main issues.

I feel so guilty, as right now he is on 4 different medicatons-Abilify,Tenex (for attention), Celexa, and Strattera. it is a very fine balancing act, as too much of one thing will exasperate the tics, or make him too tired. When he went on the abilify about 2 years ago, he gained about 30 lbs, and is now obsessed with eating constantly. We really watch his eating, but there are only a few foods that he can tolerate. If he does not like something, it literally makes him throw up. So, now we have to add being overweight to the issues! Joey is one of the sweetest, most sensitive, smart and creative kids you could ever meet. He has been experiencing high levels of frustration and some depression lately. Dr. suggested we try him on Cymbalta, decreasing the Celexa by 20 mg, and adding 20 mg of Cymbalta. He has been taking it for about a week now. Today he had severe diarrhea, flu like symptoms and aching/tingling all over his body. Naturally I did not give him the Cymbalta this evening, and will call Dr. in a.m.

Has anyone had a similar experience with Cymbalta? By the way, thank you for being here. Our family is a dog family-we have six dogs, and always at least two rescue fosters (I own a small boarding kennel on premises). Our animals have provided so much love and have had such a therapeutic effect on the boys, that I owe them my sanity. Thanks for any help you can offer and taking the time to read my post!-Nancy

Hello sbogaert and welcome to NeuroTalk.

You've certainly been through an awful lot with Joey's and Chris's illnesses. I'm not sure if you've had a good look aroud the site yet, but we have forums where you may meet others who are going through similar things as you are with your boys.

Here are a few links to get you started:

The Tourette Syndrome Forum : http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum25.html

The Bipolar Disorder Forum : http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum38.html

The Attention Deficit Disorder Forum (and those who suffer from ADD or ADHD) : http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum39.html

Welcome Nancy! I see Koala has given you an official welcome and links to the forums that might interest you.

Life sounds awfully challenging for you and your little guys. I hope you can get some help and support here at NeuroTalk.

Nancy!
Nancynancynancy!

One, big, warm, tight, hug, handshake and howdy, moose-size official type welcome to the site. This place is amazing!

Guilty? No, beautiful. You are taking action to help. Never feel guilty about that.
I wish you and your family the best. We have a great support system here... for just about everything under the sun. (Even acting silly. We're real good at that).

Rest easy and remember this;

You are not alone.
You are one of us.
And we are here to help.

Hi Nancy and welcome to NeuroTalk!! You certainly have a challenging life...I hope you can find the help and support you need. There are some really wonderful people here at NT and I'm sure you'll feel welcomed by everyone.

hi Nancy, I have TS and all the fun co-morbids...OCD, ADHD and others...

there are a lot of infos and such and I can certainly feel your pain and anguish...

as koala has pointed out with the forums, I think you'll find them greatly useful.

Do you belong to any support group in your area?

Do you know about the TS conference they hold at Washington D.C. every two years?

here is TSA's main page:

http://www.tsa-usa.org/

I am sure your kids are just wonderful and talented and smart.

I will state my own opinion. After being on so many meds for so many years. (I was dx at 14 and started with Haldol, this was over 26 years ago) I can tell you that sometimes, if he can live with the tics, it might be better without the meds...

and please try to workout your own guilt. This is NOT your fault...my parents lived with the guilts for many years and had the "I gave it to my kid" syndrome...

I hope you find a lot of answers at the very supportive forums. Don't forget about yourself and take the time out to smell the roses.

Let me ask you another question. Are you kids allergic to the dogs? Allergies can be one of the triggers for some TSers to have more tics.

His profanity tic is called "Coprolalia"

it's one of the least common of all tics yet the most publicized.

There could also be internal tics that happens inside that even he may not be able to communicate to himself.

Also, with the tics, acid reflux could be very possible thus leading to feeling nauseated...(especially the foods that he doesn't like. That feeling alone could create a tic for him)

once again, welcome and I hope you find a peace of mind here...

(((((hugs)))))

Hi, Nancy! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

You sound tired, my dear. While I can't advise on the lad's conditions, I do wonder if you can use a short rest. Have you ever looked into special needs summer camps for the lad? Perhaps some supervised physical exertion and comradery could do him some good while giving you a little break?

At any rate, I'm glad you've joined us and hope you'll feel free to join in anywhere.

Here are a few camp options:
http://www.mysummercamps.com/camps/S...ome/index.html

Hello Nancy and Welcome to NeuroTalk. Boy, you have alot to deal w/but the love for your boys' shines through. I hope you take a look around and make yourself at home here.

Oh, and I have two mini doxies and love dogs, too!

Welcome to the site Nancy! Im an MS'r. You do indeed have a lot on your plate but you will make it through, you just made a lot of friends to help you. We are all here for ya! And my wife and I both love dogs too. Im attaching a pic of them. Candie & Ginger in my shop
Don
<:{{{><

Attached Thumbnails

 

Hello and welcome to Neurotalk - you will find many great people here!!

If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask - no question is too big or too small and I am more than happy to help you in any way I can!

Thanks and i'm looking forward to seeing you around the forum soon.

Best wishes
Alison