It's OK to tic
 

This is a repost of something I wrote a very long time ago... thanks Chemar for suggesting I repost.

Just want to share something with you all, please.
Sometimes I find it hard to express myself on some of the threads. I hear you but I don't always know how to get across how I feel.

People with TS tic. It's OK!

Sometimes some tics can be self-injurious or problematic, that cannot be denied. Some tics interfere with all manner of things, like reading, writing, walking, breathing, talking etc. etc. etc., (yes, I know) but the majority of the time they are JUST tics.

I don't even notice people's tics much anymore. I know this might sound most peculiar to some people, but I also find tics of people I know very well, quite endearing.

People tic when they are relaxed. People tic when they are stressed. People tic when they're driving. People need to feel they can tic freely and not feel as if they're being watched, or being studied. It feels good to let it out. People tic 'cause they gotta tic!!!

My son sure has bothersome ones but they are only bothersome to ME when they are dangerous or are causing him grief for some reason or another. I think the most grief he faces is from people who don't seem to just see him as _him_ anymore. They see his constant ticcing and it's as if they negate the existance of his 'self'.

Every single day I am reminded how comfortable home is for my children. That's because school, for example, causes so much build up of unreleased energy. Kids and staff at school, despite education, still don't see past the tics. They don't see past how much my children have changed tic-wise since they were in Year 1. They don't look!!!

I'm not denying that tics can be of concern. I'm not denying that tics can be a right pain. I'm not denying that tics can really affect some people's quality of life. I'm not living in some unrealistic place where I deny the concerns and the pain these _can_ and do present. Believe me, please, I know. However, I think we need to understand in our own minds, that there are many more things that can cause more distress to a person than tics.

We need to start with ourselves. Start at the source. Change the way people view TS from here. I truly empathize with you all who are struggling with this in your young children. I have struggled, still do struggle, and will struggle in the future with some issues. I think the greatest thing we can all do though, is to look BEYOND the tics. Hey, maybe the rest of the world might get the same idea!

Your children's tics are just part of the tapestry of who they are and who they will become... just a tiny part.

I am so glad you have posted this Lara.

I remember when I was new to being a mom with a TS child,and so distressed and confused, and yes, obsessed with "fixing" him, :( and then I read this on OBT and it just gave me the right perspective! :)

(((Lara)))

Well said, Lara. A turning point for me with my TS was when I 'de-pathologized' my tics and accepted them as part of who I am. This was thanks in no small part to going to a national conference and meeting adults who were thriving with TS. I find that overall, relaxing and accepting my tics , no matter how they appear is always a helpful strategy.

bumping this up and thanking Lara again for these wise words! They helped me get things in perspective when my son was first diagnosed. He was still a preteen and all seemed gloom for his future.

He'll be 21 soon and has proven how TS is truly just a tiny part of the tapestry of his life, and he has used it as a stepping stone, learning and growing from the challenges it has brought. Yes, he still has some tics....but it's OK :)

Thanks again, Lara:hug:

What a fabulous post!! And it's true. I don't try to hide mine anymore, fortunately I only have a few a day (unless it's around Christmas time!) I realized one day several years ago that I have never lost any of my friends who have seen me tic so why was I working so hard to hide them. Thus, I no longer try to hold them in and so far it has not been an issue for anyone. A few people have asked questions...which just gives me the opportunity to educate!

What a balm to the soul these words of truth are!

(I also must say hi and send hugs to Lara, who I have had the great pleasure of meeting in person - and Tigger, who I met in the old MGH forum)

What a balm to the soul the sight of your post is to me! :hug:

It will be Ok,
 

I found NeuroTalk while researching Tics in Children, My almost 9 year old daughter has developed a tic, and only seam to get worse. Her Pediatrician referred me to a Pediatric Neouroligist but cant get an appointment for another 3 month. So I am her trying to find out how i can help her, and reading all of yours posts makes it that much easier fro me, So Thank you in addvanced for past and future post that i can learn from.

Another set of parents researching Tics
 

Like MsTati, I found this site while aimlessly seeking answers to my 9yr old son's sudden tic impulse. His doctor found nothing that would explain it following a thorough physical exam so now we are waiting for a Pediatric Neurologist. My had developed a series of noticeable lymph gland nodes behind his ear but ENT doctor was not concerned and reassured us this was harmless.
Only 48hrs since his snap-head-turning tics began I've found two bumps behind his head finger tip sizes and two inches apart. His pediatrician missed them and now I wonder if there is a connection. MsTati I share this with you because I feel the pain too. I hope your dearest will soon overcome this tic.

Welcome to the forum, Boyolad.
I've not seen MsTati post again unfortunately.
It would be a good idea to get those new lumps checked. Just so you know, there are lymph nodes on the back of the head.
I hope to see you posting again to let us know how things are going.