Thanks Briget -
Yes, actually I know all about the strep throat OCD connection - I read Dr. Swedo's first paper on it years ago and have always been interested in her work (I'm a family physician). Coincidentally, one of my classmates and friends from medical school, who lives nearby, is an expert researcher in the field of PANDAS too, so I spoke with him about this. There is no history of strep in the household, though, and no waxing and waning course. My friend said other infections, like viral infections, can probably trigger it too, and didn't feel there was much percentage in pursuing further testing in that regard at the moment.

Yes, D is on calcium and vitamin D and they are discussing putting her on BCPs to preserve her bone density, although the studies on that are iffie.

Did your son's OCD respond to antibiotics or steroids?

D has been having a rough time this weekend, and found herself constantly wanting to put something in her mouth since she wasn't gagging herself. She started chewing on a ring, which scraped horribly on her teeth. Worried about her dental enamel, I took the ring away, and she tried sucking her thumb instead. This soothed her, but it was a habit she had a hard time breaking, and the orthodontist is still working on correcting her overbite, so i wanted to find something else for her to suck on. I hit on the idea of buying a big box of lollipops - yes, she'll have to be careful to brush her teeth frequently - but I think she got an extra 300 calories in lollipops alone yesterday At this point, I'll take any calories I can get into her.

Poor baby was teary last night, and having a discussion with us about how she hates her face and her appearance - mind you now, this is a girl that has total strangers blurt out how beautiful she is. A girl who was always really self-confident. This disease is just so strange. It really shook my H up, but I reminded him, it's like a WAS saying they never loved you - just because they believe it at the time, doesn't mean that's really how they felt in the past.

Ellie