Last night’s episode of Chicago Med, “The Parent Trap,” was aptly named, although not for the reason the writers intended. It focused on the parents of a child diagnosed with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection), a devastating condition most parents, and even many doctors, have never heard of. The episode could have served to raise vitally needed awareness. Unfortunately it presented a biased and inaccurate portrait o

The Bear has made his next move in the ongoing war. He has opened up a new theatre of war. August, our two and a half year old. One by one my children have been stolen away and now he has joined them. He is not yet in the belly of the Bear but he is in its grasp. The question is: can we save him before he ever descends to the belly? Looking back, parents of children with PANDAS and PANS can usually remember smaller episodes that occurred before they finally fell off the cliff

Day #34 post IVIG #5 IVIG #4 did little to nothing for Max. It seems the Bear is more vulnerable to odd numbers when it comes to Max. #2 didn't do squat either. #5 seems to be working. He is starting to be more open to eating foods he doesn't much like. His tics are down 90%. He plays happily with his siblings and takes gentle care of Auggie and Lena. Last week he went o the science center and did a ropes course even though he was afraid. We're not anywhere near 90% but there