Off to the Neurologist...

So a lot has happened over the past 2 months, I thought I should post an update. Thankfully almost all of Madeline's symptoms subsided after doing 2 rounds of antibiotics in March, and nearly a month of Ibuprofen (to help with any brain inflammation). We were relieved to have our "old" Madeline back! The pediatric psychiatrist said some of her OCD behavior may linger, but she was confident Madeline could overcome it using her cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. The only thing that seemed to linger was some worrisome OCD thoughts, and some OCD thoughts on repetitive prayer. One of the techniques Madeline learned from the book she read was to make 2 jars, one for OCD and one for Madeline. Anytime an OCD thought won her over a marble would go in that jar, anytime Madeline was able to overcome an OCD thought or behavior she would get a marble in her jar. As you can see, all but 2 marbles are in her jar. She's gone through leaps and hurdles, but has accomplished getting over this. And we've been right there along her side, loving her through it. 

 “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” ― Maya Angelou

So we've finally come to the day to go see the pediatric neurologist whom specializes in patients diagnosed with PANDAS. It took over 2 months to get this appointment. I was almost going to cancel it since Madeline was doing so well. But her pediatrician wanted us to keep the appointment, she wants the neurologist to rule out that nothing else could have caused this sudden onset of OCD. I have to be honest and say I am a little anxious about this appointment today. Praying the neurologist does not find anything serious or wrong.

In April her pediatrician also finally got answers on this strep mystery. You see, kids that have PANDAS test positive for strep. But Madeline's initial swab test and first 2 rounds of bloodwork came back negative. In April the pediatric psychiatrist spoke with some other doctors whom have dealt with PANDAS and she advised our pediatrician to draw some more bloodwork and check Madeline's Anti-DNase-B levels. Anti-DNase-B, or ADB, also detects antigens produced by group A strep, and is elevated in most patients with rheumatic fever and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. This came back with high numbers and elevated, telling us that Madeline did in fact have strep. 

After Madeline see's the neurologist today, her pediatrician wants her to come back and do a 4th round of bloodwork to check the Anti-DNase-B levels again to see what Madeline's "normal" is. Madeline has been a trooper through this all, so brave! I know if I'm nervous for her, she's got to be nervous. But she's mature enough to understand what is going on and what this autoimmune disorder does.

Now I always find myself worrying about her catching strep again, and this cycle starting all over again. Being that she goes to school 9 months out of the year and is around kids and germs all the time, she is likely to be exposed to strep 10 times a year! We will just have to battle it if it happens again.

Thanks everyone for your kind comments, thoughts and prayers for our beautiful daughter. We really appreciate them. Will keep y'all posted!