De-lurk and question
Barry Taylor
I've had various kinds of tics for years, vocal and motor, though they are
now much less pronounced than during my teenage years (I'm 28). I and
others usually passed these off as a "nervous" thing, even though most of
the time I wasn't under stress, and I'm not really the nervous type. I had
no idea what TS was until I read a magazine article about it a few weeks
ago, and now I'm wondering if I might have it. My tics aren't really major
things, but since most of them are facial, they can be quite embarrassing,
particularly as I'm a teacher. I try to cover them up when I realise I'm
doing it, but kids notice these things.
Right, now that the background is out of the way, here's my question. Do
you think it's worth trying to get a diagnosis, bearing in mind that I
probably wouldn't be looking for any kind of medication? Or would there be
no real point?
Thanks in advance,
Barry.
--
Barry Taylor
My web site: http://www.cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk/barry/
European Relief Aid: http://www.cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk/era/
Sandy L
not, there is less need for a diagnosis. If someone were to complain about
your behavior, a diagnosis might be a protection. You can look up the
criteria in "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 4th
Edition (DSM-IV)" and pretty much confirm it yourself, although there are
some other disorders with tics that a neurologist might differentiate better
than you could yourself. The self-diagnosis would not be sufficient if you
were defending yourself against some accusation.
Although TS is a neurological, not a mental, disorder, the styles of DSM-IV
lends itself to a certain rigor.
"Barry Taylor" <ba...@cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:9cia04$23s$1...@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk...
KATHRYN A TAUBERT
> you think it's worth trying to get a diagnosis, bearing in mind that I
> probably wouldn't be looking for any kind of medication? Or would there
be
> no real point?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Barry.
>
already know, basically. There is no test yet for TS. It's a clinical DX,
which means he/she will ask you a bunch of questions and then say "Yes, you
have/don't have, TS."
(Some will do CT scans, eegs, etc. to rule out anything else).
If it's a burning need to get a formal DX, then by all means do it. However,
I suggest some caution here, however, since some of us have problems with
insurance companies and TS. Once you get the formal DX, you can no longer
answer the questions relative to 'neurological conditions' "No." You might
find yourself in some difficulty if you either don't have group insurance
and need to obtain a private policy or you work for a very small company in
which the group insurance isn't as liberal as it usually is in a larger one.
Until we get this parity business straightened out, there is some risk to
you in having a DX of TS. I fought the insurance issue for years, until I
finally got insurance, but I had to negotiate it with the underwriter, and
was unable to get prescription coverage (I do not take meds for TS, which
was one reason I got the policy. I had taken meds for depression in the
past, hence the declination for pres. plan).
Read all you can about TS, keep asking us questions, and you'll probably get
the answers that you need.
Glad you found us!
KAT in CT
Barry Taylor
such a quick response!
I'm as sure as I can be without a proper diagnosis that I probably have TS,
but it looks like it might not be worth the trouble of getting a diagnosis,
since I don't want/need medication for my tics.
The main problem I have is the attention my tics draw. As a teacher (I
teach kids with emotional and behavioural difficulties), it can get quite
embarrassing at times, as the children notice _everything_ . Oh well, I
can't really complain - I enjoy my job, and I'm used to my tics so they
don't usually bother me.
Thanks again, those of you who replied.
Jean Holstein
You are in a marvelous situation to use your TS to help your students. You
know what it's like to have things happen (your tics) that you cannot really
control even though the world might expect you to. Many emotionally and
behaviorally disturbed children are the same way in that they don't always
know why they do what they do. Try sharing with them how your tics make you
feel and not only might they be more understanding, but it might help them
think through and talk about some of their problems.
Jean
KATHRYN A TAUBERT
. As a teacher (I
> teach kids with emotional and behavioural difficulties), it can get quite
> embarrassing at times, as the children notice _everything_ .
Barry, you may have an opportunity in disguise here. If these kids have
difficulties of their own, then you may be able to 'identify' with them in
ways you never imagined.
But first, you have to level with them about your tics. You don't have to
use the words TS to do it. You quite obviously DO have a movement disorder
(or condition, if you prefer), and you can make good use of this with these
kids. Tell them about it. Level, be up front, and tell them what they might
expect to see you doing from time to time. Don't try to hide it from them.
Be realistic, calm, and self confident about who you are, in SPITE of (or
because of?), your own 'difficulties.'
This may give you an advantage you didn't expect.
Make sense here?
KAT in CT
Barry Taylor
Barry Taylor
My web site: http://www.cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk/barry/
European Relief Aid: http://www.cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk/era/
news:9cm7kr$5fuc$1...@newssvr06-en0.news.prodigy.com...
Yes, I see what you mean. It might be worth a try, at that. Another
positive point is that I understand more than some that the kids aren't
defined just by some of their more unusual or antisocial actions. In fact,
I can honestly say that I think the kids I teach are great!
KATHRYN A TAUBERT
> positive point is that I understand more than some that the kids aren't
> defined just by some of their more unusual or antisocial actions. In
fact,
> I can honestly say that I think the kids I teach are great!
>
>
out. Please let us know?
KAT in CT
TSNowWhat?
in my sig file ...
http://www.athensnewspapers.com/1997/100197/1001.a2teacher.html
http://www.buscout.com/ver2.0/98-11-20/news/ehsaward.html
http://www.schoolnotes.com/30066/bradcohen.html
--
Tourette Syndrome - Now What?
http://members.home.net/tourettenowwhat
Barry Taylor
news:3AEF3A84...@home.com...
> Barry, I hope these sites will be helpful to you, as well as my website
> in my sig file ...
>
> http://www.athensnewspapers.com/1997/100197/1001.a2teacher.html
>
> http://www.buscout.com/ver2.0/98-11-20/news/ehsaward.html
>
> http://www.schoolnotes.com/30066/bradcohen.html
Thanks. I'll look them up when I have time. I'm too tired tonight!
Barry Taylor
> GOOD for you, Barry. We'd be very interested in hearing how this all turns
> out. Please let us know?
> KAT in CT
I've thought about it, and perhaps it would be better to wait until it
becomes an issue again. At the moment the kids don't seem to be bothered
about my tics. I'll explain it to them when one of them brings it up (which
they probably will before too long).
Randall Bart
Taylor" <ba...@cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk> enlightened alt.support.tourette with
these thought provoking words:
>I've thought about it, and perhaps it would be better to wait until it
>becomes an issue again. At the moment the kids don't seem to be bothered
>about my tics. I'll explain it to them when one of them brings it up (which
>they probably will before too long).
The best ad libs are rehearsed. Have a speech ready for when you need it.
--
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Barry Taylor
news:k681fto3cp58jkbap...@4ax.com...
> The best ad libs are rehearsed. Have a speech ready for when you need it.
Good advice, and I've already figured out what to tell them. Thanks.
KATHRYN A TAUBERT
I'll explain it to them when one of them brings it up (which
> they probably will before too long).
> --
> Barry Taylor
> My web site: http://www.cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk/barry/
> European Relief Aid: http://www.cwmebwy.fsnet.co.uk/era/
>
>
KAT in CT