Just after Jessica’s (JJ) 12th birthday her life changed overnight when she started to experience uncontrollable movements in her arms and legs .She was told to ignore these symptoms it was Anxiety
4 weeks after the first Tic , feeling extremely unwell and exhausted from all the constant movements Jessica was blue lighted into hospital with a siezure Kept overnight but again told it was anxiety . At this point Jessica didn't have any mental health issues..The next 6 months were numerous emergency admittance into hospital . Experiencing 100 plus non epileptic seizures a day and lots of tic attacks..No support ot referrals made..a diagnosis of FHD was given .Her mum fought tirelessly to get referrals.No deptment would take them.everyone saying it was anxiety Cahmns said it was too complex
At this point the family contacted a private doctor .
Luckily we eventually got a diagnose of PANDAS - (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) this is a
neuropsychiatric condition which is triggered by a misdirected immune response to a Streptococcal infection which results in many awful symptoms .
Jessica’s main symptoms are
Tourette’s , Non epileptic seizures , paralysis, extreme pain /fatigue & OCD She suffers many other symptom's and never feels well ! Due to the complexity of the illness her mental health also really suffered too with PTSD due to lack of care and trauma of the illness.

She has not been able to attend school and regularly uses a wheelchair either due to paralysis , seizures or extreme fatigue . The longest she has been paralysed for is 4 weeks ! JJ is losing the best years of her life , her teenage years where she should be having fun with friends and making memories !
The last option of treatment is IVIG
(Intravenous immunoglobulin ) this is not available on the NHS but is used to decrease symptoms and has the ability to “reset” the immune system at a cost of 12k plus for three sessions.The NHS do not fund.