TJ's Story in His Own Words

TJ created this project below for school and then he also wrote a PANDAS PANS Awareness Day letter to all his teachers requesting they educate themselves on PANS PANDAS so no child had to suffer for as long as he did prior to correct diagnosis and treatment. New England PANS PANDAS Association (NEPANS) is so thankful to TJ and his mom for sharing his story.  His mother also wrote TJ's PANS Story from her perspective.

My Story - PANS Project

The month of August has always been a month of celebrations, trips, parties, and friends.  August 2009 was no different – A trip to Camden Yards, a visit with the Orioles in their clubhouse, a meet and greet on the field with Red Sox, a game of wiffle ball with Orioles mascot on field in front of fans, a camping trip with friends, a deep sea fishing trip, an amazing party with friends, family, and new neighbors.  I always had friends laughing and hanging without any anxiety.  I was excited for school, alert, outgoing, and absolutely no behavior issues or anxiety.   

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September 2009 - I missed the first week of school because I had strep throat and an ear infection.

October 2009 – I had H1N1 and was quarantined – it was very scary.

November 2009 – I was required to get the H1N1 vaccine to return to school.

December 2009 – Symptoms started to appear.  Gazed look, large pupils, blank stare, no expression, pale coloring, puffiness, sleepiness, anxiety.

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February 2010 –  After my first Grand Mal Seizure - The beginning of tests.  EEG, CAT Scans, MRI, Spinal Tap.

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