How difficult is it to rev up a kid who is dealing with PANS/PANDAS or Bartonella rages? Unfortunately, not very. In fact, a much lengthier guide is needed to relate how to relieve a child (or adult) from symptoms that can look like temper tantrums...especially if the person in question is flinging around laundry baskets or punching holes in the wall or slapping themselves in the face.
The following are sure-fire ways of instigating anger. Hey, every day is an opportunity to practice your rage-calming skills.
1. Take away his computer/phone/iPad. Seems that nearly every kid with PANDAS/PANS or sensory issues has need of a technological device that she uses to distract her.
2. Remove Netflix or TV. And don't tell them until they try to use it. See above.
3. Tell the child to make his bed. Or to wash dishes. Or to clean up her room.
4. Tell the child to do homework.
5. Insist the child goes to the supermarket with you.
6. Give the child vile liquid medicine.
7. Tell the child to take a shower or bath.
8. Request that the child picks up dog poop. Or throws out his garbage in a smelly can.
9. Give the child a deadline for any project/chore.
10. Try to teach the child to do his own laundry. Better yet, try to get the child to fold her own laundry and put it away!
11. Give a new antibiotic (i.e. induce a Herxheimer's reaction.)
12. Serve a new food. A green one.
13. Leave a door open when your child needs it to be closed. Always. Or sit in their chair.
14. Enforce gluten-free, dairy-free requirements, sugar-free eating.
15. Give a consequence for bad behavior.
16. Change your mind when the child is expecting something.
17. Lose your temper or argue back.
Note: Please do not interpret this as anything other than a snarky guide to show you how EASY it is to rub a sick child the wrong way. While it is difficult for parents, it is especially challenging for siblings who feel they must walk on eggshells around their sick brother or sister. Plus, healthier siblings would have consequences (see #15) whereas it's difficult to determine when an ill child's rage is a symptom or behavior.
What triggers do YOUR kids have?