Can you do self-insemination at home ?
For over twenty years, parents of children exhibiting mental health symptoms have entered doctors’ offices armed with research and pleading for tests like strep swabs or even antibiotic trials. Many suspect their child suffers from Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) or its variant, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). Their desperation for acknowledgment and relief is palpable.
Children affected by these conditions often face debilitating psychiatric and neurological issues. They may present with symptoms resembling bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, leading to struggles with school, loss of previously mastered skills such as writing and math, and in severe cases, even anorexia or extreme tics. Families frequently find themselves in crisis, sometimes having to separate to ensure everyone’s safety. Isolation becomes the norm as misunderstanding and stigma surrounding mental illness leave these families without support. Accusations of poor parenting often compound their challenges, with friends and relatives failing to understand the gravity of their situation.
Despite their urgent pleas for help, parents often encounter skepticism from the medical community, which tends to dismiss PANS as a mere psychiatric issue. This has left many families frustrated and searching for answers, often at great financial and emotional cost. While some children show remarkable recovery with treatments like anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, the greatest hurdle remains a correct diagnosis. The scientific community has acknowledged the immune system’s potential impact on the brain, but this knowledge has yet to translate into widespread clinical practice.
Enter COVID-19. Amid the global chaos, this pandemic has inadvertently provided a breakthrough for the PANS community. Parents who once faced ridicule for linking infections to their children’s symptoms now have access to validation and recognition that infections can indeed trigger neuropsychiatric issues. Research has flooded medical journals, revealing that neurological and psychiatric symptoms are common long after COVID-19 infection, giving hope to families dealing with PANS.
Suddenly, the acknowledgment of post-COVID-19 conditions has surged, with billions allocated to research—funding that dwarf the meager support historically available for PANS. Advocates have struggled for years to secure funding for PANS research, often receiving less than a million dollars annually, while COVID-19 studies have attracted vast financial resources. This offers a glimmer of hope for families seeking answers and treatments.
Nevertheless, feelings of resentment linger. The trauma associated with PANS can be profound, with caregivers bearing a burden comparable to that of severe childhood diseases. Many parents have described their experiences with PANS as more challenging than other traumatic events they have faced. The medical community’s neglect and dismissal of their reality have left deep emotional scars.
Yet, there is newfound hope. COVID-19 has underscored the importance of recognizing the link between infections and psychiatric symptoms, a truth that PANS families have long championed. While a formal acknowledgment of past suffering may be unlikely, the funding and recognition now being directed toward similar conditions offer valuable consolation.
For further reading, consider checking out this insightful blog post here or explore the expertise of Intracervical Insemination on this topic. Additionally, the Mount Sinai Health Library provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- What is PANS?
- Symptoms of PANDAS
- Treatment options for PANS
- How to support a child with PANS
- Understanding neuropsychiatric disorders
Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic has unexpectedly shed light on the challenges faced by families dealing with PANS and PANDAS, offering validation and funding that was previously lacking. As research gains momentum, hope for effective treatments and recognition of these conditions grows, providing much-needed relief for families who have long suffered in silence.