Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders Support Group

This community is dedicated to those afflicted with a tic disorder. A tic disorder is one in which uncontrollable muscle spasms that can range from small annoyances to major disruptive occurrences. .

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Children's Mental Health
/ Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders Support Group

49 y/o guy looking for advice on meds.

tpfdrive
tpfdrive
my tourettes has gottem much worse over the past six months. I know it's from increased stress and depression due to issues I'm dealing with. I haven't worked in almost 3 years now due to back problems. (I drove 18 wheeler for a living- a lot of bouncing around) I had C4 in my neck removed and replaced with an artificial one with a titanium plate and screws. then i had major surgery for stage 4 spondylolisthesis. My L5 vertabrae was ready to fall off the vertabrae below it (S1). I've got two titanium rods running on both sides of my spine with six BIG screws. Now I'm having my third surgery on March 16th on my cervical spine. I have bone spurs pushing on my spinal cord at C5, C6, C7 & T1. I have cronic pain and see a pain dr once a month for meds. I feel that my tourettes has been a major factor in my neck problems. All my stress goes to my neck and shoulders and i shake my head and try rolling my head back and forth. I've tried several meds without succuss and would like suggestions. I tried smoking Marijuana and that totally worked. I was calm and quiet. Please help.
jacob337767joel
jacob337767joel
It works for me and my schizophrenia. Research supports both.

Who needs to read books when you are living testimony.

http://medicalmarijuana.com/medical-marijuana-treatments/Tourette-Syndrome-and-Cannabinoids

http://www.jspacenews.com/israeli-research-marijuana-finally-getting-credit-deserves/
mzwhalen
mzwhalen
My neck was in a state of constant spasm for a year because of really strong tics. Incredible, sharp, constant pain that left me unable to sleep and affected my personality. I finally found a doctor willing to help and not just throw Valium at me (which never works). He suggested Botox and it worked so well!!!! I was initially a bit scared, but you get so desperate when the pain is so intense and constant for so long. He has helped me more than any neurologist or other doctor ever has. He even spent time trying to find me a better Tourette's doctor, because he rightly pointed out that it was just going to get bad again if the tics stayed as bad as they were.
It sounds like they just keep wanting to do surgery on you. Has ANY of it helped? I have never known anyone that has had back or neck surgery who didn't need more afterwards and who never really felt ok again. Keep up with the Cannabis if it helps and seek other medical opinions. Surgeons tend to want to do surgery. It's their fix for everything. It's what they do. But try alternatives like Botox, and anything else, as the muscles are the problem with most tics. Good luck! I hope even the tiniest bit of this helped and I hope, no matter what you choose, that you get meaningful relief.