weird form of "musical" tourettes and trying to get pregnant

[peep773]

I guess I am rare in that I am 1. female with tourettes, 2. already adult (32 yrs old) and 3. it is VERY bad..  I have sort of a "musical" form which sounds a little more friendly, but in my case, since I have studied music from such an early age, it has become an obsession with me.. Mostly the pitches in music..  I am beyond an expert when it comes to music theory and composition..  Music has always been a part of me - it consumes me..  However, it has NOT been enjoyable..  If I write music I dwell on it and sort of grunt-hum the bass line as low in my voice as possible..  I have developed that throughout the years so my TS wouldn't be as noticeable..  I wasn't diagnosed with TS until 1997 - age 19 or 20..  Now I am married and working n my music and my husband and I are wanting to start a family..  I have cut out all medications just in case we DO get pregnant, and have been GOING CRAZY!!!  I can't sleep I can't move I can't think I can't do anything without my tics completely overwhelming me and if I don't get the hum exactly on pitch and in the correct part of my vocal chords it's like I didn't do it and I have to do it over and over and over and over until I "get it right"..  All the while I am not breathing and have subsequently passed out as a result.. (not since high school though)..  I have been learning since high school to develop breathing techniques to keep from completely passing out..  

Now about 4-5 years ago I was considered in Cleveland Clinic for what is called "deep brain stimulation" and I would like to see more into that before it leaves the "experimental" stage in developing that study; simply because my husband and I are living in poverty and cannot afford the surgery..  I know I will have to have my head shaved.. I really don't that would be an issue as long as I don't have to deal with this horrible painful disorder..

in the meantime:
Do you have any information on what sort of herbal remedies or things that can be taken during pregnancy?  I have been doing a lot of research and found out "niacin" helps..  I don't know how much and I don't want to take it if it's bad for an unborn baby..

[AtlantaGirl37]

Hey there - I'm also a female adult with Tourette's.  I'm 37.  I was diagnosed when I was 24.  All things considered, my case is pretty mild.  I also have OCD and am on medication for it.  I have to say that a lot of what you described reminds me of my OCD compulsions before my meds.  I used to be a court reporter, and I was obsessed with "writing" what everyone said - just in my head.  I couldn't even relax and watch a movie because I was struggling to keep up with writing the whole dialog.  If you haven't already, you may want to look up the symptoms of OCD to see if some of them are familiar to you.  If it does turn out that that's what you have, I understand Lexapro is safe to take during pregnancy, and that should help with those compulsive symptoms.  Definitely talk to your doctor about it.  Incidentally, I'm curious to find out what are the risks are for females to pass Tourette's on to their children.  Do you know?  I plan to have children too.  Take care.

Nancy

[mancinism]

Sorry about the spelling, I typed that so fast I didnt notice. Thanks again - Dawn

[mancinism]

I do not have any advice on that But I  wanted to say Wow you remind me of my daughter except she is ten years old and she is completly into gymnastics though and has become a high proformance gymnast in lest then a year and won trhe state championship for nys  ( all in One year ) with no prior experience  she does routiens over and over untill they are perfect in every way! she also listens to music and lives in it if you know what I mean , she is that way with books also !

The talent side of Touretts is truly amazing but worries me at the same time I alway worry that there is always emotional stress accociated with working so had at some thing. I d like to know what you think ,  How can I nurture her talent with out hurting her by allowing it to consume her? any advice you have would be so appreacheated !  Thank you - Dawn