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What is PANDAS?
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This utube video is explaining what the Cunningham Panel is, it's a test named after Dr Madeline Cunningham who originally formulated it. At the minute it's the only laboratory test that can confirm PANDAS (we travelled to the USA to have it carried out), however this clip also explains very well what PANDAS actually is.
PANDAS in Cameron's words
“I wanted to share with you because I wanted to let you know what PANDAS really looks like. Most people don't see this side because I try really hard to hold it all together when I'm not at home. Home is my safe place. I cry a lot and I don't know why.
My body hurts all the time, my head, my legs, my feet, my back. It means I can't do any of the sport I used to do, when I play football with my friends now I can't walk for days after.
I've spent months in hospital getting needles and more needles stuck in me, I've felt like I've had no life from I became ill.
I can't remember things anymore, things I used to know. I can't do my school work anymore. I miss my friends at school, I just want to be normal again. I sometimes wonder if I'll ever get better.
I am always so tired, some days I can't even stand I'm so exhausted. I'm always anxious, about everything, I can't help it, but it makes me feel sick. I get so worried about things I get strep sores all over my face and skin that don't heal for months.
Some days I feel like I don't want to live anymore, because this illness makes me hurt my mum and my sister. Sometimes I just want to go and get a knife………..I just feel I'd be better dead.
Everyone says I look good, but I'm not. PANDAS has taken my childhood from and wrecked our family and I don't want anyone else to have to go through this.
Please help spread awareness. Thank you”.