Day 62- 13 days on med. I think I have discovered something. I think I am guilty of something. I hope I have rectified it for good!
Charlie had not been having brilliant days. I was reading up on hyperesthesia, it's causes etc etc (I have done this before but not picked up on this particular issue). Anyway, there it was, in black and white, CIGARETTE SMOKE can cause hyperesthesia. It was like a light switch going in my head, Charlie hates cigarettes. He avoids them like the plague. So here was I, a truly heavy smoker since I gave up work, polluting his environment with toxins and smells and chemicals. So, although I have not quite reached the stage where I can give up, I have made a big change and I now only smoke outdoors - at the front of the house mostly, so as not to encroach on his garden. It has cut my consumption down by three quarters too which can't be bad, as I have to actually think before I light up.
The difference in him, in just three days, is 99%. Today I have my old Charlie boy back, the naughty Charlie who climbs on the mantlepiece and knocks everything off, the playful Charlie running round the garden with his ping pong balls. His head shaking has stopped, he hasn't skitzed, his skin barely ripples (save for when he is taking his meds), he is much more sociable and affectionate and although he is still slightly sound reactive, it is nothing like as bad as previously.
Now, it could be a co-incidence and the meds kicking in, but somehow I think the cig smoke has a lot to do with it. It is early days and I am hoping I have finally cracked it. Please please keep on sending your positive thoughts to this mummy who is feeling so guilty and horrible.
Cheers for reading