A rash mystery, and the strange thrill of holiday hope🤞
Hello from the land of flares, wins, and emotional whiplash,
We’ve been on a good run - maybe the longest one yet. My daughter has been more open, more regulated, more her.
She’s watched several online lessons. She stayed overnight at my mother-in-law’s. She went into a shop with me. She’s still sleeping in her own bed. 💛 Whattt!?
These moments might seem small from the outside, but they’re massive in our world.
But yesterday was hard.
There were big behaviours, big feelings. And today’s carried some of that weight too - BUT these moments just haven’t lasted anywhere near as long. It feels like something’s shifting - I do really feel like she is getting better.
🧬 We started MicroImmune Therapy (MIT)
On Friday 4th July, we started something new: MicroImmune Therapy. It’s a gentle, immune-retraining protocol - not a suppressant, but a system guide. It involves 10 capsules taken in sequence, each supporting a different immune function, and then you repeat the cycle.
Days 1–3 brought what felt like a Herx reaction - reactivity, dysregulation, and a rash I was sure was ringworm. But after speaking with our amazing homeopath Natalie, it looks like a detox rash. Thankfully, it’s clearing up now. Interestingly, the same reaction has happened on days 1-3 of the new batch. I have an appointment with Haley tomorrow from Brainstorm - I’m going to pick her brain to see what she thinks is going on.
What we’re still using (and loving):
Nano magnesium – the one thing that consistently helps calm her nervous system & improves sleep.
Vitamin A – supports immune regulation, gut lining, and healing.
Rocket fuel - still a game changer for us (the novelty hasn’t worn off) great for a blocked nose at night - instant relief.
Air purifier (a note on that below)
💨 Air purifier update (with a cheeky bonus)
Okay - I know I keep talking about this air purifier, but hear me out 😅 It’s genuinely been one of the best things we’ve added to our environment. That reel I shared - where it reacted instantly to hairspray - wasn’t for effect. It’s that sensitive.
The company emailed me saying their 24-hour sale ended yesterday… but when I clicked the link from our collab? The discount still works 🙌 So here’s the link if you’re curious - I think it’ll keep giving you the lower price while I’m working with them.
The 2000 is great for bedrooms and smaller rooms, and the 3500 works well in larger spaces. We’ve got the older version of the 2000 and it’s honestly been amazing.
🥹 End-of-term feelings
It’s my youngest’s last week of Reception. She’s had a rocky start with school, but since her PANDAS diagnosis and starting treatment, things have started to settle. It’s been lovely to see her gaining confidence and connection.
Still, it’s emotional. Joy and sadness often sit side by side here. Watching one of my children move through the end of the school year while the other rides a wave of recovery... it’s a lot.
💬 That post about parenting at full capacity
I shared something a few days ago about how we wake up already parenting at full capacity.
No warm-up. No easing in. Straight into regulation, protection, decision-making.
It had over 10,000 views in a few hours - clearly, it struck a chord. We are absolutely not alone in this version of parenting. And honestly? That’s a comfort.
🥣 Organic cereal wins
Did you know Weetabix do an organic version?! I’ve been quietly spiralling about pesticides again, and after doing a bit of a deep-dive on cereal brands, I found a few options I actually feel okay about.Organic Chocolate Stars have been a surprise hit here - so if you’re looking for wins that pour into a bowl, this one’s for you.
💧 Fluoride filter update: still on the side, judging me
We bought the fluoride add-on from Water2… and it’s been sitting on the kitchen counter for over a week, quietly judging me like, “sooo, when are you actually installing me?” I will. Promise. And when I do, I’ll let you know how it goes. Here’s the link if you’re also thinking about filtering fluoride. If you haven’t got both yet - enter code PARENTINGPANDAS15 and it’ll get you £15 off.
🧳 A holiday (!!)
I can’t believe I’m saying this but - In a few weeks, we’re going on a 7-night break - me, the girls, and my mum. It’s five hours away (because apparently I enjoy chaos), and for the first time in years, there’s actual excitement. My daughter has never looked forward to a trip before (well, before Strep she did). She’s talking about it. Smiling about it. That alone feels huge. I know it might not last - but right now, that glimmer of joy is more than enough. And yes, I’ll be packing the essentials (aka... everything we own).
🌟 Your turn: Small Wins Corner
Next week I’ll start anonymously sharing your small-but-mighty wins - because those quiet victories deserve to be seen.
➡️ Just hit reply on Substack or message me with one of your wins from the week.
It can be simple. Messy. Honest. The kind only we really understand.
Here’s mine:
She walked into a shop. Calm. On her own terms. My whole body exhaled.
And to end… a parenting truth:
Parenting a higher needs child means constantly wondering if they’re flaring, detoxing, reacting to dairy, overstimulated, under-stimulated… or just eight.
You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re just doing something really, really hard.
And doing it beautifully.
From one parent trying all the things to another - love to you
Lucy x