Hi, I’m Utah and I have Tourette Syndrome.

 

I went to a brain doctor instead of school yesterday morning. My doctor’s name is Dr. Jeffrey Kane. He asked about my cough and my other tics. He asked a lot of questions about me. My Mama and Dada were there with me too.  Dr. Kane said that I have something called Tourette Syndrome.

 

My Tourette Syndrome

 

Tourette Syndrome for me is when I cough and sniff and raise my eyebrows up and put my upper lip down over my teeth. I have to do these things. My body makes me do them. I can maybe stop for a little while…but then it builds up and I have to do them again.

 
 

My Doctor Is Nice and I Like Him

 

He let me listen to my heart with his stethoscope. He also took a picture with me.

 
 

My Sleep Problems

 

When I was at the doctor’s office, I felt tired. I always feel tired when I go to the doctor. I don’t know why.

 

At night, the Tourette Syndrome makes it hard for me to fall asleep. I keep on coughing and it annoys me and it makes sounds so I can’t go to sleep. Dr. Kane gave me medicine (Clonidine) so that my cough goes away and I can sleep.

 

I took half a pill last night and it helped! I fell asleep in like 5 minutes instead of 20 or 40 or 30 minutes. Or even an hour sometimes.

 

I’m Still ME

 

Even though I have Tourette Syndrome, I am still a good person. I’m smart. I have friends. I can still be a veterinarian when I grow up.  I want to be a vet because I love dogs a lot. I love pets. Like cats, parrots, dogs, snakes, spiders, hamsters and gerbils…as long as the spiders and snakes are nice.

 

After Doctor Treats

 

After the doctor appointment, I got to pick out a sticker. The sticker I picked was a dinosaur that you could add the face to.

 
 

I also got a cup of hot chocolate and a little cake in the shape of a Christmas tree. It was a good day!

 

Love,
Utah

24 thoughts on “Hi, I’m Utah and I have Tourette Syndrome.”

  1. Fantastic blog post, little man! How old are you now? I met your mom on a trip to Texas one year. My boys are 9 & 11 and love to go to Austin to visit their grandparents. I have never known anyone personally with Tourette Syndrome and I had no idea about the coughing and sniffing. I can’t wait to learn more.

  2. I love this so much, and am I really excited to follow along with your journey, Utah. You are such a unique kid, this just adds to your specialness!

  3. Utah, this is a brave way to handle your diagnosis! Your writing is excellent. The way you are letting us share your experience is educational for others! I love the pic with you and your doctor. Bravo!

  4. You are going to leave such an impact on this world, Utah! We are so blessed to know you and for Jacob to call you one of his best friends!!

  5. Utah what a great blog! You seem like a brave dude! It was a good reminder that we never know what other people are going through. I am so glad you went to the doctor and he helped you sleep better. I’m sure it can be tough sometimes, but it sounds like you are handling everything well. Good luck in your journey!

  6. Utah, thank you for teaching me more about Tourette’s Syndrome. I think having your perspective will help make me a better teacher. I can’t wait to learn more!
    Ms Lovas

  7. This was a great first blog post, Utah! You should feel so proud of yourself. By telling others about your experiences living with Tourette Syndrome, you are going to help SO many people learn about and understand this condition better. So, thank you for being willing to share your journey with us. I’m learning so much already!

  8. Utah you are such a handsome and smart boy. Thank you for sharing this with us. You are very special and just because you have been diagnosed with something does not make you any less special. I am so proud of you and you are so brave.

  9. Utah, you are such an amazing young man. I wish my son had a place like your blog to go to when he was your age. This is going to help so many other young boys and girls just like you. I hope you are proud of yourself. Keep being brave and strong and lighting the way for others. I’m glad to call you friend.
    ❤️❤️❤️

  10. You are an amazing little human Utah! Keep on doing you buddy and I will enjoy following along on your adventures! xoxo

  11. Utah thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us. You have many supporting you. God Bless!

  12. Utah, I love reading your blog! And I’m glad that you get to see Dr. Kane. He is a great guy–we’ve known him for a long time. He has helped Ruthie a lot, and it sounds like he is already helping you, too. I’m glad you had a better night’s sleep. Getting enough sleep helps make everything better.
    Hang in there!

  13. Thank you for writing this. I feel like I learned things I did not know about Tourette Syndrome. I also agree that you can still be a vet or do anything you set your mind to and this will not hold you back.

  14. Utah. Thank you for sharing with all of us. You are so brave. I know your story will help other kids too. ?
    Also seems like you have a great doctor! Falling asleep in 5 minutes instead of 40 is amazing. Yay!
    As long as you keep on being your own beautiful self Utah, your life will be filled with joy!

  15. Dear Utah, I loved reading your blog post! I am so proud of your writing and really moved by your interest in helping others by sharing your journey. Our family knows Dr. Kane, too! He is kind, smart and gentle, much like you. I’m thankful to get to be your teacher, and I’ll see you in school tomorrow. ??‍♀️ Mrs. B

  16. Utah you are such an incredible young man. And I love that you share your thoughts and feelings. We can all learn something from you and because of that I thank you ❤️

  17. Utah! This is an amazing blog! You are so brave and articulate. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop of your cool life neighbor. Love Sonny’s mom across the street

  18. Love this and can’t wait to follow along! What an excellent way to document your journey and let us follow along and learn with you!

  19. Hi Grand Dude Utah, this is an amazing blog. It’s pretty special for you to share about yourself. You are and will always be great at whatever you choose. I love you buddy!! Papa

  20. Utah, I am so proud of you and am so excited to follow you as you learn even more about Toutette’s. I have heard of it and I can’t wait to learn more along with you. As your aunt, I’ve always noticed how smart and interesting you are and your new blog just proves this even more. You are going to be a great help to all the kids who don’t know much about Tourette’s if they have it and I’m so glad your parents thought to give you your voice on this great blog. What a perfect way to help everyone learn more about this ! I’m excited to follow you. Love, Aunt Patty

  21. Utah,
    I am simply amazed by your response to just learning about having Tourette’s Syndrome last week at the doctors office. You are proof that the more you know about something, the better equipped you are to handle it. And boy, what a mature and brave way you are doing just that!
    I’m very proud of you, Mookie. ♥️.
    And I’m very relieved to know it’s easier for you to fall asleep, too! I love you. Love, Lala

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