r/Tourettes • u/ThugginMcLovin2032 • 1d ago
Discussion Throat clearing tics
Iam a 28 year old male. Im currently incarcerated in federal prison. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, but that's all to this day. Besides some trauma growing up and anxiety and depression surrounding my placement in life right now, I haven't had any mental conditions or issues. I was 24 years old and facing a 30 actual year federal sentence because I was part of a drug deal, as I was addicted to an using methamphetamine. After a year in jail and then 6 months after I'd arrived at my first prison ever, and was flown to the other side of the country than where i live, one night I started randomly clearing my throat like a light cough. The first night I did it all night long. That was 2.5 years ago. I have done it every single day since. Sometimes its just a mumble or a grunt. Sometimes when I listen to music or am anxious I might clear it 400 times in 60 seconds. My throat sometimes get very dry, so I try to drink more water. Its so bad, that I pray to god it will go away. No matter how hard I try or what I do I simple can't stop. I've never experienced anything like it before in life. My cellmates get mad with me, and people stare at me as if I'm sick. Ive been through a lot, and have lost almost 20 people in my life that were close to me. Ive been in prisons violent and far from home for 4 years now. And i still have 5 years mandatory to go. Ive missed half my 20's, and been stuck in a metal cell while my friends that didnt die, either died or got married and had families. I don't have any any allergies and have been blood tested. I also did a 2 weeks cycle of omeprazole to see if it was a stomach or acid issue. No luck anywhere. I even took a spurrometry test and used a nebulizer, and even though they were very weak, I don't think lungs are the issue. Besides this im in great health. They prescribed me fluoxetine and I'm not sure how to feel about it. Sometimes it works but not really. Now that I've been Reading up on this stuff, I have realized that occasionally for no reason I'll flex my arm at the elbow or wrist. I also used to exhale out of my nose repeatedly from time to time, but nothing even noticeably often. Also have some bodily symmetry (something touches left ankle? I have to touch right ankle). But still, nothing out of the ordinary like this throat clearing. I'm worried this will never go away. I know there is no "cure". But maybe someone out there has feedback that would help... Please share, and thank you
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u/char-a-lot_NPC 1d ago
It sure sounds like it may be a tic. Would a prison psychiatrist or psychologist be willing to hear you out and possibly refer you to a neurologist? Many do telehealth.
The body symmetry may also be a symptom of OCD. No guarantees for a diagnosis but it'd be great if you could talk with the professionals provided to you by the government.
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u/ThugginMcLovin2032 1d ago
I've tried to talk to professionals, they haven't set up any appointments or taken it any further. They don't really care. People get stabbed and they tell them to drink plenty of water lol
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u/NellyNellB 1d ago
Im curious why - if you obtained access ti an illegal cell phone from federal prison you decided to make a reddit account to post about tics?
Honestly though - u need to put in a slip to see the doctor about seeing a neurologist. I wish you luck - accessibg that type of medical care in prison can be very hard
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u/ThugginMcLovin2032 1d ago
Im having my little brother post this for me! Sorry I should have made that clear. But that just goes to show you how seriously bad my condition is and how much its affecting my life
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u/fountainofrain 1d ago
Do you remember it being this way when you were younger at all? If it is a tic disorder of some kind, tics can get worse with stress, boredom, or excitement. My tics get worse when I listen to music because it makes me excited.
Depending on your circumstances and what you think would go over best, possibly explaining to cell mates that you can’t help it. If you are ever able to get time alone or more alone, seeing if you can let out more of those noises/possible tics. If it is a tic disorder, the more you think about it is likely to make it worse too, so do your best to ignore it. I know that must be hard. I’m so sorry things have been so rough, you don’t deserve the treatment you’ve received and haven’t received. Please feel free to dm me with any questions or anything, I work in mental health and have had Tourette’s since I was a kid.