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H1N1 Vaccine Info

October 27, 2009 in G-tube issues, H1N1, Health, Jenna | 24 comments

photo via ghinson

Because this is such a polarizing topic, let me just start with my disclaimer:  I’m sharing our decision and the thoughts and information that helped us reach it with the purpose of perhaps helping someone else who might be struggling with the decision.  The information that I present here is “one-sided” because I feel there is a plethora of information that is easily available from the “pro-vaccination” side.  It’s a little more difficult to find factual, evidence-based, medical/scientific information from the other side.  Finally, I realize that your decision might not be the same as ours.  That’s fine.  My only request is that you thoughtfully consider what I present here.  I hope that your decision is fully informed, and that, in the future, it will only become easier and easier for all parents to find balanced facts and literature in order to make a fully informed decision.

I would like to be 100% clear about the fact that I am not encouraging everyone to refuse vaccination.  I am encouraging everyone to become completely EDUCATED on ALL pros and cons, in order to make the wise and safe decision for their own individual children.

I’ve posted before on our vaccine stance with Jenna.  In general,  she has reacted poorly to vaccinations in the past.  This has led to much, MUCH research on the subject of vaccinations.  Our conclusions?  We are very concerned about the ingredients in vaccines.  Toxic chemicals (like formaldehyde), animal tissue (including human embryonic cells, monkey, cow and chicken tissues), and preservatives are worrisome to us. We have little faith in the governmental system that says “all those things are at safe levels” when repeatedly something has popped up that makes them say, “Oops! Except we were wrong about that one thing.”  We’re also a bit suspicious about the for-profit nature of the business.  Recommendations from organizations that have a monetary stake in vaccination promotion are not unbiased and do not foster trust.

Few (or no) doctors will argue with the point that natural immunity (acquiring the illness naturally & developing immunity in that way) is best.  Our bodies build stronger immunity as a result of natural acquisition, and we’re usually protected/immune for life.  It’s also interesting to note that, where outbreaks (like flu or measles) occur, most of those affected were vaccinated!  This shows that vaccinations do not guarantee protection.

We really feel that H1N1 has been way over-hyped and that our odds of contracting it are no worse than “regular” flu.  Combine that minimal risk with what really sounds like a higher than normal risk of danger from a vaccine that’s barely been tested, and we think the scale is weighted toward the side of NOT vaccinating.  We do all of the things in this post daily.  Really.  We are responsibly working on prevention.  We’re just not doing it with a vaccine.

Having said all that, the decision (OBVIOUSLY) has to be yours.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:  If only we had a book that had all the *right* answers for how to care for each of our children.  *sigh*

Here are a list of links that I’ve collected on H1N1.  For a list of links on vaccinations in general, see the bottom of this post.

Edited to add: Truth about Obama’s Declaration of National Emergency (audio interview with written summary below)

Happy reading.  I know you’ll make the decision that’s best for you and your family.  May you all be healthy, happy, and swine flu-free.

Fighting H1N1 Naturally

October 25, 2009 in Family, H1N1, Health | 14 comments

photo by lepiaf.geo

Your health is the most valuable thing you possess.  It affects your ability to work, play, and generally enjoy life.  You’ve all heard the admonitions for vaccination, but this post is addressing alternative, natural things that you can do to help prevent colds and viruses in general, and H1N1 specifically.  We’re not getting vaccinated, but doing everything you see on this list instead.  Before you go off on a rant about how irresponsible that choice is, take a moment to read this post on our vaccination stance in general.  I’m hoping to do another post soon on the H1N1 vaccine, specifically.  Until then, I hope that some of this information can help you in your own prevention efforts.

Here’s most of the stuff you’ve probably heard already:

Hand Washing: Probably the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is frequent and thorough hand washing.  Wash with both soap and warm water, and vigorously scrub hands for at least 30 seconds.  You should be able to sing “Happy Birthday” two times.  See this post on soap that’s naturally antibacterial and does not contain triclosan.

Use Hand Sanitizer: If hand washing is not a possibility, hand sanitizers can help, but be sure to use enough and rub hands together thoroughly.  The effectiveness of hand sanitizer diminishes if your hands are dirty.  Two squirts and 30 seconds of rubbing are a good rule of thumb.  See this post on natural hand sanitizer.

Cover Your Mouth & Nose: Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.  If possible, use a tissue and immediately throw it away.  If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.  This limits the spread of germs via hand contact.

Hands Off The Face: Avoid touching any part of the face, especially the eyes nose and mouth where germs enter the body.  If you need to touch your face (and anytime before you eat) make sure you thoroughly wash your hands first.

Limit Contact: As much as possible, limit contact with those you know are sick.

And, MOST IMPORTANTLY:

If you have a fever, stay home!!!  If your children have a fever, keep them home!!!

When you have a fever, you are especially contagious and can quickly spread illness to others.  Please stay home, get lots of rest, follow the other guidelines listed here, and re-enter the world as soon as you’re feeling well enough. You should stay home at least 24 hours AFTER a fever ends, without the use of medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.

The following is information that you may not have heard or thought about:

Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (or Listerine). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat & nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water or nasal saline. You can use a saline spray or neti pot.  If you can’t, or don’t want to do this, blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with Q-tips® dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.  I have a lot of sinus troubles and have always used saline spray when I had problems.  This year, I committed to using this preventive measure daily, and bought a neti pot to avoid wasting all that plastic.  I am in love with my neti pot.  Seriously.  It’s so much easier than saline spray, and I can really tell a difference.  Here’s a video for how to use a neti, if you’re not familiar with it.  I know it looks weird.  That’s why I didn’t try it for so long.  Now, I wish I hadn’t waited.  It really is easy and not at all uncomfortable.

Drink as many hot or warm liquids as you can. Drinking hot or warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses in the throat before they can proliferate or do any harm.

Stop smoking and stay away from second hand smoke. Smoke severely damages and irritates your lungs, making them more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.  Smokers are much more likely to suffer complications or die from respiratory illnesses such as a cold or flu.

Supplement with Vitamin D3 & Vitamin C. The sun is the best source of natural Vitamin D, but we don’t get enough in the Midwest US.  Only supplement with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the type of vitamin D found in foods like eggs, organ meats, animal fat, cod liver oil, & fish, or a good supplement. Do NOT use the synthetic & highly inferior Vitamin D2.   Recommended dosage is 2,000 IU/day (adult), although more may be necessary in winter months.  Most people in the US are deficient in Vitamin D, especially in the winter (i.e., cold and flu season) when we need it most. If you have any questions about the level that’s right for you, ask your doctor.  Vitamin C recommendations vary from 90-500 mg/day (adult) and should not exceed 2,000 mg/day.

Drink plenty of water. This will help your body continually flush out contaminants and allow it to function at its optimal level.

Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetable as possible. The more colorful and bright the fruits and vegetables are, the more vitamins and minerals they contain to help boost immune function and keep you healthy.  Especially include those that are high in Vitamin C.

Excellent food sources of Vitamin C include papaya, broccoli, bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, strawberries, lemons, mustard & turnip greens, brussel sprouts, chard, cabbage, spinach, kiwi, snow peas, cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit, limes, tomatoes, zucchini, raspberries, asparagus, celery, pineapple, leaf lettuce, watermelon, fennel, peppermint and parsley.

Frequently wipe down common surfaces like door handles, counter tops, drawer pulls & cupboard doors, faucets (especially handles), sinks, and kitchen handles like the dishwasher, microwave, oven, and refrigerator.  Do this more often when you know someone in your house is ill.

Get Enough Sleep. Something that seems elusive if not extinct for most parents of small children.  Make it a priority.  It really makes a difference.

Eat Chocolate.  OK – I made that one up.  But, why not??  Happy = healthy, right?  Uhhhh…..OK, maybe not so much, BUT, dark chocolate (in moderation) does have some great antioxidant qualities!

The more of these simple, healthful tips you follow, the less likely you will be to suffer from illness this cold and flu season.  That means fewer days of work missed, less cost for medical bills, and, most importantly, a happier, healthier family!

P.S.  Churches, movies, and sporting events are among the worst activities for germ-spreading due to the seating in such close proximity (e.g., if someone behind you sneezes, there’s just no way to avoid the germs headed your way).  Just sayin’.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace the advice of any medical professional.  If you have any questions about your health, or whether or not the recommendations in this post are appropriate for you and your family, please contact a doctor.


Honest Scrap

October 24, 2009 in Blog Links, Linky Love, Random Fun, Stream of consciousness | 17 comments

The lovely Princess Jenn has honored me with the Honest Scrap Award!  Her intentions may have been a little bit devious (she said I needed to update my space), but I’m still flattered.  I love Jenn’s honesty and we’ve really connected with the special needs issues we’re dealing with for our girls.  She’s a fabulous lady with a great sense of humor, so go, take a minute, and check out her blog.  Thank you, Jenn, for the awesome award, but EVEN more for being my friend.

Here’s how the award works:

  1. Present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you
  2. Tell those 7 people they’ve been awarded the HONEST SCRAP AWARD and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.
  3. Share “10 Honest Things” about yourself.

So now you need 10 Honest Things about me:

  1. I HATE diet soda.  I tried forcing myself to like it, but I just. can’t. do it.  Can’t stand the taste of artificial sweetener & hate anything that contains it.  Even gum.  While we’re talking about soda, it’s also one of my weaknesses.  I’ve tried to give it up a million times.  I have finally succeeded in not bringing it in the house, but I often indulge when I’m out.  And, for the record, make it Pepsi, please.  No Coke.  Unless it has cherry syrup in it.
  2. Potato chips are another weakness.  Don’t even bring a bag in the door of my house.  Don’t. Do it.  My butt thanks you.
  3. I’m currently struggling (a lot) with patience with a three-year-old going on thirteen.  I have always loved kids.  I thought I was (mostly) a patient person.  Then I became a mom.  Every day, right now, I struggle with this, and I feel horrible when I snap at her.  I try to always apologize as necessary.  I hope it’s at least teaching her that apologizing when you screw up is a good thing.  I make sure that I tell her I love her at least once a day, and EVERY time that I apologize.  I’m trying to do better.  I’m also REALLY worried about the teenage years. {And, Mom?  I can here you giggling from here.  I know, I KNOW: she’s just like me.  Karma stinks.}
  4. I’m uterus-free and couldn’t be happier about it! I had a hysterectomy in July for severe endometriosis that I’ve struggled with for many, MANY years.  It is unbelievable to be completely pain-free, plus free of the monthly BLECH.
  5. Largely as a result of that last item, I’m switching to a vegetarian diet.  A hysterectomy increases my odds of heart disease, and, one of the best ways to prevent heart disease is through a vegetarian diet.  I’m not going to be crazy-strict about it.  If we’re somewhere without veggie options, I’ll still eat meat, but it will be rare (the occasion – NOT the meat.  Ewww).  Except I’m not sure I can give up bacon.  I really. love. bacon.  There’s just something about that salty goodness.  *Sigh*  I’m going to try “Fakin’ Bacon” but I’m skeptical.  It will, for sure, be something I miss.
  6. I am a Halloween grinch. I really don’t like the “holiday.”  I think it’s largely due to all the wastefulness that goes with it.  Especially the spending: on elaborate costumes, on decorations (lawn ornaments & Halloween lights? REALLY??), the candy, etc.  Teenagers and college students that we don’t even know, coming in groups to ring our doorbell and ask for candy?  REALLY??  Don’t worry.  I won’t judge you if you love it.  We all have our “thing.”  BUT, don’t be surprised when we turn out our lights, close the blinds, and retreat to our basement TV room for the night.
  7. I think that I love our new cat, Cookie, more than Jenna does, even though the cat was “for her.”   She’s lovey, cuddly, beautiful and fun, and I love watching Jenna play with her.  I DON’T love the litter box, and wish I could hire someone for that job.  (Secretly waiting for Jenna to get old enough to force slave labor add it as a chore).  And I love her a lot more since she seems to be over her eating disorder, but that’s a whole post for another day.
  8. I’m becoming a “home-body” in my old age.  Seriously.  I’m curiously surprised to find that I now often prefer to just hang out at home instead of going out.  Or even inviting people over sometimes.  I never would have guessed this about myself.  Don’t get me wrong – I still get cabin-fever now and then, and NEED to get out, but it’s not as often as it used to be, and I’m much more content to just be home.  Ultimately, I think that’s a good thing.  It means I love my family.  I love my home.
  9. I still have the travel bug, though.  My list of places in the world that I want to see is growing longer, not shorter.  Greece and South America currently top the list.  (Can you be a home-body in your day-to-day life and still wish to travel the world occasionally??  Apparently, you can, because that’s exactly how I feel, if it makes any sense.)
  10. The best concert I ever attended was Elton John (open air) in Leipzig, Germany (Hey!  Don’t judge!)  Somehow, my friend and I managed to be standing in the front row, right at the stage, and the concert was AMAZING.  Afterward, we hung out at the stage in the (naive) hope that Sir Elton would come back out.  Instead, we started chatting with the stage crew, who ended up asking us to go to a pub with them.  No, we didn’t go.  But it was pretty awesome.  Instead, we rode the Strassenbahn back and saw a woman pull down her pants and urinate on a bench at the station.  Ahhhh…..the memories.

There you have it!  More than you ever wanted to know about me in 10 bullet points.  Now, here are the 7 wonderful people I’ll tag:

Our Incredible Journey

Eat, Play Love

Healthy Green Moms

InstaMom

MommyGeekology 2.0

Playgroups Are Not For Children

Coconut Belly

The Extraordinary Ordinary

All awarded for their wonderful honesty, bloggity writing, and personal loveliness.  What?  There are more than seven?  Hmmm…..  I don’t always follow directions well.  Shoot me.

Embracing Holland

August 27, 2009 in Jenna, Special Needs | 8 comments

photo by Claudio.Ar

I came across this phenomenal story in a post at Today You Are You.  I had heard the story before, but had forgotten it somewhere along the way.  It does a wonderful job explaining what it’s like to raise a child with special needs.  Thanks for reminding me, Jen.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

by
Emily Perl Kingsley.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability – to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It’s like this……

When you’re going to have a baby, it’s like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It’s all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, “Welcome to Holland.”

“Holland?!?” you say. “What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.”

But there’s been a change in the flight plan. They’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven’t taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It’s just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It’s just a different place. It’s slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you’ve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around…. and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills….and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy… and they’re all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say “Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.”

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away… because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But… if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things … about Holland.

The analogy (in my opinion) is perfect.  I have found so many beautiful, priceless things in Holland that I can’t even imagine a world that wouldn’t have included my stop here.

Chicken Pox Parties and Vaccinations

May 15, 2009 in Health, Jenna, Parenting tips, Special Needs | 12 comments

Jenna was recently exposed to Chicken Pox, and since she hasn’t had the vaccination, I’ve been doing lots more reading.  I came upon this video clip regarding Chicken Pox parties:

more about “Chicken Pox Parties | JuiceBoxJungle“, posted with vodpod

And this article, where I commented at length.

I’m interested in hearing what you have to say (as long as you say it nicely) in the comments field. For easy reference, I’m copying my previous post “The Shot – Or Not?” below (WARNING: it’s long – get comfy).

Here it is.  The controversial post that I’ve been promising, and that I struggled to write exactly BECAUSE the subject is so very important to me.  I was certain that I couldn’t do it justice.  That I couldn’t put my thoughts and feelings into words that would adequately explain without stimulating controversy and heated discussion.  Ultimately, I decided to just share my heart and let the controversy come, if it comes.  Here’s my “disclaimer”:  I know that the subject of vaccinating or not vaccinating children is controversial and polarizing.  I’m sharing our decision and the thoughts and information that helped us reach it with the purpose of perhaps helping someone else who might be struggling with the decision.  The information that I present here is “one-sided” because I feel there is a plethora of information that is easily available from the “pro-vaccination” side.  It’s a little more difficult to find factual, evidence-based, medical/scientific information from the other side.  Finally, I realize that your decision might not be the same as ours.  That’s fine.  My only request is that you thoughtfully consider what I present here.  I hope that your decision is fully informed, and that, in the future, it will only become easier and easier for all parents to find balanced facts and literature in order to make a fully informed decision.

As you read this post, I have carefully tried to cite my sources.  At the end of some statistics and statements, you’ll find asterisks (**) that you can click to follow the link to the cited source.  Other links may appear as text highlighted in a different color that you can click for further information.

Weirdly, (and unfortunately) before Jenna was born, we never really talked about whether or not to vaccinate.  I worked for chiropractors in the past who did not vaccinate their children and who were vocal about the reasons they didn’t, so I had already heard a little bit from both sides of the argument.  I’m not sure why we didn’t research and talk about it more before she was born.  Maybe because of all the other issues we were preparing for with her birth?  We didn’t realize it, but that’s exactly why it was even more important that we be researching, asking questions and coming to a decision.  It’s one thing that I would change about my pregnancy if I could.  It’s the one thing that I would encourage anyone expecting a child to add to their “to do” list.  Research both sides of the vaccination issue, discuss it with your partner, and be confident and fully informed in whatever decision you make.

It started when Jenna was born.  She was whisked away to the NICU, out of my sight, tenuously holding onto life and taking my heart with her.  Not long after, a nurse appeared with a form for us to sign that would grant permission for her first vaccination: Hep B.  We declined.  I had already done my homework for this one and knew these facts:

  • Those most at risk for Hep B are IV drug users, homosexual men, prostitutes and those with multiple sexual partners. **
  • Overall, Americans have a 5% average lifetime risk of Hep B infection, and most of that risk is during adulthood.  The group with the highest reported incidence is 20-39 years.  **
  • The Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) has so far received over 60,000 reports of adverse effects associated with the Hep B vaccine. **

They didn’t push at first.  As Jenna’s stay in the NICU stretched to three months, they began pushing more (and harder) for the Hep B vaccine.  I won’t ever forget when one of the neonatologists sat down with me in the NICU to convince me to administer Hep B.  One week earlier, Jenna’s condition had become critical, and she had required a blood transfusion.  We balked (briefly) when they said she needed one immediately.  We asked if we could donate, but they said it would take too long to “clear” our blood as safe.  They assured us that this was exactly why we could feel comfortable with the transfusion.  All blood is now rigorously screened before being approved as “safe” and incidence of disease or contamination are highly rare.  Fast forward to the conversation with the neonatologist about a week later.  He reminds me that we still haven’t given Jenna Hep B.  I give all my reasons and cite the stats listed above.  He gets more frustrated and resorts to scare tactics.  He asks, how horrible would I feel if Jenna was in an accident or had a medical need for a blood transfusion, and she contracted Hep B as a result of my decision to not vaccinate her.  WHAT???  I looked at him and increulously asked, didn’t you all ASSURE us one week ago that chances of that are extremely slim??  He sheepishly agreed but stated that the chance is still there, even if it’s remote.  I asked if there was a “remote” possibility that she could be injured or harmed from the vaccination.  He sheepishly agreed that there was.  The bottom line:  at the very least, if we put the two sides on a scale to weigh them, the chance of her being harmed by a vaccination was slim, and the chance of her contracting Hep B was also very slim.  We chose to opt for the side that didn’t inject chemicals and preservatives into our fragile daughter’s bloodstream.  Her body was dealing with enough.  He backed off.

I think this was the point where I realized I needed to start researching with a vengeance.  I wanted to be fully informed and to make the right choices.  I started gathering books, videos and materials and searching the internet.  My search was still in the beginning stages when they told us Jenna could go home.  We were so excited to be finally taking her home after three months, but we were also horribly nervous and frightened.  She was coming home on oxygen, a feeding tube and an apnea monitor.  The responsibility would now be ours completely and it was overwhelming.  This is when the doctors told us that it was vital to have her vaccinated.  We were taking her into the scary, germy world (not their words, but the general message that came across) and she was at high risk of contracting serious illness that could kill her.  The common cold that many kids cycle through could have devastating consequences for Jenna.  We gave in.  We agreed to a modified vaccination schedule that would space the shots out.

Jenna received all the AAP recommended vax for her first year.  We brought her home in April, and for the entire stretch of time from April through her first birthday in January, she struggled with horrible diarrhea and vomiting.  This was medically believed to be due to her intestinal birth defect, and there’s absolutely no way to KNOW any differently, but there’s a part of my brain that wonders about the effects of the vaccinations.  Here’s why.  In the fall before her first birthday, we were lectured on the horrors of RSV.  Jenna’s lung status was still fragile and she struggled to breath every day.  The movie that the doctors had us watch and the information they presented were enough to convince us (hesitantly) to agree to administer Synagis vax against RSV.  These were started at the end of October and were to continue through the winter.  She had to recieve to shots of Synagis each month.  Starting in November, her diarrhea and vomitting worsened considerably.  Somehow, we didn’t make the connection with Synagis.  We just assumed it was from SBS.  For two months we watched our miserable baby lose weight while her poor little bottom was raw and bleeding and she suffered constant vomiting and diarrhea.  We tried changing her feedings in various ways as well as adjusting her other vitamins and supplements.  Nothing worked.

I started researching the Synagis vaccine.  Here’s what I found:

  • Only two clinical trials were performed before its approval.  One trial with 1500 children and one with 1200. **
  • Trial 1 found that Synagis reduced hospitalizations for RSV by 50%.  Trial 2 found hospitalizations reduced by 45%  **
  • The other 50 and 55% who were injected with Synagis but still had to be hospitalized had no reduction in symptoms, that is, they were affected by RSV just as severely as those not vaccinated.  **
  • Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and reproductive toxicity studies have not been performed.  **
  • Upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media, fever, and rhinitis occurred at a rate of 1% or greater in the Synagis group compared to the placebo group (RSV is a lower respiratory tract infection).  **
  • Other adverse reactions include anaphylaxis, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, cough and wheezing.  **
  • These adverse reactions have been reported to VAERS: blood and lymphatic system disorders, respiratory failure, cyanosis, anaphylaxis, hypotonia, unresponsiveness, dyspnea, angioedema, pruritus, urticaria, and injection site reactions.  **

We also started thinking more about “following the money.”  There are many serious conflicts of interest in the system of researching vaccinations, announcing their safety, and promoting them to the public.  Do you know that the CDC gives hundreds of millions of dollars to state health departments in the form of immunization grants?  States have to prove that they’ve administered a certain number of vaccines to get the funds.  Do you think that affects the way states promote vaccines?  Here’s more information on this subject from Monica at Healthy Green Moms:

“Here is an example of just one such conflict of interest. Notice the name Paul Offit in the article. He is the chief of infectious diseases at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He denied any contribution vaccines had in an autism court case. Continue reading as you will see that “Dr. Offit is also one of the patent holders of the rotavirus vaccine (Patent Application number 353547), and the recipient of a $350,000 grant from Merck for its development. Additionally, he is a consultant to Merck Pharmaceuticals.” This is just one of many conflicts of interest! Most of pro vaccination “reasons” relayed to you by doctors, etc. are from studies funded by the pharmaceutical companies. The bottom line is that the current vaccine policy is BIG business. Remember, the purpose of a publicly traded corporation, such as MERCK, is a responsibility to its shareholders. Period. A reduced vaccine schedule means less money for the shareholders. Plain & simple. I have no problem with people making a profit, just not at the expense of human lives.”

My own experience also factored into the decision we ultimately made.  I’ve worked with many families of children with autism.  I know that the prevailing scientific literature (that we’re seeing) assures us that there is no connection between vaccinations and autism.  I also know what the families of children with autism are saying.  As scientific as my brain tends to be, I simply can’t overlook the overwhelming “coincidence” in the timing of vaccinations (especially the MMR) and the beginning of symptoms of autism.  I think that much more research is called for in this area.

One more piece of information that I think is important for all parents to know is regarding the aluminum content in vaccines.  Babies with SBS, premature babies, and babies with other serious health conditions receive TPN (via IV) to supply the necessary calories and nutrients for survival.  TPN contains aluminum.  Studies say that if premature babies get more than 10 micrograms of aluminum per day in their IV, it can accumulate in their bones and brain at toxic levels.  ** Studies also say that aluminum toxicity is not rare in babies receiving TPN.  ** Keeping that in mind, here’s the aluminum content in vaccines (from Dr. Sears book):

  • HIB – 225 micrograms per shot
  • Pc – 125 micrograms
  • DTaP – 170-625 micrograms (depending on manufacturer)
  • Hep B – 250 micrograms
  • Hep A – 250 micrograms
  • HPV – 225 micrograms
  • Pentacel – 330 micrograms
  • Pediarix – 850 micrograms

So, at a baby’s first big dose of shots at two months, the total dose of aluminum can vary from 295 micrograms to 1225 micrograms, depending on the brands and if Hep B is administered at the same time. Dr. Sears summarizes by saying there is good evidence that large amounts of aluminum are harmful to humans, but there is no solid evidence that the amount of aluminum in vaccines is harmful to infants and children because no one has studied it specifically to make sure it’s safe (pg. 205).  More information on aluminum and vaccine safety can be found at Aluminum and Vaccine Ingredients: What Do We Know? What Don’t We Know? by Lawrence B. Palevsky, MD, FAAP

Finally, I came across information and data from studies done with the MMR vaccine.  Children with gastrointestinal disorders like SBS might be more prone to developing autism or suffering serious reactions to the MMR vaccine.  The MMR shot contains three live viruses.  The measles virus is transported to the intestinal tract where it multiplies and can lead to a chronic measles infection.  This can cause the minute openings in the walls of the intestine to expand and allow harmful substances from the intestines to cross through the wall into the bloodstream.  Among those harmful substances are morphinelike substances called casomorphin and gluteomorphin, which get carried in the bloodstream to the brain and can cause abnormal behaviors such as those seen in Autism Spectrum Disorder.  (From the studies of Andrew Wakefield, M.D.)  Even if we took the MMR/autism possible link out of the equation, the fact that the MMR vaccine first “activates” in the intestines gave us second thoughts about administering it to Jenna, when her intestine is currently so fragile.

After much, MUCH research, thought, careful consideration and heartfelt discussion, we decided to stop Synagis and all other vax after Jenna’s injection that December.  In January, her diarrhea and vomiting stopped.  We (unfortunately) can’t be sure that this can be credited to stopping Synagis,  but I can tell you that she was a different, happier, healthier girl from that point forward, and she hasn’t received another vaccination since.

Yes, she’s been sick (she’s had three ear infections, one bout of bronchitis, and one hospitalization for pneumonia).  We know that she will be sick occasionally, and that her body is capable of fighting off disease and illness.  We know that she might develop some of the diseases that she’s not vaccinated for.  So might other children who are vaccinated (do you know that most of the outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough are often traced to the children who were vaccinated? **)  Most of all, we know that there are many ways to prevent and treat disease and we choose to do it vaccine-free.

No matter what your opinion on this issue is, please at least consider this list and read these precautions before vaccinating your child.  Talk to your doctor if:

  • You child is even mildly ill.
  • If your child has any known allergies
  • If your child has had even one “minor” reaction to a vaccine.  Vitamin C may help protect from adverse reactions.   **
  • If your child has taken any steroid, anticancer drugs or undergone X-ray treatment in the last three months.
  • If anyone who cares for your child has cancer, AIDS, leukemia or any other immune system disorder.
  • If your child has a seizure or brain disorder.
  • If your child received a blood or plasma transfusion or was given immune (gamma) globulin within the past year.

Report ANY adverse reactions or suspected reactions to VAERS and your doctor.

Additinal information and links:

State laws regarding vaccinations and attending school here

An article written by a physician here

Evidence of Harm – David Kirby

A humorous, but thought-provoking video (via Adventures in Babywearing)

A CNN article here

An article (in response to Amanda Peet’s statement) about what people in-the-know have been saying this year

A video with Mary Tocco who has spent years researching vaccinations

The Vaccine-Autism Court Document That Every American Should Read

Vaccine articles and testimonies by medical doctors

Where to purchase Dr. Sherry Tenpenny’s DVD- Vaccines: The Risks, The Benefits, The Choices (for information on what would realistically happen if you or your child would get a certain disease and how to treat it)

Is it really vaccines that saved us?  Take a look at these charts

Historical Facts Exposing The Dangers And Ineffectiveness of Vaccines

Personal stories of vaccine damage

Thinking differently:  Why infection and illness can be important to a child’s overall health

From other blogging moms:

Noah’s story at Adventures in Babywearing

Xavier’s story at Mama’s Nest

Monica at Healthy Green Moms

My two favorite books on the topic:

What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave, MD FAAFP with Deborah Mitchell

The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child by Robert W. Sears, MD, FAAP

Maddie

April 14, 2009 in Charity, Jenna, Maddie, Special Needs | 2 comments

My heart is aching today for Heather and Mike who lost their precious little Maddie last week.  Maddie was born prematurely and suffered chronic lung problems similar to Jenna.  She had a strong, fighting spirit and a smile that lit up the world.  She lost her fight with an unexpected respiratory illness, but her smile lives on in the hearts of all who knew her – both in person and through her mommy’s blog.

For more information about Maddie, to see a list of links to posts honoring her, to make a donation to the March of Dimes in her name, or, to help cover funeral expenses (both of her parents are currently out of work), go here.  To read more about Maddie’s life from her mommy’s blog where we all got to know her, go here (although her website has not been able to keep up with the traffic and keeps crashing).

You can also go to my right sidebar and click on the March of Dimes donation widget with Maddie’s picture.  I’m leading a team to walk in memory of Maddie on May the 2 and we’re raising money for March for Babies (more information about how the March of Dimes helps babies like Maddie and Jenna can be found through the widget link).  One person can make a difference, so consider giving whatever you can (even $1 or $2!).

Today, I’m remembering Maddie and her beautiful, bright smile, hugging Jenna just a little bit tighter, saying “I love you” a few extra times, and remembering not to take one moment for granted.

Success

January 30, 2009 in Random Fun | 5 comments

Photo by sweetcaroline

“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.  This is to have succeeded!”

- Emerson

The End

January 19, 2009 in Stream of consciousness | 35 comments

Photo by Olivander

Well, I have some big news to share with you.  Nope, I’m not pregnant.  THAT’S not happening again.

I’m quitting blogging.  This week.   Today.  As in, this is my last post.  I’ve been mulling this over for a long time, and let me tell you, it was NOT an easy decision.  And it’s not because I don’t love doing it.  In a nutshell, it’s because I’ve been feeling internally conflicted.  Maybe “guilty” is even an accurate word.  I know myself well enough to know that those feelings mean I need to psychologize myself (yes, it’s totally a word).  On closer examination, I realized that, too often, blogging leads to time taken away from where my priorities are: PsychDaddy and a cute little toddler who just wants me to play with her all the time.  {smiles}

No matter how you look at it, and no matter how well I manage my time, blogging still TAKES time.  Often, it’s more time than I plan for.  I get “sucked in” a lot more often than I care to admit.  I HATE when I snap at Jenna or get impatient with her because I’m trying to focus on something for a blog.  She’s at such a fun stage right now, and I’m not going to get these years back.  I also want to start working more on teaching her, working on crafts together, cooking together, etc.  I know that the best gift I can give her is my time and attention.  I know that it’s been sadly lacking more than I’d like it to be lately.

Time spent blogging is also time that I feel I should be spending working on something that will earn money.  I have an opportunity to do some work (FOR MONEY) from home, and it just makes more sense to commit time to this.  I know that would help take some income stress off PsychDaddy, and he’s been carrying that load alone for a while now.  If I’m not spending time earning money, I also feel like I need/want to be spending more time investigating what I want to do with the rest of my life.  Like when Jenna goes to school.  I need to be figuring out where I’m going and what I want to do, and then trying to work toward whatever goal I set.  That will probably be an ongoing process, but I’d like to be spending more time on it.

I’d love to have more time to work out, to work on my photography skills, to scrapbook, to journal, to read, to cook, to play Risk or Carcassonne with PsychDaddy {smiles}.  That time has to come from somewhere.

Finally, PsychDaddy hates the blogging.  He tries SO hard to not say anything, because he knows I love it (sweetie), but I know it bugs him.  He thinks my time can be better spent on just about anything.  I don’t like keeping it from him.  I feel dishonest when I purposefully don’t mention that I spent time doing it, and when I mention something about it, I sense “weirdness” and I change the subject.  Blech.  I just don’t like that “tension” between us.  I value my relationship with him MUCH more than I value this hobby.

I  hope to still read and comment at the sites of all my wonderful “bloggy” friends.  I’ve “met” (virtually) so many wonderful bloggers and there are so many wonderful writers out there.  I’ll still come to visit.  I figure that will be my “magazine reading” time equivalent, since I’m ending subscriptions to printed magazines in the interest of saving money and the environment.  Makes sense, right?  I’m also going to leave my blog up for public viewing.  You can come back to look up links or info from past posts, or just come back to reminisce.  Maybe some of the Special Needs Sunday posts will still help someone searching for info.  Who knows.  At any rate, the site will be here, it just might be a little more echoey than it used to be.

I truly, truly hope you all understand.  I love writing.  I love YOU, my readers, and the interaction I have with you through the comments.  I’m going to miss it.  I’m going to miss you all.  I just feel like this is what I need to do to balance my priorities right now.  My hope is to spend a little bit less time writing about life and a little bit more time living it.

Wishing you all the best.  Thank you for coming to read what I had to say.  Thank you for sharing a little bit of our lives.  I truly feel richer from the experience.

Peace and Namaste.

Did you know?

January 18, 2009 in Random Fun | 2 comments

Photo by Tracy O

“If the minimum wage had kept pace with the rise in executive salaries since 1990, America’s poorest-paid workers would be making more than $23 an hour.”

From Little-Known Facts About Well-Known Stuff – Hoffman

Special Needs Sunday: Juvenile Diabetes Scare

January 18, 2009 in Health, Jenna, Special Needs | 5 comments

Photo by Uwe Hermann

Symptoms to never overlook in your child when they occur together:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Sudden onset of bed wetting
  • Vomiting

Those little cubes in the photo above?  Not so harmless to a kiddo who can’t process sugars correctly.

This week we had a little “scare” with Jenna.  The little girl that we usually have to prompt to drink and that usually drinks MAYBE 3 oz. a day, suddenly began drinking 8-16 oz in a sitting, and ASKING to drink more.  She also started peeing MUCH more frequently, but I just figured it was due to the extra fluid intake.  Then, she started peeing the bed every time at waking, and we have NEVER had a bed wetting incident since she potty trained.  Finally, two days in a row we had incidents of projectile vomiting that were very uncharacteristic for her.  Yes, we’ve seen our share of vomit around this house, but we usually know her “signs” and when she’s prone to puke.  These episodes didn’t follow her typical M.O.  We also haven’t had problems with vomiting for quite some time.

When all these symptoms came together, a little alarm went off in my head.  I remembered some info from my pre-med classes as well as a post from Leighann at Soy Is The New Black that talked about these being typical first symptoms in kids with diabetes.  I went into full worry-mode.  I kept trying to tell myself that I was probably just over-reacting and being paranoid.  That nagging feeling wouldn’t go away though, and I decided to contact Leighann.  She was a true gem and encouraged me to contact my doctor right away, to trust my intuition, not to freak out, and not to feel guilty for pressing my concern.

Our doctor’s office was already closed at this point, but I phoned the nurse on call.  SHE freaked out a little (which wasn’t very encouraging, but did make me feel like my concerns were validated) and put my call through to the doctor.  The doctor was also concerned and said that he wanted to see her the next day for an exam and urinalysis.  He said it was most likely that she had a bladder infection, but we needed to rule out high blood sugar (diabetes).

It ended up that the “dip” test at the doctor’s office was negative for sugars and the culture for a bladder infection came back negative as well.  The doctor’s best guess is that she had some bladder irritation (maybe the beginning of an infection) that she was able to flush out of her system by instinctively drinking more.  She seems to be doing much better and we haven’t had any more vomiting, but he said if the smptoms continued into next week, we should do bloodwork.  Thankfully, I don’t think we’ll need to do this.

Here’s what you need to know:  excessive thirst is often the FIRST symptom that parents notice in their diabetic kids.  Frequent urination often goes along with that or follows close behind.  These symptoms can indicate that the body is trying to flush out all the extra sugar that it’s unable to process.  Wetting the bed could signal high blood glucose during the night, and vomiting can be part of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is VERY serious.  When all the symptoms appear together, it’s nothing to mess with.  Don’t worry that you might be over-reacting  – trust your intuition.  Leighann’s daughter’s story shows how scary it can be if it IS diabetes and it progresses too far.  Early detection is critical.  We are so thankful that everything came back “normal” for Jenna, but for many, many families, diabetes is a very real and serious condition.  You can learn more or contribute to research for a cure at:

The American Diabetes Association

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Thanks, Leighann, for your prompt response, your genuine concern, and your calm and validating support.