Just heard a NASTY cough from down the hall...think it was Ig.
No surprise. He was wiping his nose on his hand (love that) and digging his finger way, way into his ear while I was reading to him tonight.
Might I just add that the timing is ideal, since I started a new job on Monday. I absolutely need to tell them I need to work from home ALREADY because one of the boys is sick. Nothing like showing the new boss what a liability you are early on.
At least she's got kids, too.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
New Vaccine Risk from Merck
Y'all k now how much I love Big Pharma and unnecessary vaccines... (Polio=necessary, chicken pox=unnecessary.)
Here's some exciting news from our friends at Merck!
Here's some exciting news from our friends at Merck!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Ig Again
On 1/21, I posted that Ig had Scarlet Fever.
On 2/7, he was diagnosed with Strep AGAIN! And he ruptured his eardrum - AGAIN. What kind of luck do this boy and I have? And is it luck, or is it just daycare?
He's been on antibiotics since Thursday, and I started nebs on Saturday because his cough just had that edge to it. It only took two nebs for the cough to all but disappear, but I'm keeping him on albuterol for a few more days to be safe.
On another, sunnier note....posted a new link in the side bar to The Shortest Blog in the World. If you need a good laugh (like I frequently do) check it out!
On 2/7, he was diagnosed with Strep AGAIN! And he ruptured his eardrum - AGAIN. What kind of luck do this boy and I have? And is it luck, or is it just daycare?
He's been on antibiotics since Thursday, and I started nebs on Saturday because his cough just had that edge to it. It only took two nebs for the cough to all but disappear, but I'm keeping him on albuterol for a few more days to be safe.
On another, sunnier note....posted a new link in the side bar to The Shortest Blog in the World. If you need a good laugh (like I frequently do) check it out!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Jennifer's Question on RSV/Asthma
Had to post this one -- probably a lot of this, now that it's Flu/RSV season:
OK...so the best advice any parent of an asthmatic child can give you is find a pediatric pulmonologist or asthma/allergy specialist, if you haven't already. Pediatricians are generally wonderful, but because asthma - particularly in a child as young as yours - can be VERY subtle, a specialist (if you have access to one) is the way to go.
I've found that finding the right combination of meds is an exercise in trial and error, even with the best doctor. I admit surprise that your son wasn't put on Flovent or Pulmicort from the start, but all docs have their own preferences.
It could be that your son will be what seems like a LOT of medication for a while. My oldest was best on Flovent 220, Singular and Nasonex when he was 2-4 years old. I've never met a mom who was happy about all this maintenance medication, but the good news is, it typically is NOT a permanent situation.
B was on a ton of medication for a year or so before we were able to lower the Flovent and phase out the Nasonex. And once we took his adenoids out (sinus infections were his biggest trigger) we were able to phase out the Flovent as well.
Now he's just on Singular, and has maybe two asthma flares a year -- and they've been mild ones, too.
My other guys are still on Flovent, but comparatively low doses, and they're doing well so far.
I do think that our PP is more aggressive with medication than others, but it seems to have worked will for my boys.
One resource I highly recommend is the Allergy and Asthma Network. You can call them directly with your questions and concerns. (They also offer discounts on medical equipment - definitely a bonus!)
Hello,
I came across you blog by searching google for asthma treatments. My son 8 months tomorrow has had RSV once and now pneumonia twice. This since early December.My head is spinning thinking that this is potentially a lifetime problem. He is on Orapred now with albuterol Not to mention Amox. for an EI. He was on singulair after the first bout with pneumonia. I thought it was working, but then he came down with a cold and within a day it was in his lungs. The dr. is going to switch him to pulmicort now I just have so many questions. I was wondering if you could perhaps help me or just talk me through it
OK...so the best advice any parent of an asthmatic child can give you is find a pediatric pulmonologist or asthma/allergy specialist, if you haven't already. Pediatricians are generally wonderful, but because asthma - particularly in a child as young as yours - can be VERY subtle, a specialist (if you have access to one) is the way to go.
I've found that finding the right combination of meds is an exercise in trial and error, even with the best doctor. I admit surprise that your son wasn't put on Flovent or Pulmicort from the start, but all docs have their own preferences.
It could be that your son will be what seems like a LOT of medication for a while. My oldest was best on Flovent 220, Singular and Nasonex when he was 2-4 years old. I've never met a mom who was happy about all this maintenance medication, but the good news is, it typically is NOT a permanent situation.
B was on a ton of medication for a year or so before we were able to lower the Flovent and phase out the Nasonex. And once we took his adenoids out (sinus infections were his biggest trigger) we were able to phase out the Flovent as well.
Now he's just on Singular, and has maybe two asthma flares a year -- and they've been mild ones, too.
My other guys are still on Flovent, but comparatively low doses, and they're doing well so far.
I do think that our PP is more aggressive with medication than others, but it seems to have worked will for my boys.
One resource I highly recommend is the Allergy and Asthma Network. You can call them directly with your questions and concerns. (They also offer discounts on medical equipment - definitely a bonus!)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Probably Parvo
Doc just called...probably Fifth Disease, but if he has a fever in the AM, we'll take him in for a Strep test.
Awesome. I'll bet the other two have it, too. That would explain why Ozzy's been such a whiney little cranky-pants all day -- and why he was running 100.2 yesterday.
Awesome. I'll bet the other two have it, too. That would explain why Ozzy's been such a whiney little cranky-pants all day -- and why he was running 100.2 yesterday.
B has a weird rash...
...on his chin, cheeks and the insides of his forearms. I'm thinking it might be Fifth Disease(Parvo) since it itches. But I've already called the doctor, since Ig had Scarlet Fever last week.
He's been really off behaviorally this week, and Fifth would explain it...but I'm bummed that we might have to cancel his playdate tomorrow. We had to cancel one last week because of Ig's little plague, and B will be devastated if he has to miss another. :-(
Oh, and he coughed once, so I've got the albuterol primed and ready for action.
He's been really off behaviorally this week, and Fifth would explain it...but I'm bummed that we might have to cancel his playdate tomorrow. We had to cancel one last week because of Ig's little plague, and B will be devastated if he has to miss another. :-(
Oh, and he coughed once, so I've got the albuterol primed and ready for action.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Cold Meds and Toddlers
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the latest warnings for cold medications....
From EverydayHealth....
From EverydayHealth....
..."We strongly recommend that over-the-counter cough and cold products should not be used in young children under 2, because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from use of these products," Dr. Charles Ganley, director of the FDA's Office of Nonprescription Products, said during a morning news conference. "We have not come to a final decision on the use of cough and cold products in children aged 2 to 11 and continue to work within [the] FDA to arrive at a decision.""We were concerned that parents would continue to use these products in children under 2, even with all the publicity," Ganley added.
Glad Ig's two now, because I don't know what I would do without my industrial-sized bottle of Dimetapp. And just in case the FDA bans it for kids up to 11, I'm going to stockpile the stuff. Please don't report me to DYFS.
I have bronchitis, Ig has Scarlet Fever
What a fun weekend. We had big plans for the holiday, including a big playdate (2 kids at our house) and a trip to the big science museum....but unfortunately, we've had to work in shifts this weekend, and I stayed with Ig most of the time.
Ig started spiking fevers on Friday night, and developed a funny rash on his chest, tummy and back by Saturday afternoon. I called the peds, and they told me that they'd see him Sunday morning if he was still sick. (LOVE my peds!)
He spiked up somewhere near 105 on Saturday night, so we were in on Sunday. Turns out he has Scarlet Fever -- and an ear infection. The tubes he got in March are pretty much out, so I guess we can expect more infections from now on. Poor kid, he was up screaming because of the "boo boo in the ear!"
Here's the funny part...while we were waiting for the doctor, I had a little coughing fit - not uncommon for me over the last month. When she came in, she listened to his chest, said it was clear, but noted that his cough sounded pretty croup-y.
"Ummm..."I smiled sheepishly, "He doesn't have a cough. That was me." She made me open MY mouth, checked MY throat, and told me to back to my doctor and tell him that my son has strep (even though my throat looked fine).
I hadn't actually seen a doctor. I'd gone to the new Minute Clinic at our local CVS. What a great thing that is for adults! It's a nurse-practitioner who works 8-8, and you don't need an appointment. AND they take my insurance. Mind you, I wouldn't take the kids there, but for me, it's fine.
I've had this cough for a month or so. No other symptoms, no chest tightness or anything -- just a tickle in my throat that makes me cough until I gag or cry. I actually didn't think much of it (despite my husband's complaints that I was keeping him up at night...pretty funny that he should complain considering I've been living with his snoring for 15 years!)... until my assistant was diagnosed with bronchitis. She was prescribed antibiotics.
The N-P at the clinic told me I had bronchitis, but that it was probably viral. Apparently it's a crapshoot - 50/50 whether it's bacterial or viral. She gave me a prescription, non-narcotic cough suppressant and told me to call my doctor if it wasn't better within a week or so...but that bronchitis can last up to 6 weeks.
I've never had bronchitis before - or at least, I've never been diagnosed with it before - but I can tell you that this cough, while it isn't as frequent, definitely sounds chestier. I still don't feel it anywhere but my throat, though.
Regardless, I'll try to get in with the GP today or tomorrow, and I'll keep an eye on the kids, too.
Wouldn't it be ironic if the GP put me on albuterol?
Ig started spiking fevers on Friday night, and developed a funny rash on his chest, tummy and back by Saturday afternoon. I called the peds, and they told me that they'd see him Sunday morning if he was still sick. (LOVE my peds!)
He spiked up somewhere near 105 on Saturday night, so we were in on Sunday. Turns out he has Scarlet Fever -- and an ear infection. The tubes he got in March are pretty much out, so I guess we can expect more infections from now on. Poor kid, he was up screaming because of the "boo boo in the ear!"
Here's the funny part...while we were waiting for the doctor, I had a little coughing fit - not uncommon for me over the last month. When she came in, she listened to his chest, said it was clear, but noted that his cough sounded pretty croup-y.
"Ummm..."I smiled sheepishly, "He doesn't have a cough. That was me." She made me open MY mouth, checked MY throat, and told me to back to my doctor and tell him that my son has strep (even though my throat looked fine).
I hadn't actually seen a doctor. I'd gone to the new Minute Clinic at our local CVS. What a great thing that is for adults! It's a nurse-practitioner who works 8-8, and you don't need an appointment. AND they take my insurance. Mind you, I wouldn't take the kids there, but for me, it's fine.
I've had this cough for a month or so. No other symptoms, no chest tightness or anything -- just a tickle in my throat that makes me cough until I gag or cry. I actually didn't think much of it (despite my husband's complaints that I was keeping him up at night...pretty funny that he should complain considering I've been living with his snoring for 15 years!)... until my assistant was diagnosed with bronchitis. She was prescribed antibiotics.
The N-P at the clinic told me I had bronchitis, but that it was probably viral. Apparently it's a crapshoot - 50/50 whether it's bacterial or viral. She gave me a prescription, non-narcotic cough suppressant and told me to call my doctor if it wasn't better within a week or so...but that bronchitis can last up to 6 weeks.
I've never had bronchitis before - or at least, I've never been diagnosed with it before - but I can tell you that this cough, while it isn't as frequent, definitely sounds chestier. I still don't feel it anywhere but my throat, though.
Regardless, I'll try to get in with the GP today or tomorrow, and I'll keep an eye on the kids, too.
Wouldn't it be ironic if the GP put me on albuterol?
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Alternative Asthma Treatments (Psych!)
I love this article from Everyday Health. It lists all these great alternative treatments for asthma, like herbs, acupuncture, chiropractic...then explains why they don't work. Way to be open-minded!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Osgood File on Autism: "Defect"? Really?
I hope this rant gets me some big links, because this one REALLY pissed me off.
Yesterday, I was listening to a local news radio station on my way into work, as I normally do. And as usual, I listened to "The Osgood File," which I usually find pretty fun and educational. (And no, I don't listen to NPR in the morning...sorry to disappoint.)
The "File" this morning was on a new genetic link to autism, so, naturally, I cranked it.
Interesting enough story, but the doctor, a Dr. Jon LaPook, continually referred to autism as a "defect." Seriously.
Here are some quotes from the actual transcript on the Westwood One site:
Are you saying my son, who has Aspergers Syndrome, is DEFECTIVE? He's a CHILD, not a can of peas, people.
Let's substitute the words "defect" and "problem" with kinder terms like "difference." Again, we're talking about PEOPLE here.
Equally, and perhaps more offensive, is this suggestion:
"...but you can start maybe making plans in terms of other children, figuring out what are the risks that my other children are gonna have this problem."
Awesome. Gotta weed out those defective kids. Got one child with an autistic spectrum disorder? Please refrain from any further breeding.
I'm so disappointed by CBS radio, Osgood and this Dr. LaPook.
Seriously, WTF???
Yesterday, I was listening to a local news radio station on my way into work, as I normally do. And as usual, I listened to "The Osgood File," which I usually find pretty fun and educational. (And no, I don't listen to NPR in the morning...sorry to disappoint.)
The "File" this morning was on a new genetic link to autism, so, naturally, I cranked it.
Interesting enough story, but the doctor, a Dr. Jon LaPook, continually referred to autism as a "defect." Seriously.
Here are some quotes from the actual transcript on the Westwood One site:
SOT - Dr. Jon LaPook "This problem accounts for about one percent of the cases of autism. So, if you're a child who happens to have this defect, this will help you get an early diagnosis. And we know the earlier you get the diagnosis, the earlier you get treatment, and the better the outcome." So, Dr. LaPook says it makes sense for some parents to take advantage of the genetic testing now available, if they can afford it. SOT - Dr. Jon LaPook "It's an expensive test right now. It costs two-to-three thousand dollars. It's available in large medical centers, research labs. But if you're a family who happens to have a child who has this defect, it can be terrific because not only can you get a diagnosis --- and therefore get treatment --- but you can start maybe making plans in terms of other children, figuring out what are the risks that my other children are gonna have this problem."Defect? Really? Why don't you just call it an "abnormality?" How about a "retardation?"
Are you saying my son, who has Aspergers Syndrome, is DEFECTIVE? He's a CHILD, not a can of peas, people.
Let's substitute the words "defect" and "problem" with kinder terms like "difference." Again, we're talking about PEOPLE here.
Equally, and perhaps more offensive, is this suggestion:
"...but you can start maybe making plans in terms of other children, figuring out what are the risks that my other children are gonna have this problem."
Awesome. Gotta weed out those defective kids. Got one child with an autistic spectrum disorder? Please refrain from any further breeding.
I'm so disappointed by CBS radio, Osgood and this Dr. LaPook.
Seriously, WTF???
Monday, January 07, 2008
Oz is out of control
Quick one since I'm at work --
Oz's asthma is a little out of control. I feel like he's been gray and coughing for the last four weeks. He's certainly had a runny nose, so I would say -at the very least- that he has a sinus infection.
He thew up after his first swimming lesson yesterday, and has been coughing ever since. This morning, he was coughing until he gagged, and it took a dose of Claritin and a double-dose of Combivent to alleviate the cough.
He's also been waking up and coming into our room every night for the last week. Twice a night, at least. Seriously annoying, especially since Ig, who was sick last week (virus - not asthma-related) has been up, as well. I suspect it's because he's not satting well overnight.
Calling the PP today for a checkup. Don't know if we need to adjust meds, or if it's even just upper-respiratory, but poor Ozzy really is a mess!
Oz's asthma is a little out of control. I feel like he's been gray and coughing for the last four weeks. He's certainly had a runny nose, so I would say -at the very least- that he has a sinus infection.
He thew up after his first swimming lesson yesterday, and has been coughing ever since. This morning, he was coughing until he gagged, and it took a dose of Claritin and a double-dose of Combivent to alleviate the cough.
He's also been waking up and coming into our room every night for the last week. Twice a night, at least. Seriously annoying, especially since Ig, who was sick last week (virus - not asthma-related) has been up, as well. I suspect it's because he's not satting well overnight.
Calling the PP today for a checkup. Don't know if we need to adjust meds, or if it's even just upper-respiratory, but poor Ozzy really is a mess!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Happy holidays and quick update
First off - Happy Holidays to everyone! Hope you've all enjoyed whichever of the many December holidays you celebrate, and (if I don't post before then) that you have a wonderful and HEALTHY New Year!
Just a quick update on the boys --
B didn't have the flu after all. Typical of me to panic like that, right? He was fine the next day, but he has developed kind of a nasty cough over the last few days. I have him on Combivent for the first time since September. Funny how he only develops coughs like that when we come to Canada. Must be something with this fresh Ontario air...
Oz didn't get the stomach virus, but did develop 102 fever and a lovely grayish skin tone as soon as we arrived in the Great White North. He's still not looking all that well, but he isn't coughing, either. He's just congested, puffy-eyed and pale, and he does seem to be retracting a bit. So he's on Dimetapp and albuterol for the time being. We'll see the peds when we get back.
Ig (who turned two last week - did I post that?) is doing well, but is a total toddler. Little tyrant!! Good thing he's so cute... He has a bit of a runny nose and loose cough, but he looks really good. Just keeping an eye on things, but he really seems OK. His lips have been blue a few times, but I think it might just be because my in-laws have cold floors. (Albuterol's always handy, though!)
That's about it. I'm happy to be away from work and focusing on the kids...and actually READING a BOOK. Fiction. Nothing on asthma, Aspergers or business - just pure entertainment.
Now THAT's a vacation!
Just a quick update on the boys --
B didn't have the flu after all. Typical of me to panic like that, right? He was fine the next day, but he has developed kind of a nasty cough over the last few days. I have him on Combivent for the first time since September. Funny how he only develops coughs like that when we come to Canada. Must be something with this fresh Ontario air...
Oz didn't get the stomach virus, but did develop 102 fever and a lovely grayish skin tone as soon as we arrived in the Great White North. He's still not looking all that well, but he isn't coughing, either. He's just congested, puffy-eyed and pale, and he does seem to be retracting a bit. So he's on Dimetapp and albuterol for the time being. We'll see the peds when we get back.
Ig (who turned two last week - did I post that?) is doing well, but is a total toddler. Little tyrant!! Good thing he's so cute... He has a bit of a runny nose and loose cough, but he looks really good. Just keeping an eye on things, but he really seems OK. His lips have been blue a few times, but I think it might just be because my in-laws have cold floors. (Albuterol's always handy, though!)
That's about it. I'm happy to be away from work and focusing on the kids...and actually READING a BOOK. Fiction. Nothing on asthma, Aspergers or business - just pure entertainment.
Now THAT's a vacation!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Could B have the flu?
It's a little early in the season, but I was reading this article on the CDC site...and it could be.
Should probably check with the peds before taking him over the border. It would SUCK to make the news because we started an international flu epidemic, y'know?
Should probably check with the peds before taking him over the border. It would SUCK to make the news because we started an international flu epidemic, y'know?
Too Sick for the Road Trip
B woke up this morning complaining of a stomach ache. I knew he was serious - he never complains about his health. Ever.
And we were supposed to leave to see the in-laws in Canada this morning. Not only was he incredibly psyched to see his grandparents, he was even psyched for the DRIVE. Seriously -he was all about watching DVDs in the car, stopping at Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's....I guess I never realized how cool road trips are when you're 6.
Anyway, he threw up his whole breakfast, so we didn't leave today. Rob took him to the peds because B will occasionally vomit when he has strep, and we definitely needed to start antibiotics right away if he had that.
But while the strep test was negative - at least the rapid strep was - he did start running a fever later on in the day.
We'll keep an eye on him tomorrow, and we'll see what his temp is, etc. before we leave. (This will be very had for Rob who would have us loaded in the car at 7:00AM regardless. I totally don't get men and their arbitrary schedules. Is there a hockey game or something tomorrow night?)
Meanwhile, Oz is looking poorly and has a funny rash around his nose and mouth (please let it not be perioral dermatitis again...) and Ig's been breathing noisily and coughing a bit.
We'll see. Hopefully, we'll make it to Canada before Christmas Eve. It would suck if the kids couldn't spend the holiday with the grandparents. Especially since they've got all the presents!!
Keep ya posted...
And we were supposed to leave to see the in-laws in Canada this morning. Not only was he incredibly psyched to see his grandparents, he was even psyched for the DRIVE. Seriously -he was all about watching DVDs in the car, stopping at Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's....I guess I never realized how cool road trips are when you're 6.
Anyway, he threw up his whole breakfast, so we didn't leave today. Rob took him to the peds because B will occasionally vomit when he has strep, and we definitely needed to start antibiotics right away if he had that.
But while the strep test was negative - at least the rapid strep was - he did start running a fever later on in the day.
We'll keep an eye on him tomorrow, and we'll see what his temp is, etc. before we leave. (This will be very had for Rob who would have us loaded in the car at 7:00AM regardless. I totally don't get men and their arbitrary schedules. Is there a hockey game or something tomorrow night?)
Meanwhile, Oz is looking poorly and has a funny rash around his nose and mouth (please let it not be perioral dermatitis again...) and Ig's been breathing noisily and coughing a bit.
We'll see. Hopefully, we'll make it to Canada before Christmas Eve. It would suck if the kids couldn't spend the holiday with the grandparents. Especially since they've got all the presents!!
Keep ya posted...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
NJ's New Mandatory Vaccine: Mama's Angry All Over Again
It's not that I'm against vaccines...I'm not. I think a lot of vaccines are necessary. Polio, for example. Mumps. Measles.
What I have a problem with is vaccinating kids for EVERYTHING. And worse yet, FORCING me to have my kids vaccinated for everything.
Let's give this some context. I'm the mother of a child on the autistic spectrum, as well as three asthmatic boys.
While there's no 100% ideal link between vaccines and autism, there is enough circumstantial evidence - and enough questions have arisen - to give me pause. For one thing, look at the rise in autism diagnoses in recent years. (And sorry - no, I don't believe it's all because of the new diagnostic criteria.)
First of all, why in the world was anything even remotely related to mercury used to bind any vaccines? And no, it's not in the MMR anymore - but is still in the flu vaccines. Seriously.
We'll recall any toy with lead-based paint on the outside chance our kid might chew on it, but we'll inject thimerosal directly into our kids' bloodstreams.
Can someone explain this to me?
Secondly, have you looked at the American vaccine schedule lately? 10 different vaccines before a child's first birthday. Does that seem a little extreme? The UK requires THREE.
But who has the bigger pharma lobby, I wonder?
This just drives me CRAZY.
Now New Jersey, my lovely home state, is requiring me to vaccinate my kids against the flu, as well other illnesses including whooping cough and meningitis.
But let's think back to last year. Anyone remember flu vaccine recalls? How abou the the year before. And hey - didn't Merck just recall the Hib vaccine?
At the end of the day, here's how I feel.
What I have a problem with is vaccinating kids for EVERYTHING. And worse yet, FORCING me to have my kids vaccinated for everything.
Let's give this some context. I'm the mother of a child on the autistic spectrum, as well as three asthmatic boys.
While there's no 100% ideal link between vaccines and autism, there is enough circumstantial evidence - and enough questions have arisen - to give me pause. For one thing, look at the rise in autism diagnoses in recent years. (And sorry - no, I don't believe it's all because of the new diagnostic criteria.)
First of all, why in the world was anything even remotely related to mercury used to bind any vaccines? And no, it's not in the MMR anymore - but is still in the flu vaccines. Seriously.
We'll recall any toy with lead-based paint on the outside chance our kid might chew on it, but we'll inject thimerosal directly into our kids' bloodstreams.
Can someone explain this to me?
Secondly, have you looked at the American vaccine schedule lately? 10 different vaccines before a child's first birthday. Does that seem a little extreme? The UK requires THREE.
But who has the bigger pharma lobby, I wonder?
This just drives me CRAZY.
Now New Jersey, my lovely home state, is requiring me to vaccinate my kids against the flu, as well other illnesses including whooping cough and meningitis.
But let's think back to last year. Anyone remember flu vaccine recalls? How abou the the year before. And hey - didn't Merck just recall the Hib vaccine?
At the end of the day, here's how I feel.
- I will absolutely vaccinate my kids for diseases that pose a dire risk to them and to the public -- Measles, Polio, etc.
- I will not vaccinate my children with predictive vaccines that may or may not be safe or carefully tested.
- I will not allow my children to be injected with vaccines bound with thimerasol.
- I do not think it's necessary to vaccinate my children for non-life-threatening illnesses they're perfectly capable of fighting on their own, like chicken pox.
- I protest the compulsory vaccination of 9-year-old girls for sexually transmitted diseases.
- I DEMAND that vaccinations not be mandatory because pharmaceutical companies have enough money and power to lobby to make it so.
I'm tired, and this may or may not make sense...honestly, I'm not a freak, I'm not a conspiracy theorist. I'm the mom of a child with an autistic spectrum disorder, of three asthmatic boys, who has a LOT of dangerous questions.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Oz & Ig - still not better
So...Ig's being treated for for a double ear infection. FUN - it take two full-grown adults to administer the antibiotic drops for my 23-month old. And he's still got a tight, nasty-sounding cough in the early AM and at night.
Oz has a much looser cough, but he's got enough goop around his nose for me to think he may have a sinus infection. I don't think it's cleared up since he had that flare a few weeks back.
So I think we may end up at the peds tomorrow morning.
In other news, I've got a call into the developmental pediatrician because B, whose asthma is 100% under control with just Singular these days, is exhibiting some odd behaviors. No time to get into right now, but we think it's Aspergers-related stuff.
I'll try to post again after I talk to the doctors...
Oz has a much looser cough, but he's got enough goop around his nose for me to think he may have a sinus infection. I don't think it's cleared up since he had that flare a few weeks back.
So I think we may end up at the peds tomorrow morning.
In other news, I've got a call into the developmental pediatrician because B, whose asthma is 100% under control with just Singular these days, is exhibiting some odd behaviors. No time to get into right now, but we think it's Aspergers-related stuff.
I'll try to post again after I talk to the doctors...
Monday, December 03, 2007
No RSV but...
We have a double ear infection!
Here's how it played out:
Here's how it played out:
- Ig was fine by the time we go to the PP on Thursday.
- Oz was coughing like mad on Friday, so both of them were home and on nebs.
- Ig was tapered down and went back to just the albuterol MDI on Saturday.
- Oz was tapered down and went back to just the albuterol MDI on sunday.
- They both went back to daycare today, but both were meant to get albuterol at 12 and 4.
- Ig was SO happy to see me when I picked him up today, but then wouldn't stop crying when we got home...and wouldn't eat, either.
- I noticed fluid draining from BOTH ears (remember how he has tubes now?)
- I gave him Motrin and Floxin after paging the peds, and then I put him to bed.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Ig & Oz Update
If was up to 40 breaths per minute this morning (despite a greatly reduced fever), so I took him to the peds. pulomonolgist this afternoon.
Spent the whole day wiping blood-streaked mucus off that kid --his nose was like a little, hideously disgusting faucet. And we went through two shirts because he kept wiping his nose on his sleeves. Really GROSS.
But of course, by the time we got to the PP, he was fine! No wheezing, moving air well, normal resp rate satting at 97%. Not that I'm not happy that he's better, but the kid pulled a total Michigan J. Frog on me.
Nonetheless, she tested him for RSV, and while we haven't gotten the results yet, the respiratory therapist was pretty sure he had it. So I'm not ruling out an overnight nosedive, and I'm definitely keeping Ig home again tomorrow for a rigid neb schedule!
Oz, on the other hand, woke up congested and coughing - just a bit - this AM. I started him on nebs, too, and given the liklihood that Ig has RSV, I'm glad I did.
We'll see how he is in the AM, but I'm not optimistic. But am I ever, when it comes to RSV?
Read this blog and tell me if that's unreasonable.
Spent the whole day wiping blood-streaked mucus off that kid --his nose was like a little, hideously disgusting faucet. And we went through two shirts because he kept wiping his nose on his sleeves. Really GROSS.
But of course, by the time we got to the PP, he was fine! No wheezing, moving air well, normal resp rate satting at 97%. Not that I'm not happy that he's better, but the kid pulled a total Michigan J. Frog on me.
Nonetheless, she tested him for RSV, and while we haven't gotten the results yet, the respiratory therapist was pretty sure he had it. So I'm not ruling out an overnight nosedive, and I'm definitely keeping Ig home again tomorrow for a rigid neb schedule!
Oz, on the other hand, woke up congested and coughing - just a bit - this AM. I started him on nebs, too, and given the liklihood that Ig has RSV, I'm glad I did.
We'll see how he is in the AM, but I'm not optimistic. But am I ever, when it comes to RSV?
Read this blog and tell me if that's unreasonable.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ig May Have RSV
Ig was up the last two nights, fussing and congested. He started coughing last night, and sound pretty bad this morning.
I brought him to daycare this morning, knowing that he probably wouldn't make it the whole day. He had no fever, but the cough was a little rough and
he just wasn't himself. He didn't eat breakfast, but he wasn't as congested as he'd been either. I really didn't know what to make of his state, but I had that feeling that he really was getting sick.
Last night, btw, he had me cracking up . He woke up at 3:00 AM (!) crying, calling for me to come get him. I didn't get him right away (3:00 AM, I remind you) so he came up with some GREAT lines to lure me in. Mind you, he's 23 months old now. Here's what I heard:
Back to today...he woke up from nap at daycare with 101.9. I went and got him, and he looked SO BAD and sounded so awful that I took him straight to the peds.
The peds noticed he was retracting, but didn't hear anything concerning beyond his cough, which she called a "typical asthma cough." Ears were fine, throat was fine, etc.
She did mention that they've already seen some RSV, and recommended we keep the nebs up and DuoNeb if necessary. I told her we'd watch his resps, too, and she reminded me about hospitalization for RSV. (As if I'd forget staying at the peds hospital with #1 son for five days!)
Keep y'all posted....
I brought him to daycare this morning, knowing that he probably wouldn't make it the whole day. He had no fever, but the cough was a little rough and
he just wasn't himself. He didn't eat breakfast, but he wasn't as congested as he'd been either. I really didn't know what to make of his state, but I had that feeling that he really was getting sick.
Last night, btw, he had me cracking up . He woke up at 3:00 AM (!) crying, calling for me to come get him. I didn't get him right away (3:00 AM, I remind you) so he came up with some GREAT lines to lure me in. Mind you, he's 23 months old now. Here's what I heard:
- "Mom? Want up-up."
- "Mom? Want up-up. 'Kay? Kay."
- "Mom? Want juice."
- "Mom? Want cheerios."
- "Dad? Want juice."
- "Mommy? I smell poopies."
Back to today...he woke up from nap at daycare with 101.9. I went and got him, and he looked SO BAD and sounded so awful that I took him straight to the peds.
The peds noticed he was retracting, but didn't hear anything concerning beyond his cough, which she called a "typical asthma cough." Ears were fine, throat was fine, etc.
She did mention that they've already seen some RSV, and recommended we keep the nebs up and DuoNeb if necessary. I told her we'd watch his resps, too, and she reminded me about hospitalization for RSV. (As if I'd forget staying at the peds hospital with #1 son for five days!)
Keep y'all posted....
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