Child in hospital quite a bit... unvaxed.

[AurorasMommy]

So, I have always posted on here, and this site is what keeps me grounded and AWAY from vaxing my child!

Well. I know have my daughter who is over 3, my son who is almost 1 and a baby due in June.

Both my children are unvaxed. Except my 3 year old who received 2 month vaxes, and then the HIB series.

Anyways. My oldest has Epilepsy, and has been uncontrolled. I wouldnt vax her! However she is always in and out of the hospital (ER, Admitted on childrens floor, ect)...

We have recently decided to switch her to a Childrens Hospital to see a Epilepsy Specialist, and they want to admit her for 1 week to do a video EEG. ANYWAYS. I bring my son who is 1 with us too.

How can I feel rested that being in the hospitals isnt putting them at higher risk? Or is it?

I had been debating the HIB for my son when he turned 1? Or 18 months? Not sure, I have to look more into it, I know at that point they only need 1. BUT, I dont even see the point because he is still breastfeeding, and will probably wean around 13-14 months before I have this next baby...

Do any of you have children with health problems who are in the hospital quite a bit? Both my kids stay home with me, but my oldest I am THINKING maybe about preschool half time in the Fall???? MAYBE MAYBE.....

[alegna]

Which diseases do you think they'd be at increased risk of?

The VAST majority of kids in the hospital (and school) are vaxed. Do you think those vaxes work? If so, what's your concern? If not, why use them?

-Angela

[Fyrestorm]

In a hospital, VPDs would be the last thing I was concerned about...it's all those disgusting hospital infections that scare me!

Keep up the BFing and dose everyone else up on Vit.C.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

: I totally agree.

[JamSamMom]

The only outbreak of vaccine preventable disease noted in most hospitals is the flu, however most of the emphasis is on getting the hospital staff vaccinated so they do not contaminate the patients. Just make sure the staff follow the CDC Hand Hygiene guidelines and wash their hands before and after toughing your child. If you bring this up to staff they may get an attitude however it is JCAHO requirement and a CDC recommendation. JCAHO is the one that accredits hospitals. Ask to speak to the infection control practitioner or nurse manager. They sould be handwahsing with alcohol foam or soap and water before taking vital signs, or any other routine care. There may be a phamphlet in the admissions packet called "speak up" and was created by JCAHO to educate patients and their families to speak up about hand washing to staff to prevent infection. The staff know this but they forget sometimes and get an attitude.
I used to work in Infection control and several burn units and most people in hospitals get infections from having devices inserted into a body opening like a urinary cathater, breathing tube, chest tube, IV, surgical site, etc.
I am sorry your family is going through this. I hope the tests help!

[mamadelbosque]

First of all s: on your daughter with epilepsy... I hope they figure out how to get it under control for everyone's sake. I've heard some people have had luck with various diets, aside from all the drugs. I was on phenobarbitol for most of my life (6.5-22ish?? Till I got preggo with my DS), and have never had any of the nasty/bad side effects associated with it. Course' I only ever had one seizure too (tonic-clonic status and was in a coma for like a week, or something). Anyhow, big, big hugs.

As for the vaxes? IDK, I don't think I'd vax my DC even if one of them was in the hospital all the time... as others have pointed out VPDs really just aren't the worry in hospitals - infections are! And theres no vaccine for infections. And since virtually everyone else there is bound to be vaxed, either you believe they work (and thus, whats the worry?), or you don't think so (so whats the point?).

Good luck!!

[applejuice]

My niece nearly grew up in Children's Hospital in Los Angeles because of a vaccine reaction. She cannot have live vaccines because she is immuno-suppressed.

EDTA: My sister had surgery to correct a birth injury when she was five years old and she was not vaccinated. It was a one time thing, and she was fine.

You did not ask, but...Have you ever looked into a high fat diet to control the epilepsy? It is in the medical literature and it was popular a few years ago and works for many children. I know you are doing the best you can...

[AurorasMommy]

Originally Posted by applejuice

My niece nearly grew up in Children's Hospital in Los Angeles because of a vaccine reaction. She cannot have live vaccines because she is immuno-suppressed.

EDTA: My sister had surgery to correct a birth injury when she was five years old and she was not vaccinated. It was a one time thing, and she was fine.

You did not ask, but...Have you ever looked into a high fat diet to control the epilepsy? It is in the medical literature and it was popular a few years ago and works for many children. I know you are doing the best you can...

My daughter is on her 4th medicine. She is in the category of hard to treat... She was OFFICALLY diagnosed with Epilepsy Feb 2008, and had good control until this September... where she had over 100 seizures from September until last week!!!! And went through 4 different meds.

We met with a new Epilepsy Specialist who we drive 5 hours away to see, he was GREAT!

She will be admitted next week for a 5 day video EEG where they will wean her off her meds and then try to capture the seizures on EEG and then put her back on her meds... they know that her Spiking (how a seizure orginates) is coming from the scar in her brain from a brain bleed she had at 2 months old, 3 weeks after vaccinations (reason I dont vax)....

Anyways. He said there are more meds to try and if it doesnt work we will look into the Ketogenic?SP? Diet or other options, surgery....

She takes Keppra and Depakote right now, and these 2 seem to be a good match, but she is still having breakthrough seizures here and there! So hopefully when she gets to her therapuetic level for Depakote it will control the seizures 100%!!!! I pray.....

From September to now we have been in the hospital with her over 20 times!

Thanks for the info... this again shows me that I DONT want to vax... I get worried, come here post my concern and then feel reassured again! So thanks!

Megan