Do you lie in the ER? - Page 5

[Full Heart]

Originally Posted by kidspiration

Clinical efficacy of the tetanus vaccine has never been determined. Therefore, we have just established through this discourse that doctors are not even practicing evidence based medicine when it comes to tetanus vaccination and prophylaxis.

Because there is no evidence. Just a vaccine that has never been tested to see how well it works, if it even works at all.

That aside, given that there are obvious timing and dosage parameters for previous tetanus vaccination in regards to assessing wound risk for tetanus and clinical decision making for TIG administration, asking a parent "is your child up to date on vaccinations?" is clearly a grossly inadequate question.

Like I said, didn't say I agreed with it, just how they do things. They will not offer you TIG if you say you are up to date, even if the wound is dirty or a puncture wound. Heck in this case it would be a good idea to lie if you are up to date!

[mama2mygirl]

I lie like a rug.
Actually I say,"Yep, she's good."
When I sent dh with dd to the ER a couple weeks back--I am on bedrest--I told him, "lie."
I don't feel an ounce of guilt.

[mommietime]

I think claiming "previous severe vax reactions" is certainly the safest bet. Even though religious exeptions are legal, they certainly wouldn't stop an overzealous HCP who thinks they have just encountered a truly negligent parent.

[applejuice]

Originally Posted by spero

aj, I do apologize if I sounded cavalier.

The ER doc in question obviously abused his role as reporter of neglect regarding the CA Code, and that's disgusting - not to mention, downright unethical. As far as I can tell, the codes do not support non-vax (in particular, non-vax for religious reasons) specifically as "neglect". However, the code is vaguely written and should be amended.

I'm just frustrated that your story may encourage wary parents to lie in the ER when, in my opinion, that is generally not a good idea.

For your information, I also reported the doctor to the state and county AMA and the BMQA and to the Joint Accreditation Committee of Hospitals. You may think he abused his role, but it was totally OK with his overlords, and frankly that is all that counts. All of them said he was within his rights to do what he did to me. The doctor in question is very well connected and married to an important person. It may be 16 years ago, but it is the same group of players and attitudes can change over night and parents need to know what CAN happen.

[runes]

Originally Posted by Full Heart

Like I said, didn't say I agreed with it, just how they do things. They will not offer you TIG if you say you are up to date, even if the wound is dirty or a puncture wound. Heck in this case it would be a good idea to lie if you are up to date!

My point is, the information in the statement "my child is up to date" is not adequate to make the risk assessment necessary as outlined in the package insert. They need to know # of doses and when.

Meanwhile, it is total insanity that the assumption is vaccinated=immune.

[Proverbs31]

Originally Posted by applejuice

and I am sharing my opinion and experience. I regret that some people are tired of reading it, but it is the truth. I would not call nearly losing custody of my son over making an intelligent decision with extensive research a "negative encounter"; it was a serious breech of my rights as a mother.

I don't think that your experience can ever be told enough; it serves as reminder that all it takes is one cowboy to wreak unexpected havoc on a family... especially at a time when not vaccinating is such a volatile issue.

[smeep]

Originally Posted by TinyMama

No flaming necessary...I'm already certain I did the wrong thing. Just looking for some tips/BTDT stories.

DD was in the ER a few days ago for dehydration. I was as certain as I could be that it wasn't a VPD. So when I was asked if she was up to date on her shots, I just said yes. DH was very upset w/me, but he didn't want to contradict me--we both just wanted the iv in DD immediately.

Of course we hope there won't be a next time, but any advice in case there is?

This may have been said, but... you weren't necessarily lying. She's up to date on YOUR schedule (or lack thereof), wasn't she? They didn't specify whose schedule, I presume?

[Twinklefae]

We've always been asked at clinics IF we vaccinate, rather than if we are up to date, so I am honest.

I've been to the ER with my bff and her LO and they ask if she vaccinates and they don't say anything.

[mamadelbosque]

My DS hasn't been to the ER and with luck I won't have to deal with that anytime soon (if ever). That said, when asked about vax at WIC, DJFS, etc. It depends on *how* they ask the question. If asked "Is your DC vaccinated?" I'd be truthful and say 'no'. However if asked "Is your DC up-to-date on vaxes?" I might very well say 'yes' - because he's as up-to-date as possible on MY schedule - which is to dealy untill/unless circumstances change. Its not exaclty lying, IMO. They didn't specify the CDC schedule. They just asked if HE was up to date. And he is. Just not accordign to the CDC

[granolamom]

Yes, I have and yes, I would....have been known to say, "they have eveything they need" but then was asked dates of last shots...so, just say, 'YEP"

And yes, as for Mothering Mag. being against vaccinations, it is the first place I read anything in opposition to vaccinating and my kids are 15-25. Maybe things have changed over the years but as I recall, Mothering was one of the first who spoke out against it.

[buttercup]

We have been to the ER w/ my youngest twice and both times told them we were not upto date. No one was negative, but they did explain that due to not being up to date it opened up more possibilities as to the cause of my son's illness. Both times I Went in I was confident it wasn't whooping cough, meningitis, etc.

I don't care. I am responsible for my children and they can think what they think. They don't walk in my shoes trying to recover my two immune damaged, heavy metal toxic children who happen to have a diagnosis of autism.