Comments on Pics and Kicks: this is not a discussion on vaccinations, except t...

@lakelandmom, WOW. That is frightening. I'm ...

2010-04-17T16:13:16.796-10:00

@lakelandmom,

WOW. That is frightening.

I'm so glad your little one survived that terrifying experience.

N

First of all, I'm just coming to your blog aft...

2010-04-17T06:54:04.209-10:00

First of all, I'm just coming to your blog after a link from a friend. I am so extremely sorry for your loss! Gavin is now a sweet angel who is looking over other little babies as you share your story and spread the word about adult immunizations!!!

Back in mid-2004, my husband & both contracted Whooping Cough from my mother who had "a little cough". We didn't know that whooping cough was something we could contract from our immunizations wear off. We knew something was "off" with our cough and we went our doctors and hospital no fewer than 6 times in 3 weeks. At our second emergency room visit they finally did a pertusis test which came back positive. At that time whooping cough was just starting to make a resurgence and so most of the doctors we came in contact also didn't know that adults needed boosters. A year afterwards there was a huge outbreak and the information came to light. I'm glad that we tried to be vigilent about getting medical help and that by week four we finally had antibiotics but to think that during that time I may have inadvertently injured or even killed a little baby is heart-wrenching (we did try to quarantine ourselves for the most part...but my heart is still nagged).

{steps on soapbox}

Well here's to another adult vaccine that people need to keep in mind although it is just as controversial as immunizing children...the H1N1 vaccine.

Sadly the vaccine wasn't widely available to the public soon enough to help out my family. Someone with swine flu infected us in early October.

Now many of you, as adults, probably have not gotten your H1N1 vaccine but please know this is JUST AS DEADLY to children (infants to teens) as pertusis is!

My child (age 18 months) contracted swine flu from someone around us. Keep in mind, H1N1 spreads easier than whooping cough.

Long story short, my child ended up having a seizure when we were coming back from the doctor office. Her eyes rolled back into her head, she became unresponsive, started vomiting, aspirated & choked on it, and then stopped breathing - all in the space of a few seconds. Luckily we were able to get an ambulance to us within a few minutes and she was saved & stabilized.

She suffered H1N1 complications for FOUR months (bronchitis, pneumonia, coughing, etc). After her 5th round of antibiotics she is finally starting to improve but she has permanent scarring, has lost weight, is now anemic, and has to be seen every other week by our local Children's Hospital in pulmonary and occupational therapy.

Sadly, a 10-year-old in our neighborhood and a pregnant mom one town over lost their lives to swine flu last fall. :(

Please realize that while H1N1 may just seem like a nuisance cold or flu in terms of symptoms that it too can be deadly to others whose bodies may not be able to fight it off.

ADULTS - please get immunized against H1N1 so you can save prevent another baby's death!!!!!

{steps off soapbox}

natalie, SO sorry for your loss. my daughter die...

2010-03-23T19:17:21.451-10:00

natalie,
SO sorry for your loss. my daughter died five years ago. such a long hard road. thanks for posting on this topic. i read all 99 comments above and thought this may be helpful for some readers wondering what vaccines they as adults may need in order to become current on recommendations:

http://www.immunize.org/va/va26need_vacs.pdf
-or-
http://www.immunize.org/shop/views/adultsched_pg2.pdf

immunize.org is a great resource overall. i am a pharmacist and utilize it as a comprehensive reliable source of vaccine information.

i hope you find some comfort in educating others. your efforts will save lives.
lots of love,
mindi

I don't think that is what this discussion is ...

2010-03-17T13:36:59.747-10:00

I don't think that is what this discussion is about. I believe the topic was about parents/adults staying current, not about vaccinating children.

And, that being the case, I just want to completely agree with Natalie, (again) about the issue when she said, "I will forever maintain that parents and care givers (particularly of very small infants), with fully developed brains and immune systems have a social responsibility to be vaccinated."

Very well put, and very important!

I loved how heather commented and said this &quo...

2010-03-12T20:38:11.076-10:00

I loved how heather commented and said this

"making a choice to not vaccinate is selfish. You are contaminating your entire city with diseases and germs and putting people in fatal harm by not vaccinating. "

I believe in this %100 My Doctor told me when I was debating vaccines. "would you rather see your child get a shot (vaccine) or see them lying dead from shaking so hard it snaps there spine in two." (meningitis )..

I do know that it was a very profound statement and I know we are talking about adults but like someone said in an earlier comment if you are walking living human being it is your civil duty to be vaccinated.. and I believe this includes children I feel from mother to mother we should and friend to friend we should all respect this. Thank you SO much for your honesty on these discussions I is VERY refreshing.
You have been in my thought and prayers since day 1..
and from one photographer to another you do AMAZING work..

Heather

I wish that OBGYNs would make sure ALL patients we...

2010-03-12T12:46:14.815-10:00

I wish that OBGYNs would make sure ALL patients were current upon conception. We have to go in SO.MANY.TIMES between when we go in for confirmation of pregnancy to delivery, it seems absurd that NO.ONE. ever thinks to mention it!

exactly..they are bombarding us to get the flu imm...

2010-03-12T12:31:15.021-10:00

exactly..they are bombarding us to get the flu immunisations why not add on the whooping cough one. Why not have it on hand to offer to everyone who visits their doctor

Natalie, I love that you have included that adults...

2010-03-12T12:28:00.479-10:00

Natalie, I love that you have included that adults need to be aware that their immunizations need to be updated. So many people don't realize that they wear off. They get angry at people who don't vaccinate their children, while they themselves aren't current on their immunizations.

I think that people need to do what is best for their family, but also remain conscious of those around them.

I coughed my way around getting (I thought) sudden...

2010-03-11T10:49:27.078-10:00

I coughed my way around getting (I thought) suddenly older and older) for 2 months. The doctor didn't do a test and just told me I had a virus that would go away.

How many people might I have infected in that time I wonder?

another wonderful doctor got me the pertussis diagnosis and we took 3 months to get my body right from all the damage done to my system.

I never knew the vaccinations only last 15 years. I will have another one when I am 84.

Please get vaccinated

Natalie, I used to read your blog a lot ages ago ...

2010-02-23T21:11:26.462-10:00

Natalie,

I used to read your blog a lot ages ago and just came back to find this. I read all the Baby Gavin posts and I want to say that I am so, so, so sorry for your loss.

I agree with you 110% about vaccinations. My cousin's baby son, born in December, came very close to dying following contracting pertussis. He is not out of the wood yet, either. If people had been conscious enough to keep their vax up to date, maybe he would not be so sick.

As for autism comment - a lot of research is coming out completely disproving this link.

TB is on the rise as well thanks to people not vaccinating. Why are we so insistent that the medical field is out to get us rather than assist us?

Whoops...just saw your comment that this post was ...

2010-02-18T18:38:51.000-10:00

Whoops...just saw your comment that this post was to be strictly about vaccinations for parents and caregivers. Forgive my previous comment!

I can't read one of your posts without getting...

2010-02-18T18:36:40.802-10:00

I can't read one of your posts without getting a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. My heart aches for you!

My choice for my children has always been to trust their pediatrician about vaccinations. I picked their pediatrician because of her knowledge where I had none, and for that reason I trust her judgement.

I have several friends that refuse to vaccinate or they delay vaccinations, and it is really bothersome that because of their choice their child could potentially get a disease and expose my children to it. Unfortunately that means that the parents who chose to NOT vaccinate their children are choosing to also endanger my children and the rest of the children around them. Doesn't seem fair does it...

The Dunns, I'm ready. xx. N

2010-02-17T07:23:21.051-10:00

The Dunns,

I'm ready.

xx.

N

I have a love hate relationship with these kind of...

2010-02-17T06:54:23.887-10:00

I have a love hate relationship with these kind of discussions.... I love to read them, but then I hate how fired up I get. I swore to myself that I wasn't going to get into this one but I just can't help myself.

I hate, hate, hate when people try to make the medical field seem like a big conspiracy theory, only out to make money. Someone above (I can't remember who) just acted like those in the medical field are glad that people get sick and injured so that we can make a buck or two (I am a nurse). The advances that medical science makes every day are a huge blessing to all of us.

To any doubters... just know that if tomorrow you were in a serious car accident those so called doctors (that apparently know nothing) would do everything in their power to save your life and your family members with their "scientific medical advances" whether you like them or not.... and you would sing a whole different tune.

Not exactly on note with the discussion.... but ahhh, so annoying. More on topic, I work on labor and delivery and I know that we really push for moms to update their vaccinations before going home, but after hearing about Gavin I want to try to get a program started of also vaccinating dads and siblings at the same time. Then it would just be taken care of all at once for those that choose. I am sure that there would be a cost, because that is what it is really about RIGHT (wink, wink)? But I think that if we had a story like Natalie's people would really understand the importance.

Some day when you are ready Natalie, I think that you really could help make some big changes!!!

Anonymous, Thank you for respectfully sharing t...

2010-02-16T11:26:14.130-10:00

Anonymous,

Thank you for respectfully sharing this information. This is, however, a discussion on adults and vaccination. There is NO discussion here regarding children/babies. We are talking about parents and caregivers. I will forever maintain that parents and care givers (particularly of very small infants), with fully developed brains and immune systems have a social responsibility to be vaccinated.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, however for this post, I'd like people to stay on issue.

Perhaps we will ultimately open a discussion on children and vaccinations at which point, I'd love to have you share your thoughts.

Thank you again,

Natalie

Vaccinations don't "wear off", the v...

2010-02-16T09:46:32.977-10:00

Vaccinations don't "wear off", the virus mutates and creates a different version of the disease. That's why vaccinations are not effective, and even destroy our health in the long run. Every vaccination creates a hyper-immune response in your body, which then causes damage to the immune system.

Please read more: www.naturalnews.com/025595.html

I know I'm going on, but thinking of all the precious babies who could be hurt because their parents didn't get both sides of the story before making their decision was heartbreaking. There is ALWAYS more than conventional thought, more than one side to every story.

May you find peace and solace in your heart and mind. May God bless you and your family.

Here is some important information from the articl...

2010-02-16T09:28:03.893-10:00

Here is some important information from the article mentioned in my post above:

"In the New England Journal of Medicine July 1994 issue a study found that over 80% of children under 5 years of age who had contracted whooping cough had been fully vaccinated."

"Immune systems are even harmed by vaccinations because even though they may protect the body from one strain of infectious disease, they weaken the immune system against future strains."

"Scientific medicine has taken credit it does not deserve for some advances in health. Most people believe that victory over the infectious diseases of the last century came with the invention of immunizations. In fact, cholera, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, etc, were in decline before vaccines for them became available - the result of better methods of sanitation, sewage disposal, and distribution of food and water."

"Of course each person must weigh all of the evidence and data and then decide what is best for themselves and their families. This information is provided to help the reader make an informed and educated decision on this subject and to come out from under the ideas that we have been led to believe that vaccination automatically equals 100% immunity to disease."

See also: www.vaccinationdebate.com.

Please, please, PLEASE, educate yourself and don't take any one viewpoint as truth. That's what God gave us brains for.

This is a little late, but PLEASE read alternativ...

2010-02-16T09:17:00.067-10:00

This is a little late, but PLEASE read alternative--i.e. non-AMA approved--points of views before making such a life-altering decision as vaccination. A good place to start: www.naturalnews.com/027203_vaccination_health_vaccines.html. We do not live in a perfect world, and do not get all the information we need to live healthy lives from doctors. The medical industry is in business to make a profit, and where would they be if we were all well? I used to trust whatever my doctors said, but now at 52 years of age and many years of careful research, I have decided to find alternative ways to wellness. I am the only one responsible for my health, and not any doctor. I completely understand your pain and the fear from losing a baby to a communicable disease, and hope you find the solace you need. I know this is a difficult time, but try to find the lesson learned from this experience. It is NOT to get vaccinated, IMHO. Peace and love to you.

Thanks for having the courage and strength to open...

2010-02-13T15:09:48.971-10:00

Thanks for having the courage and strength to open up this conversation of vaccines. I'm thinking you would be a great public spokesperson for adult vaccinations. (We NEED one.) You should consider it... Not now - I know your pain is too raw, but maybe down the road...

Katie, I don't feel like I've said or eve...

2010-02-11T22:35:22.299-10:00

Katie,

I don't feel like I've said or even implied that people who "choose not to vaccinate are uneducated, misinformed, under informed". I am talking specifically about adults and immunizations. I'm sorry if you felt attacked or offended by the post. Unintended.

Sincerely,

Natalie

Anything I say is merely trite, so I shall simply ...

2010-02-10T05:59:39.857-10:00

Anything I say is merely trite, so I shall simply extend my sincere condolences, and solemly promise that I shall get my booster shots. If it hurts me, (unlikely at this stage) thats fine...I'm an old man...I don't matter near as much as my partner's new son. If that is "civic duty", fine. But I prefer to take that tiny risk rather than suggest that the newborn take a much bigger one. They got enough troubles...

Hi Natalie, My baby girl came down with pertussis...

2010-02-09T08:36:09.420-10:00

Hi Natalie,

My baby girl came down with pertussis a year ago at around 11 weeks old. It was horrific. She managed to recover, so I don't even know the tiniest fraction of what you went through with your precious Gavin--but it was still the worst thing I have ever been through yet in my life. It was also enough for me to know immunizations are crucial. Infectious disease ARE making a comeback. This one in particular hit my house with a vengeance, sickening both my children and me and my husband. My pediatrician often says she wishes we had a video of one of my baby's paroxysms to show patients who refuse to vaccinate. None of us thought to do that at the time--we were too busy trying to get her to take her next breath.

It's such a hotly debated topic, I commend you for having the courage to speak out. It's so easy for me to get angry about people who ignore this issue--because they haven't seen what we've seen--and so I remain in awe of your sweet spirit.

I'm so devastated for your loss, and my prayers are with you and your family.

L, Thanks! I'm not offended. :) XO. N

2010-02-08T15:31:20.325-10:00

L,

Thanks!

I'm not offended. :)

XO.

N

Dear Natalie, I am compelled to apologies if my w...

2010-02-08T11:38:26.307-10:00

Dear Natalie, I am compelled to apologies if my words hurt or further wounded you in any way. The thought that my words may have done so has horrified me. That was not my intent. Please just know that because of the way you have intimately shared your experiences I am a better mom. Thank you!!

Thanks so much for this post and for all the info ...

2010-02-08T11:05:03.126-10:00

Thanks so much for this post and for all the info you have given us. I was totally unaware of this. I got my booster shot last week.

Kalia