It does a body good.

Posted on May 18, 2012 by MamaRN

Breast milk comes in a sippy cup too!

We are very fortunate to have a close friend donate her breast milk to us.  I wasn’t sure if Levi would drink it since he hasn’t had milk from any mammal since 12 months of age, but he drinks it in small amounts. And for those of you that are asking “why?”, Levi has an intolerance to cow’s milk protein. It is our hope that the breast milk antibodies will help boost Levi’s immune system. It certainly cannot do harm.

Good to the last drop.

Since January, Levi has been sick more than he has been well…about 80% of the time. Everything from colds, enteroviruses, conjunctivitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. We have also been dealing with behavioral sleep issues which I believe are due to frequent illness and insufficient naps while in group daycare. Things were not getting better for us. We were sleep deprived and stressed out. Not to mention, our wedding is in 2 weeks and we’re moving in 5-6 weeks. Whew!

Hives...this is day 5.

Levi is no longer in group daycare. I decided to stay at home with him until after we move in June. So far, it’s been enjoyable having him well. Of course, this is after a severe case of hives from taking amoxicillin for an ear infection. We’ve been riding the city bus to the library and children’s museum. We’ve been visiting parks, trails, and farms.

Bellair CSA

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Sleepless in Charlottesville

Posted on April 18, 2012 by MamaRN

Levi will not be the baby anymore. Baby Newman is expected to arrive in October!

Yes, we are still suffering from lack of sleep. Levi has never slept well. I think it’s finally effecting his mood and my sanity. I’ve read The Sleep Lady’s Good Night, Sleep Tight and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child again and again. I tried the good old “cry it out” method. These methods have all worked once upon a time, but something inevitably happens that leads us back to sleepless nights…and days. Complicating matters is Levi’s ability to climb out of his crib. He only does this when provoked by the “cry it out” method. In the past, we let Levi “cry it out” a few nights and he learned how to fall asleep independently of us. Where my presence in the room used to comfort him, I now find it only provides stimulation. Sure, he still wants me at his bedside, but sleep does not follow. I stick to a consistent bedtime routine. Levi drinks a small amount of milk (about 4 oz because larger amounts cause him to wet the bed). I read 2-3 books while we sit in the glider rocker chair. While Levi clutches his blanket and sucks on his pacifier, I rock him slowly to sleep. This takes anywhere between 15 minutes to 45 minutes.

I’ve also learned to comfort him quickly when he wakes up during the night. If I wait any length of time, he becomes more awake and getting him back to sleep is more difficult. Most of the time, he just needs to be placed back on his stomach (usually he’s standing or sitting in the crib crying). He wakes more frequently early in the night (9-11pm) and occasionally wakes early in the morning (5-6am). I start Levi’s bedtime routine at 7pm, with the hope of getting him to sleep by 730pm. When he wakes before 6am in the morning, I have to rock him back to sleep.

This routine is working for us now. I’ve discovered that it’s necessary for Levi to sleep from 7pm-7am. If he wakes too early, he wants to take an earlier nap. A late morning nap means Levi is awake from 1230pm until 7pm. Yes, I’ve tried to return to the two nap a day schedule, but Levi wants nothing of it. Attempting to get Levi to nap late afternoon only leads to more frustration and exhaustion. So Levi naps around noon everyday and usually sleeps about 2 hours.

I hope that my body will adjust to the routine of sleeping through the night again soon. Levi still has me waking every 2-3 hours even though he’s asleep. I mean, I really need to get some sleep before something changes and he’s awake every 2-3 hours again! At least I will not be disappointed ;P

How things change. As children grow, there habits constantly change. Every child is different. You know your child better than any book, doctor, or stranger with an opinion.

 

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Sunny Days

Posted on March 27, 2012 by MamaRN

Do you know the difference between Sunblock and Sunscreen?  No, the two terms are not synonymous. Sunblock literally BLOCKS UVA and UVB rays by creating a barrier on your skin.  The ingredients in sunblock responsible for providing barrier protection are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is also used in diaper creams because it creates a barrier that seals out moisture. If you’re shopping for sun protection for your infant and/or  young child, a SUNBLOCK is preferred because it’s known to be less irritating than SUNSCREEN.  Sunscreens contain various chemicals such as avobenzone and benzophenone (oxybenzone, dioxybenzone) that provide protection by absorbing harmful rays before it effects the skin. Sunblock or Sunscreen is not recommended for children under 6 months of age.

When shopping for a sunblock or sunscreen, read the label. Most sun protective lotions contain both zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as well as avobenzone of some kind. There are very few brands that manufacture SUNBLOCK that contains only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. In addition, you might want to consult the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen guide here. In general, when choosing a sun protective lotion be sure that it’s BROAD SPECTRUM (means that it contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide). Ensure that it’s has at least a sun protection factor SPF 30. The SPF rating indicates how long a sun protection lotion will remain effective on the skin.  This is not the same for everyone. For example, if you normally develop a sunburn within 10 minutes of sun exposure, than a SPF 30 will provide you protection for 300 minutes (simply multiply 10 x 30). Due to contact with water, including perspiration (sweating), it is recommended to apply 15 minutes prior to sun exposure as well as to reapply every two hours. In general spray lotions and gels are least oily, but wash off more easily and need to be applied more frequently.

I’m still experimenting with sunblock and sunscreen myself, so I do not have a product that I prefer yet. I applied Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby sunscreen to Levi’s face, ears, and arms a couple weeks ago and his skin became really inflamed. So I searched for a pure SUNBLOCK, which is quite a challenge. Right now I’m using Trukid Sunny Days SPF 30 face stick on Levi.  It has a slight citrus smell to it and needs a little rub after application, but doesn’t seem to irritate his skin. I know there are other brands that make pure SUNBLOCK, but the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is often micronized.  Research on nanoparticle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is not conclusive, but some research shows micronized forms of these minerals pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Why micronized? Apparently, micronized (smaller particules) of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide goes on the skin easier, leaving no obvious sign of “sunblock” on the skin. To me this is similar to flame retardants in children’s sleep wear. If your child comes in contact with fire, the flame-resistant sleep wear is not going to protect them from burns so why add these potentially harmful chemicals to our children’s clothing? It really doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. We use sunblock to protect our skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB light. Why put something on the skin that might potentially cause ill effects just as severe as sunburn or cancer? Duh.

For more info on Sun Safety here, here, here.

Remember the fun colorful sunblock of the late 1980′s and early 1990′s?

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My decision to vaccinate.

Posted on March 12, 2012 by MamaRN

As a healthcare professional, I believe vaccinations are important for at risk age groups (young and elderly). As a parent, I understand that only a parent can know what is best for their child. If there is something I can do to prevent or reduce Levi’s risk of developing complications from illness, it is to vaccinate. As an educated mom and health professional, I do not have any compelling reason not to vaccinate Levi.

I’m not concerned with additives in vaccines for a number of reasons.  Since 2001, vaccines no longer contain Thimersal. The levels of mercury, aluminum, and formaldhyde contained in vaccines are likely to be harmless based on years of valid research and use in humans. In fact, all of the necessary components of a vaccine occur at higher levels within our environment. For example Aluminum is found in breast milk and milk of other mammals. Detectable amounts of formaldehyde are also found within human circulation. Assuming an average weight of a 2-month-old of 5 kg and an average blood volume of 85 mL/kg, the total quantity of formaldehyde found naturally in an infant’s circulation would be approximately 1.1 mg—a value at least 10-fold greater than that contained in any individual vaccine.

Of course, there is always the risk of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to a component or components of a vaccination.  If your child has a known sensitivity to a component of a vaccine, talk with your physician. The risk of complications from an allergic reaction may outweigh the benefit of the vaccine, but this is not common.

So the risks assumed by vaccination are minimal. The benefits of vaccination are much greater. For example, Whooping cough can be fatal or near fatal to infants. Infants do not receive the first DTaP vaccine until late infancy. Therefore, infants exposed to other children (SIBLINGS, group childcare or school) are at much greater risk.  If you choose to delay vaccination of your infant, I would recommend to ensure your older child is vaccinated. Did I mention whooping cough can last up to 3 months in children? Premies or infants with smaller and more reactive airways are at an even greater risk of complications and death from pertusis. I mention whooping cough because it is moving through the Charlottesville community now, but other illnesses such as Hib pose great risk to your infant and young child as well.

Everyday parents have to make choices regarding their child’s health and safety. Some of us may worry about our decisions, some of us are more confident, but we are all doing what we believe is best. As a nurse, I have cared for children with pertusis and a child with Hib bacterial meningitis. At the end of the day, I know I’ve made the right decision to vaccinate my child.

 

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All in the wash.

Posted on March 7, 2012 by MamaRN

It’s wash day, which occurs about 2-3 times a week. Not just clothes, but Levi’s cloth. I mostly wash in baking soda and white vinegar, but about once a week I use Rockin’ Green Diaper detergent. I actually took these photos for a fellow RN friend’s project for Midwifery school. It’s definitely more challenging to get clear photos of Levi these days as he is ALWAYS on the move.

We have about 26 diapers in all. All diapers are pocket and one size (adjustable). We have 12 Bum Genius one size pocket diapers. The other 14 consists of Evo Ion, Fuzzibunz, Babykicks, and Charlie Banana. I go back and forth on my favorites, based on how they seem to fit Levi during his various stages of growth. Overall, they are all good diapers.  What makes them better are snaps and the inserts. Heavy wetters (Levi) need more absorbant material like diaper doublers or hemp inserts. I really like Cottonbabies one-size insert sock, which is basically a “pillowcase” for your insert. Why?  Cottonbabies insert socks keeps Levi’s skin drier and keeps my inserts in better shape (fewer stains). Since cloth is an initial financial investment, I hope to keep the diapers and inserts in good shape to be used again, again, and again. I also use cloth wipes soaked in filtered water (chlorine free) and a couple drops of tea tree oil. These stay warm in the wipes warmer until ready for use.  I’ve noticed a huge improvement in Levi’s skin when I use cloth. I no longer use cloth fulltime though, due to daycare and traveling. During the in between time, we use Nature Babycare disposable diapers.

 

 

 

 

 

I recently purchased some Charlie Banana and Fuzzibunz training/swim diapers for Levi.  The Fuzzibunz diapers have humorous graphics on the “butt” of the diaper, such as “No Dumping.” Love it.

While I’m doing product reviews, I want to share my piece on humidifiers.  At first, I liked the no filter Vicks cool mist humidifier.  However, when I started using it 24/7 during Levi’s multiple upper respiratory infections, it grew mildew that required nearly daily cleaning with bleach solution.  Obviously, I do not have time for this chore.  Furthermore, the filterless is impossible to clean, due to all its crevices. After a couple weeks of 24/7 use, I also noticed a white dust on every surface of Levi’s room. This dust is  a mineral deposit that occurs with continuous use of filterless or cool mist impeller humidifiers. I was even using distilled water at the time. Fortunately, I had an older Bionaire evaporative cool moisture humidifier (with replaceable filter) that does not create white dust or require frequent cleaning of the WHOLE unit. Instead, I replace the filters about every 3-4 weeks of continuous use (I also use Protec antimicrobial cartridges in the tanks). I thought I would save cost by purchasing the Vicks filterless by not having to purchase filters. However, the amount of work it created was not worth my time or money. I suggest checking out the EPA’s site before purchasing a humidifier.

After 2 weeks of being well, Levi developed another cold virus. I’m hoping it doesn’t go to his ears or lungs this time. I still seem to have some residual viral pink eye as does Jamie and Levi.  A toddler can really infect your household! Snot fun. I’m looking forward to well days ahead.

Wishing Levi was still breastfed. He managed nearly 10 months without illness (9 1/2 months exclusively breastfed).

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Adenovirus Yuck?

Posted on March 1, 2012 by MamaRN

 

At work this weekend, I collected a lot of poop. This is not entirely unusual. Testing for adenovirus enteritis in two of my four specimens is not usual. It’s going around folks.

Adenoviruses most commonly cause colds symptoms that often morph into pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis.  Depending on the type (there are greater than 50 identified types), adenoviruses can cause gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis as well.  In other words, this bug can give you “guts and butts” and viral pink eye.  The latter is my latest ailment.

Like any cold virus, an adenovirus is transmitted by direct contact and droplet contamination.  Coughing and sneezing can project droplets containing the virus into the air or onto objects.  It can also occur through ingestion of contaminated fecal material due to poor hand washing.  Once exposed to the adenovirus, it can take between 2 days and 2 weeks for symptoms to appear.  Most adenovirus symptoms last from a few days to 1 week. Some adenoviruses can also cause diarrhea that lasts up to 2 weeks.  Yuck.

In young children, illness is inevitable. Since Levi started daycare early January, he has has missed 3 weeks of daycare due to illness. It’s my hope that he will acquire active immunity to most things by the time he enters Kindergarten.

To reduce the risk of infection or severe complications from adenovirus, the Virginia Department of Health recommends:

  • Stay up-to-date with vaccines. This is especially true for children as an adenovirus can be severe in young children causing upper and lower airway obstruction as well as lung tissue disease (pneumonia).
  • Wash hands, especially after contact with stool (diaper changes).
  • Maintain good nutrition – eat a balanced diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Stress can effect your immune response. Try to de-stress.
  • Breastfeeding transfers protective antibodies through milk. Continue to breastfeed your baby even during illness.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze – dispose of used tissues in the trash or toilet
  • Use heat or dilute bleach (sodium hypochlorite) to inactivate the virus. I’m not a huge fan of bleach, but no bug can survive it’s wrath.

The Virginia Department of Health’s link for more information.

 

 

 

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Catching Up

Posted on December 13, 2011 by MamaRN

 

Do you ever really catch up?  Surely, you do not get ahead.  Before Mommahood, you would never catch me doing anything last minute.  Most of the time, I was ahead of schedule.  What’s changed?  Well, on top of my usual activities, I now care for a young child 24/7.  This means ensuring he eats three nutritious meals, 2 snacks, and has plenty to drink per day.  This means changing 6 diapers a day.  This also means providing entertainment (for his sanity and mine).  Since September, it’s meant caring for a child with a virus about every two weeks…what gives?  I love this “work”, caring for a little being.  It’s work because of the amount of effort I put into it.  Somedays it requires more effort than others.  I wouldn’t trade this time with my son for any job.

The last few months have required more effort on my part.  Mainly, I have not been well myself.  I’ve been plagued with frequent heart palpitations and runs of sinus tachycardia for no apparent reason.  It’s not caffeine.  It started in the fall of 2009, a couple months after Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  However, it was only severe once in December 2009.  I became pregnant in March 2010 and the palpitations disappeared and my chronic Lyme symptoms subsided until July 2011.  I had been breastfeeding my son for nearly eight months at this point.  Suddenly, I had recurrent/persistent yeast infections of the breast.  My child was also infected multiple times despite treatment.  During this time, I noticed some of my usual Lyme symptoms reappeared.  By late August, the severe heart palpitations and tachycardia returned as well.  Of note, I started menstruating again in August.  I note this because I now think (hope) that the palpitations and tachycardia are hormonal.  The time I started experiencing palpitations in 2009 coincides with the time I quit taking birth control.  Logically, I started myself back on the same birth control pill in hopes of curing the palpitations.  I’m crossing my fingers.  If this doesn’t work, I might be talking to Dr. Zakib about an ablation, which is almost as high on my DO NOT WANT TO DO list as valve replacement surgery.  Yes, I also have moderate pulmonic regurgitation as well as mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.  The Cardiologist doesn’t think this is related to the palpitations and tachycardia though.  The thought behind  the origin of the valve malfunction is my history of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  No one gets valve replacement surgery until their life depends on it.  It’s not taken lightly and requires one to be on blood thinners the rest of their life.  Just goes to show how something seemingly benign as a tick bite can metastasize into a chronic illness affecting the entire body.  Of other interesting news, my thousands of $$$$ lab work came back negative for Lyme.  In 2007, a western blot had me positive for Lyme (highly probable).  Now negative.  A CD57 (this test cost $2,000) was also negative for chronic Lyme.  What does this mean?  Who the hell knows.  I can’t explain it with my limited knowledge of immunology.  The one thing I did take away from these results is the fact that it would be extremely unlikely that the illness was passed in-vitro to my son.  This has given me a lot of peace.  Nevertheless, I doubt that I’m cured.  My symptoms that I have always associated with Lyme still wax and wane.  My guess is it’s hiding elsewhere.  Since most of my symptoms are neurologic in nature, that would be my guess as to where.  Still my Lyme symptoms are more annoying than problematic (numbness, tingling, vision disturbances, arthritis, headaches).  The issue/s with my heart is not only worrisome, but limits my physical activity.

However, I didn’t let it keep me from throwing a BIG BASH for Levi’s 1st Birthday.  It was important to me and it was a success.  Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for really helping me pull it together on time in the kitchen.  Thanks to my parents and grandmother for helping me with decorations and set-up.  Thanks to my fiancee, Jamie, for supporting my party idea to the end.  I couldn’t have pulled it off without their help or at least not without a trip to the ED for a syncopal episode.

Many thanks and love.

By the way, in lieu of gifts, Levi’s guests contributed $195.00 and 10 different toys to Trevor’s Treasures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thankful

Posted on November 16, 2011 by MamaRN
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Sharing good food with family and friends.  Gifts are those of labor and love,  not material possessions.  I also love the traditional events surrounding Thanksgiving.  I’m talking about the Keswick Blessing of the Hounds at Grace Episcopal Church, The Boar’s Head Turkey Trot, and The Thanksgiving Day Parade.  As of last year, I have another reason to celebrate and give thanks.  My son, Levi, was born at 4am November 26.
While Levi missed being born on Thanksgiving last year by 4 hours, I still consider him my little turkey…who is not so little anymore.  He’s a full grown turkey, weighing in at 26 lbs.  I’ve been reflecting on his last year as his first birthday approaches.  I can’t believe how tiny he was at birth (6 lbs 12 oz).

11-26-2010

This year our Thanksgiving Day plan is to share our meal with my Dad’s large family in Richmond, Va (Aunt Debbie and Uncle Henry’s home).  I will not be participating in the annual Turkey Trot again this year due to health reasons, but miss the tradition of a cold morning run prior to consuming large amounts of savory food.

In the past, Jamie and I have held a second Thanksgiving feast at our home for nearby friends.  This is probably the event of the season, in my opinion.  I have entertaining videos from past post feast games.  The game “Things” is our traditional favorite, yet not complete without key friends.  This year we are hosting the largest Thanksgiving Party held to date.  Really, it’s because Levi has more friends than us.  The idea is to celebrate Levi’s birthday and give thanks with close family and friends in the intimate setting of our backyard.  I’m pitching a heated tent for dining, stringing hundreds of photos under the tent, hanging chinese lanterns, and preparing a large amount of savory food…with a little help from Whole Foods ;)  In lieu of  birthday gifts, Levi is holding a new toy drive for our friend Trevor’s organization, Trevor’s Treasures.  Please consider making a donation online to support Trevor’s cause.  Trevor is a former Hematology/Oncology patient of mine when I worked at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.

Levi's Invite

 

I’m looking forward to the days ahead and thankful I have people I love to share them.

 

 

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Crouping.

Posted on September 28, 2011 by MamaRN
Again, it’s been awhile since the last post.  We’ve been in the weeds.  Monsoon season is not helping and mowing is no where near the top of my list.  It’s a good thing we do not belong to a home owner’s association.

Snotty

After several sick contact exposures, followed by a runny nose, Levi’s virus began to morph just as we arrived in Winston-Salem, NC to visit my friend Stefanie and her family.  Figures.  I was hoping to bring cheer to my good friend, but instead brought a nasty virus.  It seems, Levi’s cousins also acquired a similar illness, after being exposed to Levi days earlier.  Anyways, our visit was cut short.  I packed the car and drove through the night to get Levi home.  It was a miserable drive and even more miserable night.  His spiked a fever of 102.  His inspiratory stridor was obvious at rest and cough resembled that of a seal bark.  I’ve cared for children hospitalized with croup countless times.  Why does it make me so nervous?  Thoughts of the worst case scenarios run through my head.  I feel helpless without the comforts of a hospital.  What will make me more comfortable?  How about pulse oximetry and steroids.  Well, I took Levi to the pediatrician Wednesday for a dose of oral dexamethasone.  It helped him sleep more comfortably Wednesday night, but Thursday night was worse and Friday was the worst.  Levi was unable to lie down, let alone fall asleep.  At this point, Levi and I haven’t slept but a few hours all week.  How is he supposed to get well if he can’t sleep?  I drove him to Martha Jefferson ED for racemic epinephrine and another oral dose of dexamethasone.  Levi became worse before he became better.  I had to peel him off the ceiling after the neb.  It wasn’t until two hours later, Levi was finally able to calm down enough to attempt sleep.  I knew about this side effect, but I also knew he needed quick relief.  The oral steroids take around 6 hours to work.  Did I mention I had to work in the morning?  Needless to say, I went in late.  I had to take Levi to the pediatrician Saturday at 9am for more oral steroids.   Anyways, we are all breathing easier these days.  Levi finished his course of oral prednisone.  I’m still keeping him away from other children until the snot and loose cough subside.  We’ve been bored since Monday.  The rain has also been keeping us from our long walks.

visiting with the Bates

Ronan's toys!

(the photos were taken with my iPhone, which explains the quality)
Here’s some tips for preventing and managing viral infections.
Prevention:
  • Wash hands
  • Keep hands away from face (entry points are eyes, nose, and mouth)
  •  Gargle with salt water and netti pot at onset of probable cold symptoms.

Treatment:

  • Again gargle with salt water and netti pot.
  • Use a cool mist humidifier.  Warm mist humidifiers are NOT more effective…unless you have a tent.  Steamy showers are helpful.  Be sure to keep humidifier clean (we use Vicks filterless with protec to keep things clean longer).
  • Over-the-counter decongestants can actually make symptoms WORSE if used more than 3 days.
  • Vicks VaporRub doesn’t relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub tricks your brain. As a result, you feel like you’re breathing through an unclogged nose. By contrast, decongestant tablets and nasal sprays sold over-the-counter appear to narrow blood vessels in the lining of your nose, leading to reduced swelling in your nasal passages.  VapoRub has drawbacks other than its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. It’s unsafe for any use in children under 2 years of age.  Swallowing a few teaspoons of camphor, one of the main ingredients in VapoRub and other topical medications, such as Campho-Phenique and Bengay, can cause fatal poisoning in toddlers. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. That’s why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils, particularly a small child’s nostrils. Finally, if VapoRub gets in your eye, it can injure your cornea.
  • I recommend use of NoseFrida Snotsucker for infants and young children…use warm saline to moisten nares prior to use.
  • Elevate head of bed.
  • Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C.  If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
  • Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.   Stay hydrated.
  • Keep infants away from sick contacts.  Cold and flu viruses can cause Croup in young children due to their small airways.  Croup is diagnosed based on inspiratory stridor and a barking cough.  Croup increases the severity of a cold/flu virus, making young children work harder to breathe.

 

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Revelations

Posted on September 11, 2011 by MamaRN

Ever feel as if you’re life is suddenly about to change?  It’s been creeping up on me.  Any day now, it will make its presence known.  I’ve been here before.

Regardless of whether the test results demonstrate any active illness, I still feel a sense of impending “doom”.  I will not only have to fight the existing war inside me, but also the political debate that surrounds tick borne disease.  Perhaps Borrelia’s (bacteria that causes Lyme) key to success is its ability to have outside diversion.  I still do not understand why the medical community has drawn sides on this issue.  Is it because they cannot “see” it?  Whatever happened to believing in things you cannot see?  How does long-term antibiotic treatment outweigh the risk of disability and death from complications of a disease?  How can you draw conclusions based on limited information?

I know I’m not well.  Reflecting on the last 3-ish months as well as my current state helps me draw this conclusion.  First, the heart palpitations from 2009 reappeared.  Then new symptoms emerged, including: chest pain, generalized weakness, and arthritic pain.  Weeks later, the headaches and vision disturbances of 2007 returned.  Most recently, I developed neck stiffness and pain that seems to be associated with the headaches.  Maybe only a sign of a weakened immune system, but I’ve just completed my third Diflucan prescription for persistent yeast infection of the breasts.  I decided to stop breastfeeding my 9 month old infant, with much lament.

Levi’s last breastfeed was Thursday night.  He has been irritable and sleepless.  Although, I can’t say he ever slept well. Things seem to be “drying up”.  I’ve been extending the time between pumping and the volume seems to be tapering off as well.  I think we both miss our momma and baby time.

Recently, I found this blog.  Reading this makes me think I should have had Levi’s cord blood tested.  I never had any symptoms during pregnancy.  Call me naive, but I figured I was finally getting over the residual symptoms from “probable” Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever (2009) and “probable” Lyme (2007).  After reading journal articles as well as guidelines published by tick borne disease specialists, I discovered hormonal changes during pregnancy could mask many of the symptoms.  Further more, Lyme CAN cross the placental barrier.  And while less likely, Lyme CAN pass in breast milk.  I could list a number of sources here, but I think Joseph Burrascano, Jr. M.D.’s paper on Advance Topics in Lyme Disease explains is a good start.  It makes perfect sense to me, if the spirochete that causes Lyme is so similar to the spirochete that causes Syphilis, then why can it not be transmitted in the same way?  Just because it’s primarily vector borne?  Our knowledge of bacteria is largely based on experiments with cultures.  It is a known fact that culturing the spirochete that causes Lyme is difficult.  I feel our inability to culture and detect the presence of the spirochete results in applying limited information to the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme.  I’m still sick. I know I have not been re-infected.  Despite treatment in the past for probable tick borne illness, I still have waxing and waning symptoms.

I went to my PCP Tuesday to discuss my current symptoms and concerns.  I found my current PCP in July 2009 after developing an acute onset of high fevers, headaches, and body aches.  I literally called the Martha Jefferson physician referral for the closest PCP in my area.  I have never had fevers higher than 101.  My temperature was 105-106 for nearly 48 hours.  I felt like death.  I relocated to Charlottesville in January 2008 and had no reason to even see a physician, until that fateful Monday in July 2009.  I’ve kept him, but realize this may go beyond his realm of practice.

My recent PCP visit also helped me realize that my medical history is complicated and emotional for me to relay to anyone.  As a result, I’m currently in the process of developing a written time line of my medical history.  I wish I had taken better care of getting copies of all my 2007 lab work, etc., but it wasn’t a priority of mine at the time.

Labs were drawn and possibility of tick borne related illness discussed.  I return Sept. 16th for lab results.  Funny, I’ve been feeling better since Tuesday.  I’m not complaining.  I would love to wake up from this nightmare.

In the meantime, I’ve started myself on a supplement regimen that is outlined in Burrascano’s guidelines for treating Lyme.  I’m taking Pharmanex LifePak Women Formula (5 capsules twice daily), B-Complex vitamin daily, 400mg Co Q10 daily, 200mg Alpha Lipoic Acid daily, and 7 Meq Mag-Tab SR daily.  It’s official, I’m taking old folks meds.  I’m also following the diet prescribed: high in protein and fiber, low in carbohydrates and fat.  Easy enough since my diet already includes lots of veggies, whole grains, and protein.  I just need to cut the simple carbs entirely.  Bye, Bye ice cream.  Hello, green tea.  I always preferred black teas to green teas, but this find is really palatable: Zhena’s Gypsy Coconut Chai Green Tea.

Sigh.  It’s going to be okay, right?

 

 

 

 

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