My daughter is expecting twins and her pediatrician has recommended quite strongly that all grandparents get the DTaP booster vaccine for Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Diptheria.
Yikes, the babies are due at the end of the week, which gives me almost no time in case I have a Lyme flare from the vaccine. I have to travel to California on Saturday for the arrival of the babies.
Suggestions? Has anyone had the booster and what were the results?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Many variables here such as when your last one might have been. Can you determine the date of that?
You may not need a booster.
I don't know about the other two but tetanus shots last 30 years, yes, 30 years, not the ten that used to be what we were told.
Tetanus is not something that you would likely pass to a baby, anyway. As for whooping cough, I do understand the concern for that.
Do you have a LLMD as this is really a question that your LLMD should be consulted about, someone who knows extremely well your case history, how your body is doing, whether your immune system could - or may not - be able to handle this.
Just for starters.
[I usually do not like reporting on my own experiences for various reasons. However, the last tetanus shot I got caused severe neurological symptoms for me that have never resolved. I do not know if it was a combination shot.
I know that others who have neuro-lyme have had trouble with tetanus shots as well. The only reason I mention this is not to scare you but to make you aware that it is a possibility. And that's why I really hope you ask advice from a good LLMD who really knows you well.
If you do get the shot . . . for a while afterward, avoid being the main "holder" for any baby in case you have muscle weakness.]
Another question I would have is about flying and then meeting a new baby within a certain time frame. Flying exposes anyone to all kinds of things. A new baby will not have time to develop much of an immune system.
Twins are often a little smaller and sometimes a little early so their little systems may be more fragile.
I know you want to be right there for the new baby but there are questions about flight, travel, your immunity and when it would be safe to physically be with the baby. Would it be a day, a few days?
Do you have things like elderberry and key homeopathics for your own wellness kit? Key antimicrobial herbs to help keep yourself well such as allicin or olive leaf extract, andrographis or berberine?
Hopefully, you do have an LLMD whom you could at least call about all this. -
[ 10-18-2017, 01:52 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Whooping cough, the most important one is not mentioned here.
-----
Changes being recommended to the adult tetanus / diphtheria booster schedule to every 30 years.
Adults don’t need to get tetanus shots every 10 years
because the antibodies last longer than previously thought, according to a study conducted by Oregon Health and Science University.
The researchers found that tetanus and diphtheria boosters every 30 years are adequate. And if this change were to occur, it could save millions in health care costs in America each year.
The findings published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases Journal recommend that the current adult vaccination schedule should be revised (study below) . . . .
. . . Other countries, including the United Kingdom, do not recommend any adult booster shots. . . .
Durability of Vaccine-Induced Immunity Against Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxins: A Cross-sectional Analysis - February 3, 2016.
Excerpt:
. . . Conclusions. These studies demonstrate that durable levels of protective antitoxin immunity exist in the majority of vaccinated individuals.
Together, this suggests that it may no longer be necessary to administer booster vaccinations every 10 years and that the current adult vaccination schedule for tetanus and diphtheria should be revisited.
[Full abstract at link above.] -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Again, certainly doing all we can to prevent whooping cough is vital.
And it may be that all visitors to the baby floor at hospital might be required to have current coverage against whooping cough.
Hopefully, your last one might still be active - or if your LLMD suggests you should not take it, supply you with some kind of proper phrase to explain to others who might be in positions of authority.
Still, since your body is at some risk due to your immune system dysfunction (that just goes with having chronic lyme) . . . it's not such an easy matter.
There are also some ideas here for things to do to mitigate possible reactions to the additives so that if you do have a vaccine, you can be as prepared as possible.
Getting good rest matters, too and the best nutrition for yourself at each step. I think downing some carrot & ginger juice is always a good idea.
Best of luck as you figure this out and make your decisions . . . and travel and have your whole family welcome two new members. Take care.
VACCINE LINKS set - Ingredients in Vaccines - for consideration -
Posted by daphnesmom1 (Member # 39433) on :
thanks Keebler! I consulted my LLMD and his advice was it might "rock my world" and therefore wouldn't advise it.
I haven't had a booster in a very long time....more than 30 years.
This is going to get more difficult as I get older, with the different vaccinations which are offered for people over 65.
What do we as Lyme patients do about all of this....? the shingles vaccine,pneumonia etc?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I am so glad that you consulted your LLMD. Now that you have that advice I feel some relief.
Your doctor is the best person to ask since he knows full well all your individual considerations. And it seems that you had an instinct for yourself about this, too.
Will your daughter be okay with this? Hopefully she will understand the complexities of your health.
Will she or those in your circle just not make this a big deal? It's really no one else's business and between your daughter and yourself, between you and your doctor.
Will she even just keep this between the two of you? Still, be prepared when you are on hospital grounds to be approached about this.
For myself, based upon past vaccine reactions - and damage (yes, damage - that is when the seizures started and they've never stopped) that I could never chance that again. I am clear in that but not great if challenged.
It's important to have one's "statement" ready for it may be sprung on us in surprise, even in conversation that is not even of a medical tone.
This is not about a blanket statement for all - but in your case, this is the decision.
It has to be a short, clear, neutral tone but firm statement that
"my doctor had made it very clear due to my medical conditions, that I should not receive any vaccines" . . . "there are different approaches that I do take, however, to support my health."
If you want to have at the ready "immune dysfunction" as past of your medical condition, that might help but then some may think you would be a walking danger to the world.
Not sure how to make it clear that your medical condition is no risk to anyone else.
if challenged as to why "Maybe best not to get into all that as it's very complex. My doctor is quite clear, however" and then move on.
Something like that - but it's important not to become a sitting duck, so to speak. On one hand, you should not have to offer to anyone else, especially strangers even if in a medical building, WHY you make any medical decisions.
A nod and short "thanks for the concern." might suffice and it's a neutral statement. Or say, "I find it best to always follow my doctor's advice for my overall treatment."
or "I take all kinds of precautions" . . . then blow them away with the toilet flushing airborne stuff and ask if they've considered that, eh?
Clearly, I don't have the perfect sentence response. I get all stressed out with any confrontations. But to try to explain this to most people who don't know you just won't work.
Do not open yourself up for others' judgment on this matter. It's a decision between you & your doctor.
Aside from that issue, ways anyone can help guard during particularly crowded or stressful travels:
You might also have some masks for airplane travel, etc.
Try to avoid public toilets AS flushing occurs. that's hard but the airborne particles can be rough for anyone. If you have a chance, just wait outside until it's less busy.
At home, in others' homes, it's good that everyone close the toilet seat BEFORE flushing.
And, be mindful that hand towels often hung on a low oven door can have people brushing up against those. Best that hand towels are keep away from clothing contact.
Elderberry extract & LDM-100 / Lomatium have been essential for me at the first sign of anything.
[ 10-18-2017, 05:45 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
I got the booster before the birth of one of my daughters. Had no issues with a Lyme flare, etc.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Please please please get this vaccine!
These twins will be extra vulnerable to any infection. Everyone that will be in contact with them must get it. Those that refuse will put the twins lives at risk.
Adults often think that they are falling ill with allergies or a cold at first, unknowingly passing pertussis on to their babies or younger children.
Pertussis alone is fatal for young ones.
They cough so bad that they can't breathe. They choke & die. It's a horrible death.
Antibiotics are not effective.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
The vaccines for DaPT for both children & adults have been updated.
So those of you that had reactions in the past should not have reactions to the new ones.
Example, My sister had a severe reaction to DaPT previously. She had no problem with the new booster Tdap.
My nieces & nephews have not had a problem with this vaccine either. (She also had a set of twins this past February).
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
From someone verified positive Lyme. I did not have a problem when I got the booster for the Tdap vaccine.
If people have a strong immune system, it will react quickly to build immunity to the given vaccine. So you will expect to see fever, body aches, & fatigue for about 12 hours.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
When you travel, wear a mask. You can get a box cheap at CVS, etc...
People are rude, they cough & sneeze directly on you! No apologies! The mask will at least give you a fighting chance at staying well when exposed to viruses during travel.
Also, get some hand sanitizer wipes. I like the "Wet Ones" brand. They work well & don't dry or hurt my sensitive eczema prone hands.
Use the wipes to clean your hands frequently. Especially before eating or drinking or taking meds...
And don't touch your face! That's super hard to do but a good thing to learn.
And just try to find a toilet that's been flushed & not overflowing! You have to use the toilet when traveling far.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Remember to hydrate really well before your trip. You will feel so so sooooo much better if you do so. Travel is very dehydrating.
And try not to worry! Pretty much everything is replaceable. All you really need to remember is your medicine & the rest can be picked up at Walmart...
Stress makes us feel worse. It's hard to avoid but we can try.
You will have a most wonderful time spoiling those adorable little twin babies! So enjoy every minute
Then tell us all about them!
(I'm so excited & happy for you! Can you tell?)
Posted by daphnesmom1 (Member # 39433) on :
Its a very exciting time, and I ended up not going to California because I came down with a cold 2 days before I was scheduled to fly. So I couldn't get the vaccine anyway, while being sick.
My daughter has lived in California for 10 years and I have my travel protection kit down to a science.
I take a package of disinfecting wipes and wipe down EVERYTHING on or around my seat...seat, arms of seat, seat belt, seat belt buckle and tray. I also offer a wipe to anyone sitting around me (even on the other side of the aisle) and if they don't want to wipe down their space...I offer do it for them with gloves on. I wear a mask while doing this and basically don't care what they think.
I never touch my face. I will wear a mask most of the time and if I feel suffocated by it because its such a long flight, I will wrap a scarf around my face. I turn the overhead air stream nozzle over my head on the highest it will go to keep air circulating past me. (I was told to do this by a flight attendant once when I told her about my suppressed immune system).
I am conscious not to touch anything, and if I have a drink handed to me by a flight attendant, I only handle it with a disinfecting wipe in my hand and I use hand sanitizer about 10 to 15 times throughout the flight. I try to keep my trips to the bathroom down to 2 if possible.....Flying port a potties that they are. Always wear my mask, and sing "Happy Birthday To Me" to myself all the way through when washing my hands to be sure I got enough washing. I only flush with my foot, and lock and unlock the door with a wipe in my hand, and then completely disinfect my hands when I get back to my seat. I always have enough hand sanitizer to offer constantly to the people around me, and extra masks. I have even gone so far as to ask people if they are sick when I sit down, and asked to be moved if I even get a hint they might be.
Regarding water.....after going through security I generally buy the biggest bottle of water I can afford or on Jet Blue they offer free water bottle so I stock up and am drinking constantly. Again only holding the bottle with a wipe wrapped around it.
I try to fly business class or Even More Space seats on Jetblue because they offer more room between passengers. Wish I could afford to fly first class but I can't.
I have learned the hard way that airplanes are the absolute worst places but I have no choice unless I sprout wings and learn to fly on my own, at some point.
Our twin boys were born Friday night; Both 6.5 pounds. Just beautiful littlebundles of joy! Mom and babies are doing fine.
I am currently trying to get myself better so I can go out in a week or so.
Posted by Brussels (Member # 13480) on :
What a crazy story.
I've never heard about that here in Europe (about parents or grandparents having to get a jab for grandchildren...)
Anyway, it sounds like an American fad.
I hope that won't be exported here too soon.
Many mothers here still breastfeed their babies in public cafes or public spaces.
Really, I never heard such a story.
People are still afraid of pathogens, while what is making us sick, in my opinion, is much more than pathogens - such as chemicals present in food, vaccines, cosmetics, cleaning products, water....
Posted by Badtick (Member # 9794) on :
I got this vaccine 15 months ago. I was in remission from lyme at the time. Within a week everything came back with a severity I can't describe. Taking that shot was quite literally the worst thing to ever happen to me.
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