Another new member

[Guest guest]

Hi Liane,

It's nice to have you here with us. I'm sure that you will find many of

the topics interesting and helpful. The Stills list is another wonderful

resource but here it is all mainly relating to childhood stills and the

other forms of JRA. Whenever you have any questions, feel free to ask

them. There are many here who have probably faced the same issues and

may have some helpful advice.

I understand your worries about Fraser decreasing his meds. My son Josh

has had a hard time trying to lower his dose of prednisone, as it often

causes more than just breakthrough pains for him. Many times, it has

brought on systemic features that were dormany for a time and started up

flares. We've had to double up again, just to get him stable and back

where we started from. This is his 3rd week on 17.5/20mgs on alternating

days. He couldn't handle a straight drop from 20mgs down to 17.5 yet, it

seems. Usually, the more gradually it's done, the more successful the

outcome. I'm hopeful that we can continue dropping slowly throughout

this year, as he's been taking steroids for nearly 5 years continuously,

since he first got Stills.

Take care,

Georgina

> Glenn Stroud wrote:

>

> From: " Glenn Stroud " <G.Stroud@...>

>

> Hi Everyone

>

> I have been directed to this forum by another and have been following

> it for a few days. My name is Liane, I live in South Wales, UK and

> have 3 children, Grant aged 4, Cameron aged 2 and Fraser aged 10

> months. Fraser has been diagnosed with Systemic JRA. Just before

> Xmas he became very ill, with a high temp that I couldn't bring down,

> I thought he was just coming down with another 'viral' infection that

> he seemed prone to catch. However after a month in 3 different

> hospitals he was diagnosed with JRA. Having now read up on the subject

> he had classic symptons of systemic JRA, anaemia, swinging temps (from

> 34 to 41 degrees), enlarged liver and spleen, fluid around his heart

> and lungs etc. The Drs were very concerned about his heart at one

> stage as he has a heart murmur as well and sometimes when he could not

> cope with the temp swings he would need oxygen and his heart would

> beat at around 220 beats per minute. Fraser didn't like being moved

> at first, but would just like to sleep in his Mum's arms and not

> anyone else, very tiring especially when you have 2 others vying for

> your attention. Anyway all the bad stuff is over, we now have it

> under control with ibuprofen and prednisone, he also takes rinitidine

> to help stop the ibuprofen from irritating his stomach too much. He

> is also now lactose intolerant because of a bug he picked up in the

> hospital!! but hopefully this is not permanent. We are going to see

> our rheumatologist on Weds 10 Feb, and he is hoping to start weaning

> Fraser off the prednisone. I'm just worried about when they start to

> wean him off the Ibuprofen as when they did that last time (just after

> he started the steroids) he went straight back down again.

>

> Anyway, thanks for listening, I think this is a very valuable site, as

> you always think you are the only ones but it is good to know people

> understand what I am going through although it saddens me so many

> children are affected.

>

> Best wishes to everyone

>

> Liane

> g.stroud@...

[Guest guest]

Hi Oliver

Good news today. Our Rheumatologist has decided to to cut out one of Fraser's

doses of Pred and he doesn't want to see us for 2 weeks. The hospital wanted to

check his urine, as while he was in hospital protein was present, we waited at

the hospital for over an hour with a bag on Fraser but he wouldn't go to order.

I now have to try to get a specimen tomorrow.

When we were at our local hospital, Royal Gwent, they contacted GOSH about

Fraser as they didn't have a clue what was wrong with him and GOSH suggested JRA

and that they would see Fraser after they had eliminated everything else.

Unfortunately wer were transferred to 2 other hospitals for specialised test and

at the one, University Hospital Wales in Cardiff he was seen by opur

Rheumatologist who wanted to keep Fraser. Although this Dr does not specialise

in Paeds he does have other Paeds patients, I am going to give him 6 months then

if I am not happy I will ask to be transferred to GOSH. My health visitor has

also suggested this. Our Rhemy doesn't like to give me too much information and

has frowned at my telling him I have trawled the net, as he keeps telling me

that this is probably a one off for Fraser, but he has never seen a case of JRA

in a child so young and was quite surprised when he did not first respond to a

high dose of pred. Like I said I will give hime 6 months.

Thanks for the information, its great to know there is someone who has also

dealt with systemic in this country and dealt with the NHS etc.

On a not so good note, Fraser failed his hearing test again today, and is being

referred to a specialist for that and he received and appointment to see a

cardiologist. If it's not one appointment it's another.

I'm glad Damien's JRA is under control at present.

Best wishes to you all.

Liane.

re : Another new member

From: " Oliver Skudder " <oskudder@...>

Liane,

Your situation with Fraser's JRA sounds quite similar to ours. My son Damien

was finally diagnosed with systemic JRA slightly later than Fraser, at about 12

mths, but his symptoms began at 9 months so I completely understand how you feel

and what you are going through. However, the point of my email is to say that we

were able to wean Damien off prednisolone after many years of trying (reduce the

dose, flare, hospitalisation, raise dose etc etc). He was prescribed

methotrexate at around 3 years, and after approx. 8 mths of adjustments, the

correct MTX dose and delivery method (injection) was found. Then we were

successful in gradually reducing and eventually completely stopping the daily

prednisolone, and he has been off it for over a year now. His JRA is under

control and he has not had a major flare for a long time.

I don't know whether you are interested, but Damien is treated at Gt Ormond

St Hospital in London. I requested a referral from our local hospital as it was

clear to me that whilst they were very professional and helpful, they did not

really have the expertise to deal with Damien's symptoms. Suffice to say that

there is a dedicated ward for kids with JRA there (Dr Stills first documented

the disease at GOSH), and particularly since Fraser has the systemic variant,

you may wish to consider this at some time in the future. Obviously it is a long

way from Wales, but at least it is an option if things get tough.

If there is anything I can help you with let me know. As Damien is 5 now I

have had to contend with some particular British issues like the NHS, DSS

benefits, education etc, and I know that I could have used some help while I was

fighting some of those battles!

Anyway, best wishes to you and your family.

Oliver

Another new member

From: " Glenn Stroud " <G.Stroud@...>

Hi Everyone

I have been directed to this forum by another and have been following it

for a few days. My name is Liane, I live in South Wales, UK and have 3

children, Grant aged 4, Cameron aged 2 and Fraser aged 10 months. Fraser has

been diagnosed with Systemic JRA. Just before Xmas he became very ill, with a

high temp that I couldn't bring down, I thought he was just coming down with

another 'viral' infection that he seemed prone to catch. However after a month

in 3 different hospitals he was diagnosed with JRA. Having now read up on the

subject he had classic symptons of systemic JRA, anaemia, swinging temps (from

34 to 41 degrees), enlarged liver and spleen, fluid around his heart and lungs

etc. The Drs were very concerned about his heart at one stage as he has a heart

murmur as well and sometimes when he could not cope with the temp swings he

would need oxygen and his heart would beat at around 220 beats per minute.

Fraser didn't like being moved at first, but would just like to sleep in his

Mum's arms and not anyone else, very tiring especially when you have 2 others

vying for your attention. Anyway all the bad stuff is over, we now have it

under control with ibuprofen and prednisone, he also takes rinitidine to help

stop the ibuprofen from irritating his stomach too much. He is also now lactose

intolerant because of a bug he picked up in the hospital!! but hopefully this is

not permanent. We are going to see our rheumatologist on Weds 10 Feb, and he is

hoping to start weaning Fraser off the prednisone. I'm just worried about when

they start to wean him off the Ibuprofen as when they did that last time (just

after he started the steroids) he went straight back down again.

Anyway, thanks for listening, I think this is a very valuable site, as

you always think you are the only ones but it is good to know people understand

what I am going through although it saddens me so many children are affected.

Best wishes to everyone

Liane

g.stroud@...

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[Guest guest]

Liane,

Thanks for the reply. I can sympathise with Doctors being concerned about us

using the 'net to increase our knowledge, as they probably don't have the time

or a parent's dedication to do so. Over the years I have learned to be tactful

when mentioning it to health professionals, as it is all too easy to imply that

we know more than them (which might sometimes actually be the case). In any

event, I would far rather be in a position of knowledge than just to blindly

trust their every move, as mistakes and accidents do occasionally happen.

Hopefully things will work out well for you in Cardiff, if not then perhaps we

might meet one day at GOSH.

Best wishes,

Oliver

Another new member

From: " Glenn Stroud " <G.Stroud@...>

Hi Everyone

I have been directed to this forum by another and have been following it

for a few days. My name is Liane, I live in South Wales, UK and have 3

children, Grant aged 4, Cameron aged 2 and Fraser aged 10 months. Fraser has

been diagnosed with Systemic JRA. Just before Xmas he became very ill, with a

high temp that I couldn't bring down, I thought he was just coming down with

another 'viral' infection that he seemed prone to catch. However after a month

in 3 different hospitals he was diagnosed with JRA. Having now read up on the

subject he had classic symptons of systemic JRA, anaemia, swinging temps (from

34 to 41 degrees), enlarged liver and spleen, fluid around his heart and lungs

etc. The Drs were very concerned about his heart at one stage as he has a heart

murmur as well and sometimes when he could not cope with the temp swings he

would need oxygen and his heart would beat at around 220 beats per minute.

Fraser didn't like being moved at first, but would just like to sleep in his

Mum's arms and not anyone else, very tiring especially when you have 2 others

vying for your attention. Anyway all the bad stuff is over, we now have it

under control with ibuprofen and prednisone, he also takes rinitidine to help

stop the ibuprofen from irritating his stomach too much. He is also now lactose

intolerant because of a bug he picked up in the hospital!! but hopefully this is

not permanent. We are going to see our rheumatologist on Weds 10 Feb, and he is

hoping to start weaning Fraser off the prednisone. I'm just worried about when

they start to wean him off the Ibuprofen as when they did that last time (just

after he started the steroids) he went straight back down again.

Anyway, thanks for listening, I think this is a very valuable site, as you

always think you are the only ones but it is good to know people understand what

I am going through although it saddens me so many children are affected.

Best wishes to everyone

Liane

g.stroud@...

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[Guest guest]

hi amber,

first let me say congratulations on the birth of baby arlo!!

welcome to the list--glad you found it. your situation sounds like many, many of ours here...reluctant spouse, tiny whispers in the back of your mind about the possibility of your baby getting "something", how to handle the grandparents (and others who will seem compelled to "inform" you of your [said with sarcasm], obviously misguided attempt to protect your baby), by not vaxing him. i, too have a spouse who pretty much believes i am on the right track, but doesn't quite feel as compelled as i do. the more knowledge you obtain, the more comfortable you will be with your decision and the less you will be afraid of the possibilities for arlo. i am pretty confident that my youngest, sawyer, now 13 months, would fare just fine if he contracted something at this point. try not to be too overly protective, as i feel that exposure will give him immunity to things. don't be afraid of a little dirt, etc. ) i know he is very young at this point, so i do agree with you there, but as he gets a little older, try to not be so afraid of "germs".

continue to breastfeed as much and as long as possible--it'll do him a world of good.

try to avoid the topic with grandparents and other family members, seldom does it ever end in anything other than you feeling "beat up on". it's not their decision anyway...

i like the book by Dr. Mendohlson--how to raise a healthy child in spite of your pediatrician great book!!

again, welcome!! glad you are here!!

brigit

[Guest guest]

Hi Amber-

In our house it's whoever feels more strongly gets their way DH is

against some vaxes but worried about not giving others. So we agree

partially. I try to get him to read about them but he doesn't much. I keep

reciting back to him every new thing I learn and he is more supportive,

little by little. This has been almost 2 years now.

We are still BFing and I was really cautious for her first year of life. No

malls, movies, only a few trips to the grocery. That may or may not be

necessary, but that's what I did.

I've stopped washing her hands in the car as soon as we finish shopping and

being obsessive about not touching things while we're out. I believe you

have to exercise your immune system so I've quit being over cautious

We also do very little dairy, no milk, no white sugar/flour and use herbs

and homeopathy. So far at just shy of 2 years, Helen has had only one cold

and that's it for ever being sick.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Amber!

I am new to this list myself.

My oldest is vaccined and got injured in the process, the twins did not

receive any vaccines and I fully understand your concerns.

I was very protective with all the three, vaccinated or not, I always asked

for clean hands and watched carefully over them when taking them out.

While the twins were small, they were still giving the live Polio vaccine to

children and I was really worried about them getting in contact with a

vaccined child. I had the doctor disinfect the room before I would enter it

with them.

I would not take them anywhere with small children around.

Maybe I overdid it, but I just couldn't have done it otherwise.

My husband too wasn't very supportive, even though our older daughter had

lost part of her hearing he still believed in vaccines to be necessary and

good. Not all of them, but most of them.

I was stubborn and that was it.

I gave him all the books I was reading, they didn't convince him but they

made him think and understand my point of view better.

You just have to trust your gut feeling, I strongly believe a mother knows

what is best.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful start. Don't give it up. I had a rough and

painful start with all my children but I never gave up.

Take care,

a.

> Hi to everyone!

>

> My name is Amber and I'm a new first-time mom to Arlo, 4 weeks old as of

> yesterday After much research, brain-prodding and hand-wringing, we

have

> decided not to vaccinate. Well, I've decided, in any case. My husband

> hasn't looked into the matter very much and is, I believe, somewhat

> skeptical about my concerns. Regardless, that's the route we're taking.

> (Anyone have ideas on how to handle reluctant spouses?)

>

> I do have a question... something that's been weighing on my mind lately.

> I'm pretty concerned (okay, we'll say paranoid) about Arlo being around

> people - I insist on hand-washing, don't allow much of " pass the baby " and

> my insides churn whenever we're out and someone coughs or sneezes within a

> 50ft radius. I know that, at this point, this has little to do with the

> whole vaccination issue.... I think it may just be that little nagging,

> questioning voice that creeps up every now and again. SO, my question is

> this: Do those of you who do not vaccinate take any special precautions

as

> far as exposing your kids to outsiders? I'm already breastfeeding (and

plan

> to continue for as long as he wants), so I know that's a plus. But what

> else can I do to lower the odds that he'll catch some nasty illness?

>

> Also, for any of you who have favorite books on children's health, natural

> remedies, and alternative diets (for me... I think Arlo may have a dairy

> sensitivity), I'd greatly appreciate your recommendations. I've just

> finished school (for good!) and FINALLY have time to read!

>

> Ah, and here's another: if the issue comes up (I, of course, won't be

> raising it), how do you handle the grandparent factor?

>

> Thanks in advance, and I look forward to conversing with and learning from

> you all!

>

> Take care,

> Amber

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Amber...welcome to the ranks(smile). Up until my son was 6 months old or

so, I was very cautious about spreading germs and people being sick around

him, etc. (I was scared to death of pertussis) However, colds and viruses

and whatnot help to strengthen the immune system and actually make him

stronger in the long run. He is now 19 months old, and I don't feel any

qualms about taking him around someone with a cold, etc. Remarkably, he

rarely gets sick, and when he does, it is over quickly. I like to believe

that it helps that when he is sick, I don't dose him up with Tylenol and

Ibuprofen, which I read somewhere prolongs the illness. I do use some

homeopathic remedies, and go to a naturopathic doctor. I have recently

started eating a mostly macrobiotic diet, which is dairy free. I have

noticed a difference in my health on the positive side (not so sluggish,

more energy, not getting sick when the people around me are). As for

reluctant husbands and grandparents with the vaccination issue, just load up

your brain with alot of data and information and spout it off for long

periods of time...if it doesn't sink in, they lay off so they don't have to

hear it anymore (smile) It helps if you have it on paper so they can read it

themselves, too. Then again, you could just bring it to their attention that

alot of doctors are now changing their minds on the vaccination issue, and

that the world of medicine if famous for believing one thing for many years,

only to find out it isn't true. I go to the Woodlands Healing Research

Center in Quakertown, and the doctors there do not believe in

vaccinating...if anyone questions me, I just tell them that my

" pediatrician " doesn't recommend it. Knowledge is your greatest tool; the

more you learn about not vaccinating and why, the easier it will be to talk

to and convince others, and the more sure you will be that you are making

the right decision...good luck...Sharon

Another new member

> Hi to everyone!

>

> My name is Amber and I'm a new first-time mom to Arlo, 4 weeks old as of

> yesterday After much research, brain-prodding and hand-wringing, we

have

> decided not to vaccinate. Well, I've decided, in any case. My husband

> hasn't looked into the matter very much and is, I believe, somewhat

> skeptical about my concerns. Regardless, that's the route we're taking.

> (Anyone have ideas on how to handle reluctant spouses?)

>

> I do have a question... something that's been weighing on my mind lately.

> I'm pretty concerned (okay, we'll say paranoid) about Arlo being around

> people - I insist on hand-washing, don't allow much of " pass the baby " and

> my insides churn whenever we're out and someone coughs or sneezes within a

> 50ft radius. I know that, at this point, this has little to do with the

> whole vaccination issue.... I think it may just be that little nagging,

> questioning voice that creeps up every now and again. SO, my question is

> this: Do those of you who do not vaccinate take any special precautions

as

> far as exposing your kids to outsiders? I'm already breastfeeding (and

plan

> to continue for as long as he wants), so I know that's a plus. But what

> else can I do to lower the odds that he'll catch some nasty illness?

>

> Also, for any of you who have favorite books on children's health, natural

> remedies, and alternative diets (for me... I think Arlo may have a dairy

> sensitivity), I'd greatly appreciate your recommendations. I've just

> finished school (for good!) and FINALLY have time to read!

>

> Ah, and here's another: if the issue comes up (I, of course, won't be

> raising it), how do you handle the grandparent factor?

>

> Thanks in advance, and I look forward to conversing with and learning from

> you all!

>

> Take care,

> Amber

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Do those of you who do not vaccinate take any special precautions as

> far as exposing your kids to outsiders? I'm already breastfeeding

(and plan to continue for as long as he wants), so I know that's a

plus. But what else can I do to lower the odds that he'll catch some

nasty illness?

>

> Also, for any of you who have favorite books on children's health,

natural remedies, and alternative diets (for me... I think Arlo may

have a dairy sensitivity), I'd greatly appreciate your

recommendations.

Well, I am by no means an expert. I have two children ages 5 and

almost 3. The first was vaxed through 12 months, the 2nd has never

been touched with a needle. It's only recently though that I felt

convicted to REALLY educate myself on the specifics of this issue and

this board has been a great resource for me, for health issues too.

In my recent readings I've been exploring the differences between

conventional Western medicine and natural healing. Unfortunately I'm

in that limbo stage - I know the one I don't want yet haven't found a

homeopath yet. A book that I'm reading that has helped alot is

Health at the Crossroads by Dean Black. It has explained to me the

differences in approaches so I now have a stronger conviction.

I'm sure others on this board could recommend many more books. My

list of books to read is so long, I'm not sure when I'll get to them

all[g]. As for husbands - my husband is absolutely adamantly opposed

to vaccinations and antibiotics and other " conventional " medical

practices. But I'm not sure he could really give you solid evidence

why. He thinks I'm silly for diving into this the way that I have,

but I need to know and be certain that what I'm doing is right, and

WHY. The time may come when I'll have to stand and back-up my

convictions. I want to be fully prepared for that day! Blessings to

you and congratulations on your precious baby!

[Guest guest]

Hi Amber, and welcome! My BIBLE for taking physical care of our three

daughters (I'm sure I've posted about it before) is NATURAL MEDICINE FOR

CHILDREN Drug Free Health Care for Children from Birth to Age Twelve by

n , PhD. It's especially good for people new to the idea of

healing yourself and your family at home with herbs, homeopathy, massage,

and diet; AND it includes sections on the " common childhood ailments "

like chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella, and pertussis. There is a

wonderful chapter on a healthy diet, including discussion of the

energetics of food (heating vs. cooling), foods which affect mucus

production (allergies) and foods suitable for a milk-free diet.

As far as the grandparent factor is concerned, maybe it will reassure

you to know that my previously critical mother has begun a turn around

thanks to all the info I've been bombarding her with via email - the

whale.to site and Sheri's web site have been terrific resources to pass

on to friends & family. Because once I started to realize the " truth "

about vaccines/the whole allopathic INDUSTRY I began wanting to save

everyone I possibly have influence over from making an important decision

based on misinformation (or the lack of ANY real information.) Sorry for

ranting *lol* It's been a rough day! Namaste, Gretchen

> Also, for any of you who have favorite books on children's health,

> natural

> remedies, and alternative diets (for me... I think Arlo may have a

> dairy

> sensitivity), I'd greatly appreciate your recommendations. I've

> just

> finished school (for good!) and FINALLY have time to read!

>

> Ah, and here's another: if the issue comes up (I, of course, won't

> be

> raising it), how do you handle the grandparent factor?

>

> Thanks in advance, and I look forward to conversing with and

> learning from

> you all!

>

> Take care,

> Amber

>

>

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>

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[Guest guest]

Welcome Amber!

My 2 1/2 year old son has never had any vaccinations. He is still nursing and is the healthiest child I have ever known. He has had *2* mild colds in his life and neither slowed him down very much. I have never taken extraordinary precautions to protect my son from illness. He just never seems to get sick! He has never been in day care or preschool so that is a big factor also. Other than ordinary precautions like regular hand-washing, excellent nutrition and extended nursing, I wouldn't worry needlessly. Try to bring up the subject in a nonchalant manner (without advertising the fact that you aren't vaxing) at LLL meetings and other such places. You will be surprised at how many parents now who are questioning vaccines or even avoiding them like you! As for spouses, I put the burden of proof on the spouse who wants to do the invervention. If your husband wants to vax your child, make *him* prove that they are safe and effective. That has worked with my dh. In the meantime bombard him with information, books, email, Mothering magazine, etc. Wrt grandparents, I simply wouldn't bring it up. I am fortunate that my parents are very skeptical of allopathic medicine and are supportive of my decision but if it becomes an issue just respectfully and tactfully remind them that the final decision rests with you as the parent and that you are making a very well informed decision.

Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child is another gem. I like the cookbook called Feeding Your Allergic Child by Meyer.

Hth,

[Guest guest]

Amber wrote:

> Hi to everyone!

>

> My name is Amber and I'm a new first-time mom to Arlo, 4 weeks old as of

> yesterday After much research, brain-prodding and hand-wringing, we have

> decided not to vaccinate. Well, I've decided, in any case. My husband

> hasn't looked into the matter very much and is, I believe, somewhat

> skeptical about my concerns. Regardless, that's the route we're taking.

> (Anyone have ideas on how to handle reluctant spouses?)

Welcome to this wonderful list - I'm sure you'll find all the answers you need

(or at least be pointed in the rigjht direction). Congrats on your new little

baby! I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to the vaccine issue

several years before we decided to have a baby. During that time I would read

something about vaccines, then tell my partner, and after doing this for a year

or so, he gradually began agreeing with me and then passing that info on to

others. So it was a gradual evolution, with no real arguments (he did have a

lot of questions at first for me though, which I couldn't alwsys answer since I

was just learning myself, so there were times when I did feel a bit defensive,

but my intuition told me that I was right and to stick with it). So I've been

much luckier than some of the others on the list, but just to share another

tactic I've had to use...when it came to circumcision, he was absolutely,

positively, against NOT circumcising, and we had a few pretty bad arguments

about it - a couple before I got pregnant and a couple before my first was

born. One day about a month before she was due, we had a HUGE argument, with it

basically ending with me saying " I will not put my child through a painful and

unecessary surgery " and he saying " I will not have an uncircumcized child " (we

didn't know she was a girl). I slept on the couch that night and refused to

talk to him for about 24 hours (my friends picked me up for a surprise shower

that morning and I was in tears...what a nightmare). Finally he said, " well, if

it means that much to you, I can't justify doing something that would only

benefit me and not the baby, so we won't do it. " I would hope for anyone that

these kinds of decisions (vaccination, circ, etc) don't have to come to that,

but was the only way to really let him know how strongly I felt about it. Of

course, he's now not against circumcision like he is against vaccines, but at

least our future sons won't be subjected to it.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My name is Cheryl. I live in Poplar Ridge(south of Auburn) Just found

this list! I haven't been able to keep up with my other lists lately, been

too busy!! I make CP and other stuff!! Nice to meet you.

Cattail Pond Herbs, Soaps & Sundries

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/cattailpond

[Guest guest]

Welcome Cheryl!

Glad to have you join us.

I live south of Rochester.

Kim

Kim Fuoco

www.honeybearsoap.com

Re: Another New Member

> Hi,

> My name is Cheryl. I live in Poplar Ridge(south of Auburn) Just found

> this list! I haven't been able to keep up with my other lists lately,

been

> too busy!! I make CP and other stuff!! Nice to meet you.

> Cattail Pond Herbs, Soaps & Sundries

> http://www.angelfire.com/biz/cattailpond

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cheryl

Welcome to our group and I hope you enjoy it. We're all a very friendly bunch

of girls here and I

think you'll find you like being on this list. We can be a little whacko

sometimes (right girls?) but

most of us are sane. My name is and I live down in Ilion in the Mohawk

Valley (just east of

Utica) and I do M & P soap. Just started last year but didn't get serious until

August. So I'm a relative

newcomer to this business.

M

Re: Another New Member

Hi,

My name is Cheryl. I live in Poplar Ridge(south of Auburn) Just found

this list! I haven't been able to keep up with my other lists lately, been

too busy!! I make CP and other stuff!! Nice to meet you.

Cattail Pond Herbs, Soaps & Sundries

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/cattailpond

[Guest guest]

Welcome Sue!!!

I am also an " older parent " had my first at 40 and second at 43, and my

husband LOVES reflexology, he does it for everyone that complains of

anything, except me of course, *L*, like the carpenter that never finishes

his own home.

You'll find lots of interesting people here, and some homeopaths also.

Petric

Western NY

Another new member

> Hello to all on this group,

>

> I'm Sue and have just joined your group, thank you for having me! I

> am 46, married with one daughter aged 3, going on 4 in September, who

> is unvaccinated. I am an aromatherapist and reflexologist by

> profession and have a keen interest in all natural therapies, and I

> also do voluntary work as a lay breastfeeding counsellor. My

> daughter is still nursing, although I think she has aspirations to

> wean soon.

>

> My husband and I made the conscious decision not to vaccinate. As

> older parents, we were both given the DPT and polio as kids, but both

> of us had natural measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. I have

> lost five babies to miscarriage, which makes our little girl very

> precious indeed, and when I successfully carried her to term, I was

> determined that she would have the best health care that I could

> provide. I have had a lifetime of " run-ins " with the allopathic

> medical profession, and have a chemical dependency on diazepam to

> thank them for, so I have always looked for a natural approach to

> Robyn's health care. While pregnant, I took the opportunity to find

> out as much as I could about vaccination. I already subscribed to an

> excellent magazine called " What Doctors Don't Tell You " , which had

> carried many articles on vaccination and I bought their " Vaccination

> Bible " . That was enough for me, although I have read many more books

> and articles since then. I have doubts about both the efficacy and

> safety of vaccination, and as an alternative practitioner, I cannot

> believe that it is healthy to shoot eighteen lots of vaccine into a

> young baby by the age of 16 weeks without causing immune system

> burnout.

>

> Living as we do in the UK, with a totally different system of

> healthcare, we have had a reasonably easy ride from the health

> professionals. Not sure how it works in the US, but here, with our

> National Health Service, doctors get paid bonuses according to the

> number of children on their " lists " that they vaccinate. The higher

> the percentage, the bigger the bonus. (Doesn't that say something

> about the whole procedure?!) Thankfully, vaccination is still (at

> present) a free choice although our government do not present it that

> way, and unless parents go out there to find out, most think that

> it's compulsory.

>

> We were given a hard time by our Health Visitor (a health

> professional employed by the regional health authorities who has the

> task of monitoring your child's development - and most are useless!)

> who told us we had no " social conscience " because we refused to

> vaccinate. We held firm to our decision.

>

> I cannot say that we will never vaccinate. We most certainly will

> never have MMR - I firmly believe that measles, especially, confers

> protection against atopy and cancer in later life - but we are

> keeping the door open on pertussis and polio should there be an

> epidemic. My husband and I were both vaccinated against pertussis

> and both had it! Our opinion is that the older the child is when

> vaccinated, the less damage is likely to be caused.

>

> We don't regret our decision, but it is good to find a list like this

> where like-minded people can get together and discuss the issue in a

> reasonable manner.

>

> I hope to make contact with any homoeopaths on this list who can tell

> me about homoeopathic alternatives to vaccination - is there such a

> thing? I have been told different things by different homoeopaths in

> England.

>

> I look forward to some interesting discussion.

>

> Best wishes,

>

> Sue Lunn

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Have you read Dr. Dorothy Shepherd's book entitled " Homoeopathy in Epidemic

Diseases " ? I found it quite informative.

We have a financial incentive for the docs here in the United States also.

The HMOs reward the docs financially for having a high percentage of vaxxed

patients. There is also some kind of demerit system in place. Money is at

the root of all evil - vax is no exception.

By the way, welcome. It's nice to have another " natural " person in the group.

Kathleen

In a message dated 6/25/2001 8:28:16 PM Central Daylight Time,

susan.lunn@... writes:

> Hello to all on this group,

>

> I'm Sue and have just joined your group, thank you for having me! I

> am 46, married with one daughter aged 3, going on 4 in September, who

> is unvaccinated. I am an aromatherapist and reflexologist by

> profession and have a keen interest in all natural therapies, and I

> also do voluntary work as a lay breastfeeding counsellor. My

> daughter is still nursing, although I think she has aspirations to

> wean soon.

>

> My husband and I made the conscious decision not to vaccinate. As

> older parents, we were both given the DPT and polio as kids, but both

> of us had natural measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. I have

> lost five babies to miscarriage, which makes our little girl very

> precious indeed, and when I successfully carried her to term, I was

> determined that she would have the best health care that I could

> provide. I have had a lifetime of " run-ins " with the allopathic

> medical profession, and have a chemical dependency on diazepam to

> thank them for, so I have always looked for a natural approach to

> Robyn's health care. While pregnant, I took the opportunity to find

> out as much as I could about vaccination. I already subscribed to an

> excellent magazine called " What Doctors Don't Tell You " , which had

> carried many articles on vaccination and I bought their " Vaccination

> Bible " . That was enough for me, although I have read many more books

> and articles since then. I have doubts about both the efficacy and

> safety of vaccination, and as an alternative practitioner, I cannot

> believe that it is healthy to shoot eighteen lots of vaccine into a

> young baby by the age of 16 weeks without causing immune system

> burnout.

>

> Living as we do in the UK, with a totally different system of

> healthcare, we have had a reasonably easy ride from the health

> professionals. Not sure how it works in the US, but here, with our

> National Health Service, doctors get paid bonuses according to the

> number of children on their " lists " that they vaccinate. The higher

> the percentage, the bigger the bonus. (Doesn't that say something

> about the whole procedure?!) Thankfully, vaccination is still (at

> present) a free choice although our government do not present it that

> way, and unless parents go out there to find out, most think that

> it's compulsory.

>

> We were given a hard time by our Health Visitor (a health

> professional employed by the regional health authorities who has the

> task of monitoring your child's development - and most are useless!)

> who told us we had no " social conscience " because we refused to

> vaccinate. We held firm to our decision.

>

> I cannot say that we will never vaccinate. We most certainly will

> never have MMR - I firmly believe that measles, especially, confers

> protection against atopy and cancer in later life - but we are

> keeping the door open on pertussis and polio should there be an

> epidemic. My husband and I were both vaccinated against pertussis

> and both had it! Our opinion is that the older the child is when

> vaccinated, the less damage is likely to be caused.

>

> We don't regret our decision, but it is good to find a list like this

> where like-minded people can get together and discuss the issue in a

> reasonable manner.

>

> I hope to make contact with any homoeopaths on this list who can tell

> me about homoeopathic alternatives to vaccination - is there such a

> thing? I have been told different things by different homoeopaths in

> England.

>

> I look forward to some interesting discussion.

>

> Best wishes,

>

> Sue Lunn

>

>

[Guest guest]

Okay, maybe Peds get rewarded but around here,at least in my area, GP's or

Family docs don't even if their patients are vaxxed. Maybe it's because they

don't vax in the office but send them somewhere else. I dunno but the docs

can't be lumped as all being the same(most is probably an appropriate term)

Laurie<Oh boldml@ cros.net

" Example sheds a genial ray which men are apt to borrow,so first improve

yourself today, and then your friends tomorrow. " Unknown

" Let's not just transform those in need, we can also find ways to help transform

those in power. " Unknown

We have a financial incentive for the docs here in the United States also.

The HMOs reward the docs financially for having a high percentage of vaxxed

patients. There is also some kind of demerit system in place. Money is at

the root of all evil - vax is no exception.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group .

I find your remarks about the stress very interesting.

I too have wondered if that might be a cause. The

only other thing that I have considered as a cause for

me is that I had a small bowel bisection in 1991. Could

a nerve have been damaged from that?

Guess we will never know will we? Anyway, glad to have

you as a member.

Magg

[Guest guest]

, Ambien was my drug for sleeping also. Hmmm,

another thing to wonder about.

Yes, I agree that often times things that happen in

our lives that we think are terrible, can build strength

and character. Like you, I too found an anchor and

am so thankful for that part of the process. My

motto now is "don't look back, we are not going that

way."

Magg

[Guest guest]

, I also went through a very stressfulll time back at the time I

felt my first unusual throat gurgle....hmmm. Shortly thereafter, I

know I felt my first spasm, although at the time it was SO brief. That

was about 8 years ago. I vow from this day forward never to stress out

again! Ha. As if. However, I have made GREAT STRIDES forward in this

regard and feel so much better.

It's fun to read your letter about your comment about the manometry

being more taxing than the surgery...I totally agree. In fact, someone

asked me yesterday how I was doing, and I had to stop and think about

why they would have asked me that. In fact, I don't think about it any

more much at all. I feel so normal now. I ate a hamburger today and

noticed that I finished at the same time everyone else did, and I drank

about half of my glass of water.

, I hope you find a good doctor AND SOON! I feel so sorry for

what you are going through. I'll bet your esophagus is just ticked off

and swollen like he said. I'll bet in a couple of days things will

setlle down. I sure hope so. But if you are not better, PLEASE don't

get discouraged...just get to a better doctor and tell the next one you

only want to talk surgery. What kind of doctor was this most recent

one? Hang in there.

[Guest guest]

I remember having insomnia for awhile about 8 years ago and taking

Ambien. I got esophagitis while taking it, and I had some freaky

gurgling sounds in my throat that started then and continued and

eventually evolved into the full blown achalasia 8 years later. The

spasms started shortly thereafter, too. I just know it was

stress....and ambien...that started the whole ball of wax for me.

Since those days, I have discovered my own spirituality and have seen it

blossom and become my bedrock. It's been a long process, but I have

learned so much. I would say that if something doesn't kill you, let it

make you stronger.

[Guest guest]

magg....sounds like a great motto to me! This is the first year that I

have ever thanked God for all of the pain in my life that has made me

the strong woman that I am today!! lol. Here's to all of us!

[Guest guest]

Hello , it is always good to welcome a new member. I, too, live in

Michigan. I went to Dr. Weaver at Harper hospital in downtown Detroit. The

myotomy went well and my swallowing is almost normal. For me, the surgery

was tougher. I came in dehydrated and weak from about 2 weeks of very low

food consumption. Glad to hear things went well for you. I hear that the

Cleveland Clinic is the best for gastro problems of all types. Keep in

touch.

Alan

Another New Member

> Hello all,

>

> I too have been viewing this site for awhile and I have been meaning to

> join. This is an awesome site that I wish I could have stumbled upon long

> ago. It is comforting to know there are other people who have similar

> problems. Although I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy!!!

>

> I can't really bring anything new to this group that hasn't already been

> discussed: white foam, gurgling and burping constantly, sleepless nights

and

> waking up choking and gagging, drink coke with my meals to help build

> pressure to overcome the LES.... All ditto's from me.

>

> I am from the great state of Michigan, at least great in June, July, and

> August!! I ended up getting sent to and diagnosed with achalasia in

August

> of 1996 at the Cleveland Clinic. I struggled for two years prior before

> finally getting relief.

>

> I had the dilation then and it was tolerable for me until about a year

> ago. I then started having difficulty sleeping again and food was

sticking

> longer. I finally made another appointment at Cleveland Clinic and had

the

> laproscopic Heller myotomy in late August of this year.

>

> For anyone thinking about this surgery, from my perspective, it was a

> piece of cake. The monometry test in my opinion was worse than the

surgery,

> and I am a big wimp. I would say that I am 90 to 95% normal. It took a

> couple weeks for things to settle down, but one Prilosec a day is all I

deal

> with now. Very infrequently do I struggle with food now (I hope it

lasts).

> Great doctor's there named Dr. Richter and excellent surgeon named Doctor

> Rice for anyone in that area who may be in need.

>

> I guess the only thing I believe I can add to the conversation is that I

> feel very confident as to what the cause of my achalasia was. I have

seen

> postings from some people about stress and anxiety. I went through a very

> stressful time in 1994. I couldn't barely sleep or eat. I went thru the

> days drinking nothing but coffee to keep me going. When I would fall

> asleep, I would wake up with the most " on fire " heartburn I could have

> imagined. I was never a heartburn sufferer prior to this time. To make a

> long story short, it was during this time I first experienced this

disorder

> or disease.

>

> My doctors feel it is possibly an auto immune disease, and the stress I

> experienced probably just hastened the onset of it. I not so sure, but

I've

> seen other postings to this subject as well.

>

> Anyway, thanks to all for your postings and sharing of info. May you

all

> have a Happy New Year!!!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Alan,

I was thankful to be referred to Cleveland Clinic. I actually

didn't know that U of M or hospitals in Detroit did this operation.

I may have ended up going there as I live on the west side of

Detriot. Orginally I am from Saginaw, where I developed acahalsia,

and I don't think the gasto doctor there had ever seen or thought of

achalasia while I saw her for two years. She finally refered me to

Cleveland and I have been happy with them ever since.

I am gald to hear things worked out for you, it's a new life, you

almost forget what a hassle this disease provides once you get relief!

,

I am still getting familiar with how to respond on this site. I am

not sure if you got my response to Ambien, and I saw Magg's

response. But I too was on Ambien when I developed Acahalasia. It

was only for a short time, maybe 3 weeks, and I didn't take it every

night, but frequently none the less. You two got me wondering....?

> Hello , it is always good to welcome a new member. I, too,

live in

> Michigan. I went to Dr. Weaver at Harper hospital in downtown

Detroit. The

> myotomy went well and my swallowing is almost normal. For me, the

surgery

> was tougher. I came in dehydrated and weak from about 2 weeks of

very low

> food consumption. Glad to hear things went well for you. I hear

that the

> Cleveland Clinic is the best for gastro problems of all types. Keep

in

> touch.

>

> Alan

>

>

>

> Another New Member

>

>

> > Hello all,

> >

> > I too have been viewing this site for awhile and I have been

meaning to

> > join. This is an awesome site that I wish I could have stumbled

upon long

> > ago. It is comforting to know there are other people who have

similar

> > problems. Although I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy!!!

> >

> > I can't really bring anything new to this group that hasn't

already been

> > discussed: white foam, gurgling and burping constantly, sleepless

nights

> and

> > waking up choking and gagging, drink coke with my meals to help

build

> > pressure to overcome the LES.... All ditto's from me.

> >

> > I am from the great state of Michigan, at least great in June,

July, and

> > August!! I ended up getting sent to and diagnosed with achalasia

in

> August

> > of 1996 at the Cleveland Clinic. I struggled for two years prior

before

> > finally getting relief.

> >

> > I had the dilation then and it was tolerable for me until about

a year

> > ago. I then started having difficulty sleeping again and food was

> sticking

> > longer. I finally made another appointment at Cleveland Clinic

and had

> the

> > laproscopic Heller myotomy in late August of this year.

> >

> > For anyone thinking about this surgery, from my perspective, it

was a

> > piece of cake. The monometry test in my opinion was worse than

the

> surgery,

> > and I am a big wimp. I would say that I am 90 to 95% normal. It

took a

> > couple weeks for things to settle down, but one Prilosec a day is

all I

> deal

> > with now. Very infrequently do I struggle with food now (I hope

it

> lasts).

> > Great doctor's there named Dr. Richter and excellent surgeon

named Doctor

> > Rice for anyone in that area who may be in need.

> >

> > I guess the only thing I believe I can add to the conversation

is that I

> > feel very confident as to what the cause of my achalasia was. I

have

> seen

> > postings from some people about stress and anxiety. I went

through a very

> > stressful time in 1994. I couldn't barely sleep or eat. I went

thru the

> > days drinking nothing but coffee to keep me going. When I would

fall

> > asleep, I would wake up with the most " on fire " heartburn I could

have

> > imagined. I was never a heartburn sufferer prior to this time.

To make a

> > long story short, it was during this time I first experienced this

> disorder

> > or disease.

> >

> > My doctors feel it is possibly an auto immune disease, and the

stress I

> > experienced probably just hastened the onset of it. I not so

sure, but

> I've

> > seen other postings to this subject as well.

> >

> > Anyway, thanks to all for your postings and sharing of info.

May you

> all

> > have a Happy New Year!!!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

, I'll bet I only took ambien for a week or two....I just knew it

was WRONG for me.