Total Rant. . .Can't believe my child has survived thus far
Ok, I read a TON of health related stories on line. I peruse health headlines a LOT. So, yesterday I see this headline about a study linking childhood obesity and antibiotic use. Long story short, they see a marked increase in obesity in children given antibotics within the first 6 months of life.
My daughter, who is nearly 13, spent the first 3 days of her life with an IV pumping in antibiotics due to my having a fever during labor & my water being broken for so long. I was told it was preventative and to make sure she didn't end up with an infection from whatever was causing me to have a fever. Sounds good. If I had read that study's findings 12 years ago, I would have been terrified! As it was, there was a study out about 6 months after her birth that said children born by c-section were like 10x's (slight exaggeration) more likely to develop asthma due to not having their lungs squeezed in the birth canal. I was freaked out that she would suffer from asthma because I couldn't push her sideways head out. Like it would be my fault.
I'm amazed that she is a beautiful, HEALTHY, NOT obese young lady! All these "studies" make it seem nearly impossible to raise healthy kids without shrink wrapping them and feeding them all organic food or something. She's 5'3" and 106. . .no asthma, no major heath issues. In fact, ALL my kids are healthy weight.
I wish the authors of these articles would THINK before they write. Now some poor mom is out there worried that her 5 month old is going to be obese because the doctor put him/her on antibiotics to prevent or cure an infection. GRRRRRRR. . .
sorry. I just get bent and didn't know if that sort of thing bugs anyone else, either.
My daughter, who is nearly 13, spent the first 3 days of her life with an IV pumping in antibiotics due to my having a fever during labor & my water being broken for so long. I was told it was preventative and to make sure she didn't end up with an infection from whatever was causing me to have a fever. Sounds good. If I had read that study's findings 12 years ago, I would have been terrified! As it was, there was a study out about 6 months after her birth that said children born by c-section were like 10x's (slight exaggeration) more likely to develop asthma due to not having their lungs squeezed in the birth canal. I was freaked out that she would suffer from asthma because I couldn't push her sideways head out. Like it would be my fault.
I'm amazed that she is a beautiful, HEALTHY, NOT obese young lady! All these "studies" make it seem nearly impossible to raise healthy kids without shrink wrapping them and feeding them all organic food or something. She's 5'3" and 106. . .no asthma, no major heath issues. In fact, ALL my kids are healthy weight.
I wish the authors of these articles would THINK before they write. Now some poor mom is out there worried that her 5 month old is going to be obese because the doctor put him/her on antibiotics to prevent or cure an infection. GRRRRRRR. . .
sorry. I just get bent and didn't know if that sort of thing bugs anyone else, either.
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This gave me a giggle.
Before having my son I would never have imagined that I would have to give him many many many medications in a day like a nurse would at a hospital.
Or that I would have to shove a tube down his nose in order to keep him alive so he could receive much needed nutrition.
Or that after surgery #1 of 8 total, that my husband and I would sit bedside at the local PICU while about a dozen nurse ran around like chickens with their heads cut off while a NP barked orders and the 2 surgeons and 1 anesthesiologist who just fixed his heart stood there grinning. All while we watch 2 IV poles FULL of stuff keeping him alive and 3 larger med dosing machines pumped into him as well. And he had blood and platelets running into him.
Or that my son would take a "black box" drug and I would cry when the side affects got to bad and we had to pull it. It was making such a huge difference. :-(
I could go on......I won't. This is jut the tip of the iceberg.
My point is this, all parents go through things that change us. And the good thing is, we can look back and laugh at what we thought and what we did.0 -
@Onion. . .See, you've had REAL medical drama with your child. I mean, why do these "studies" have to panic people for no reason when there are LEGITIMATE medical crisis going on?!
God bless you and all the love you've poured into your child. I certainly hope that his health has improved and the medical crisises have passed. I can NOT imagine having to deal with all of that.0 -
^^ You could do it, you never realize how strong you are until it's the only choice you have.
Everything that was "wrong" with him, is now repaired. We had a very rough 3 full years, another pretty hard year and now at almost 6 we deal with just left over stuff that just keeps hanging on because of what we went through.
FWIW :
I totally freaked out the other weekend when my lab, Twinkie, was caught by me in the back yard eating a mushroom that had grown overnight. I "googled" it like any well meaning "parent" would do and was for certain that she was gonna die from said mushroom.
*sigh* google was not my friends. She was perfectly fine, didn't even puke. LOL0 -
It's not so much the author of the studies as the way the get reported in the general media. Headlines sell papers. It's important for people to find more about the study before they have a meltdown or change their life.Ok, I read a TON of health related stories on line. I peruse health headlines a LOT. So, yesterday I see this headline about a study linking childhood obesity and antibiotic use. Long story short, they see a marked increase in obesity in children given antibotics within the first 6 months of life.
My daughter, who is nearly 13, spent the first 3 days of her life with an IV pumping in antibiotics due to my having a fever during labor & my water being broken for so long. I was told it was preventative and to make sure she didn't end up with an infection from whatever was causing me to have a fever. Sounds good. If I had read that study's findings 12 years ago, I would have been terrified! As it was, there was a study out about 6 months after her birth that said children born by c-section were like 10x's (slight exaggeration) more likely to develop asthma due to not having their lungs squeezed in the birth canal. I was freaked out that she would suffer from asthma because I couldn't push her sideways head out. Like it would be my fault.
I'm amazed that she is a beautiful, HEALTHY, NOT obese young lady! All these "studies" make it seem nearly impossible to raise healthy kids without shrink wrapping them and feeding them all organic food or something. She's 5'3" and 106. . .no asthma, no major heath issues. In fact, ALL my kids are healthy weight.
I wish the authors of these articles would THINK before they write. Now some poor mom is out there worried that her 5 month old is going to be obese because the doctor put him/her on antibiotics to prevent or cure an infection. GRRRRRRR. . .
sorry. I just get bent and didn't know if that sort of thing bugs anyone else, either.0 -
I think the point of these articles and studies is to let doctors and parents know that hey, sometimes antibiotics and other interventions are needed, but let's try to limit their use to times when they're REALLY needed. It's an effort to encourage a shift away from things like elective c-sections and antibiotics being given for illnesses that will heal on their own. Not to make you feel guilty for things that were medically necessary.0
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was the article based on a scientific study? If so, did you read the study?0
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Well, I have 2 daughters, one each from my first and second husbands. My first daughter, whose father is 6'5" and a thin, naturally athletic build, was on frequent, longterm antibiotics for ALL of her young life. She is 5'9" and 120 lbs. My second daughter, whose father is 6' and about 320 (and has been overweight his whole life), who was ALSO on frequent, longterm antibiotics for ALL of her young life, is 5'5" and about 220 lbs. Yes, they have different genetics from their fathers, but were raised together with me, eat "the same" and have similar upbringing. So maybe a genetic predisposition for "something" PLUS the antibiotics CAN have an effect on weight. My overweight daughter ALSO has asthma and eczema.0
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The point of these studies isn't to scare you and you should really be more upset at the media that presents them to the general public out of context. The antibiotic story underscores the importance of being selective about when to administer antibiotics. There are lots of parents who want antibiotics every time their baby farts. Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit, but not much. A newborn has no immune system and therefore no self defense against a bacterial infection so antibiotics were probably necessary if there was a high risk of infection. Obesity sucks but I think we all agree it beats death by sepsis (systemic infection).
The article about c-sections is not really aimed at expectant mothers because very few would elect to have a c-section over a vaginal birth. But, it is important for physicians to understand the implications of a c-section. There is a big debate going on right now in the obstetrical community about v-backs (giving birth vaginally after having a previous c-section). There are risks to baby and mother associated with v-backs and most physicians/hospitals do not encourage them (some outright refuse them). The point of researching the benefits of vaginal birth isn't to make someone who has needed a c-section be afraid or feel bad. It gives physicians the evidence they need in order to make informed decisions with their patients.0 -
There's risks to everything, everything has pros and cons. There are people out there who publish studies or manipulate their data in a way that is harmful to others. For example, the man who lied and said that vaccines can cause autism. He prevented many children from getting vaccines that they needed, and some kids got sick from it as a result.
Some stories are needed though. For example, antibiotic use is a major problem in this world, and it's currently being fixed but it is hard when people come to clinics and want antibiotics the first time around. I had many ear infections as a child, and my mom had to often beg for antibiotics time after time. I had a horrible sinus infection in May, to the point where I was only sleeping for a couple of hours a night because I couldn't breathe. I had to go to the clinic 3 times over two weeks before I got antibiotics. They worked right away when I got them. If you need them, you need them. I needed them as a child and I needed them in May. I would rather be obese right now than be deaf because of so many infections ruining my ears.
I think the point of some of these articles is to show that you can have an effect on your child's health. For example, babies who are breastfed have a lesser chance of getting infections, because breast milk has good things in it that boost your child's immune system. But are you a bad mother for not breastfeeding? No. Is your child going to have a higher risk of infections from not being breastfed? Maybe. But they could also get sick with any other disease and fall ill. There is so much complexity to the body. Raise your children right - feed them healthy foods, make sure they get exercise, love them unconditionally, wash their hands, get their vaccines, etc.0 -
I
you. My son is Autistic and the constant alarmist BS is absurd.
PS - Please ignore the troll above me.0 -
Sounds like you're just ignorant and believe everything you read. Idiot
Cranky people everywhere. Please get banned.0 -
@Onion. . .See, you've had REAL medical drama with your child. I mean, why do these "studies" have to panic people for no reason when there are LEGITIMATE medical crisis going on?!
God bless you and all the love you've poured into your child. I certainly hope that his health has improved and the medical crisises have passed. I can NOT imagine having to deal with all of that.
I agree. Omg, this new study showed that kids with blonde hair tend to murder their parents!! /runs and hides..
Dumb, plus who cares if your kid is fat? You'd love her anyway wouldn't you? I know I would love mine just the same. I had to be on IV antibiotics while in labor with my 2nd daughter, and she was on them shortly after birth too. Should I run for the hills that she might be overweight?0 -
I agree. Omg, this new study showed that kids with blonde hair tend to murder their parents!! /runs and hides..
Dumb, plus who cares if your kid is fat? You'd love her anyway wouldn't you? I know I would love mine just the same. I had to be on IV antibiotics while in labor with my 2nd daughter, and she was on them shortly after birth too. Should I run for the hills that she might be overweight?
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@Amy, this is my point exactly. . . these articles are alarmist and while based on some study, they scare the bee jeebers out of folks without the sense to look further into them. And, my point was. . .after reading these articles and finding out I've apparently done everything "wrong" for my child. . .I'm amazed (sarcasm) that she's healthy.
@ Everyone who thinks I don't understand the issues with antibiotics. . .I work in public health. Trust me. I've gotten the memo on antibiotic over use. I don't run my kids to the doc for every sniffle, sneeze or *fart* as someone humorously wrote. I'm just saying that these studies make it sound nearly impossible to make reasonable informed choices for our kids.
Listening to the snarky comments are quite entertaining!! Thanks for the feedback.0 -
OK so now I understand why the on call Ped on Monday would not send in an RX for an ABX for my son's ear infection. He has NEVER cleared one without the aid of ABX. He's had tubes twice, current set still in and she stated that the infection this time was from the back of the tube (sinus side).
She wanted me to use ABX ear drops (I had them already and was using them already) for a few days prior ti me dropping off the paper RX at the pharmacy.
After 2 days of 102F fevers, I dropped it off.
Now I completely understand why she did that. It's just stupid though with his extensive medical history, he needs them. They won't clear on their own.
I should add that he's had literally dozens of ear infections due to pretty severe GERD as an infant/toddler (up to around 4 years old) It comes up and goes into the ear canal.0 -
There's risks to everything, everything has pros and cons. There are people out there who publish studies or manipulate their data in a way that is harmful to others. For example, the man who lied and said that vaccines can cause autism. He prevented many children from getting vaccines that they needed, and some kids got sick from it as a result.
Some stories are needed though. For example, antibiotic use is a major problem in this world, and it's currently being fixed but it is hard when people come to clinics and want antibiotics the first time around. I had many ear infections as a child, and my mom had to often beg for antibiotics time after time. I had a horrible sinus infection in May, to the point where I was only sleeping for a couple of hours a night because I couldn't breathe. I had to go to the clinic 3 times over two weeks before I got antibiotics. They worked right away when I got them. If you need them, you need them. I needed them as a child and I needed them in May. I would rather be obese right now than be deaf because of so many infections ruining my ears.
I think the point of some of these articles is to show that you can have an effect on your child's health. For example, babies who are breastfed have a lesser chance of getting infections, because breast milk has good things in it that boost your child's immune system. But are you a bad mother for not breastfeeding? No. Is your child going to have a higher risk of infections from not being breastfed? Maybe. But they could also get sick with any other disease and fall ill. There is so much complexity to the body. Raise your children right - feed them healthy foods, make sure they get exercise, love them unconditionally, wash their hands, get their vaccines, etc.
^^ This.
I'm not worried about my child becoming obese because of antibiotics. I mean the study doesn't say that children who take antibiotics as infants become obese. It just says there is a link. All I can do is raise my child to be healthy. There are a lot of things in life that can and will affect my child. Concern over a link between a medication and obesity is really the least of my worries.0 -
i had no idea where you were going, and thought you were a typical alarmist. i'm glad that wasn't the case.0
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Not having lungs squeezed for a short time seems an improbable cause for asthma. Generally it's due to inflammation of the bronchial tube, and is genetic or set off by certain triggers.
So glad your daughter has grown up fine!0 -
Everyone needs to stop panicking.0
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There are loads of things that are apparently bad for you.
These things have never bothered us before, but suddenly it's going to kill us.
Scientist need to start doing more useful research and stop scaring people.
Same story with how knowing to much about bacteria is making people paranoid about it and scrubbing every surface absolutely clean. People need bacteria around them, to keep the immune system active. If your body isn't used to being around bacteria, you will get sick easier.0 -
Ridiculous studies like this get published for the sake of their sensationalistic content. The media needs attention so that they can sell ads. How many people would read the article with the headline "Precautionary Antibiotics Reported to Have Saved Millions" or "Asthma Proven to Be Hereditary" (which it is btw... you have to be genetically predisposed). Not very many...
It makes me even angrier when people believe that crap. The phrase "Don't believe everything you read" is cliche for a damn good reason!0 -
This sounds like it's probably a correlation. I really doubt that researches actually tested this on babies. As such, you shouldn't be taking antibiotics as the cause of later obesity in these children, but only the correlation that it is. It could be other lifestyle factors for which the researchers failed to rule out and thus control.0
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Studies Shmudies.0
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Studies Shmudies.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
There's always going to be a new study linking something to a bad effect. People need to use COMMON SENSE! I think the lack of common sense is a worse epidemic than obesity
My kids are rarely sick, I don't use hand sanitizer everytime they turn around and don't freak out if they drop something on the floor and then pick it up and eat it. They have good immune systems.
Also my 5 year old was on antibiotics often for his ears and I have to get 6 slim adjustable pants and cinch them up so they don't fall off.0 -
I have to wonder if this study oil into account other factors.... Such as the parents. If parents are obese seems children are more likely to be. I wonder if 50 percent of the children had obese parents and 50 had healthy parents... What percentage of those children given the medicine before 6 months and turned out obese came from an obese household vs a healthy one... Food for thought0
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I wonder if they also did a study linking child obesity with liking Nutella a little too much.0
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