DEECON'S IMMUNIZATION SHOTS

Mommy can't believe it's already immunization time. It's a pretty scary decision to make when Deecon is only 1500 grams, approx. 3 pounds and 5 ounces. We had so many questions about his immunizations. It was two shots, one in each leg.. which the doctors described as the meaty part of his body. I thought what meaty part, even though is reached double his birth weight he is still so tiny. One of my main questions was do they give the same dosage of immunization to a preemie baby as they do full term babies. Her answer to this was yes they do, they don't change the dosage. That to me was a scary answer. We were really hesitant, but the doctors assured us that they do these immunizations all the time. Still we weren't on board right away, for fears of autism and other major side effects. The doctors made light of the autism claim and explained that the study that tried to link it to immunization was an old study and was inconclusive. The two shots were immunizing for Pertussis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Infant Haemorphilus type B, and the doctors pointed out that the slight side effects known of these shots, swollen red spot or increase in temperature far out way the chances of getting any of these serious infections. Pertussis or other wise known as whooping cough, and may cause serious complications if contracted. Diphtheria is a disease of the nose, throat and skin, killing 1 out of every 10 who gets the disease. Tetanus or lock jaw is a serious disease that even with the immunization kills 2 out of every 10 people gets it. Polio is a dangerous disease you can contract through eating and drinking anything containting the germ, which can cause nerve damage, paralysis or even death. Haemophilus influenzae type B also know as meningitis, which is a serious infection effecting the fluid and lining that is covering the brain and spinal cord. This causes developmental problems, deafness, blindness and death. Epiglottistis is another infection that it can cause which is an infection of throat near the voice box, causing infections of the lungs, bone and joint. When looking at the big picture, and trying to forget the unknown side effects we decided that it was in our best interest and Deecon's to proceed with the two immunizations. He got them in the morning of the 8th by the time we got up to the NICU. We were warned that he may be lethargic because of the tylenol that he was given and perhaps not himself but in fact he was wide awake and his cute self. After this we met with the endocrinologist to discuss his results from his blood tests, testing again for CAH -Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. She informed us that they had sent the blood away and that the second test unfortunately came back high in testosterone levels and produced another positive result. With Deecon being off of his Alactizide medication his sodium level has been much better and they have had to lessen his sodium shot and it is soon to be discontinued. She then stated since his sodium levels are back to normal she does not see any signs of the CAH disease and that sometimes babies that are under stress will produce a higher level and therefore produce a positive result. So for now we are not taking any action regarding the disease but will retest him in a couple of weeks again. Mommy and Daddy were very scared at first for this disease only effects 1 in 10,000 babies and Deecon couldn't possibly be one of them. Mommy truly believes everything will be ok and so we have put those worries on the back burner for now until we have a confirmed definate final positive result.