Autism

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

QUOTE (physics23 @ Oct 12 2005, 05:38 PM)

In that case what I was going to say won't be of any help. You may have read about this incident at Yahoo! Finance today: QUOTE Parent Group and 11-Year-Old Child Escorted From American Academy of Pediatrics Convention Tuesday October 11, 11:18 am ET "We have the freedom of speech, but not the freedom to be heard," says one parent after being thrown out of conference in DC WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday morning, six parents and an 11-year-old child were removed from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Convention. They were escorted by security officers after being told by coordinators that they were not welcome. The parents, two of which are medical professionals, were pre-registered to work at a booth and hand out materials to pediatricians about autism. Two camera crews were also escorted out prior to the ouster of the parent group so that the AAP's actions could not be recorded by the media. Full article Nice find, physics. I hope people take the time to read that article.

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (physics23 @ Oct 12 2005, 04:38 PM)

In that case what I was going to say won't be of any help. You may have read about this incident at Yahoo! Finance today: QUOTE Parent Group and 11-Year-Old Child Escorted From American Academy of Pediatrics Convention Tuesday October 11, 11:18 am ET "We have the freedom of speech, but not the freedom to be heard," says one parent after being thrown out of conference in DC WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday morning, six parents and an 11-year-old child were removed from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Convention. They were escorted by security officers after being told by coordinators that they were not welcome. The parents, two of which are medical professionals, were pre-registered to work at a booth and hand out materials to pediatricians about autism. Two camera crews were also escorted out prior to the ouster of the parent group so that the AAP's actions could not be recorded by the media. Full article I hadn't read that, no. Thank you for that link. Unfortunately this doesn't surprise me.   But now you've piqued my curiosity...what were you going to say? Something about mercury in hair?

[physics23]

I wasn't going to say anything dramatic. For every article I read supporting the thimerosal argument, there is at least one medical report categorically denying any thimerosal-autism connection.

I've found this article and the ensuing debate make it extremely difficult to choose sides.

I was going to suggest this study, but I'm less eager to now.

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (physics23 @ Oct 13 2005, 06:10 AM)

I wasn't going to say anything dramatic. For every article I read supporting the thimerosal argument, there is at least one medical report categorically denying any thimerosal-autism connection. I've found this article and the ensuing debate make it extremely difficult to choose sides. I was going to suggest this study, but I'm less eager to now.

Of course, there are arguments saying there's no connection. You can read my opinions about this phenomenon earlier in this thread. There's money to be made here, and the vaccine companies will fight to the death to keep it rolling in. But again, that is my opinion - based on research I've seen and done.

 

As far as the last study, by Baron-Cohen, I completely agree that testosterone (both fetal and systemic) plays a role in autism. There's a reason why boys are 4 times more likely to have autism than girls. The intriguing thing is that when nerve cells are treated with thimerosal, a certain amount of damage is done. If you add testosterone, the damage becomes much greater, while estrogen seems to have a protective effect.

 

There are other theories re: mercury and testosterone, but I still have to do more reading on that.

[pedro2112]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Oct 13 2005, 10:40 AM)

There's money to be made here

While I don't disagree with you regarding the Thimersal debate, GG, the "there's money to be made" statement goes both ways.

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (pedro2112 @ Oct 13 2005, 05:13 PM)

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Oct 13 2005, 10:40 AM) There's money to be made here While I don't disagree with you regarding the Thimersal debate, GG, the "there's money to be made" statement goes both ways. Well, of course. That's the American way, and I don't disagree or have a problem with a company making an honest living.   And yes, I'm paying out the...umm...nose, to do some of these things for Stephen, simply because the insurance company that gets a chunk of my paycheck won't pay for "natural" substances. Since pharmaceutical companies can't get patents on natural substances, they refuse to market them, therefore insurance companies won't pay for them, and on and on.   My "there's money to be made" comment was as cynical as I can get, because MY beef is partly because of things such as this:   Why did the vaccines NEED preservatives? Because the large, multi-dose vials are cheaper than producing single-dose vials. And yes, you can still use the "they're a business entitled to make money" argument for that, too. But when the savings come at the price of a child's health and wellbeing, then I say that's capitalism gone awry.   Just my opinion, of course.

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Oct 14 2005, 01:37 PM)

QUOTE (pedro2112 @ Oct 13 2005, 05:13 PM) QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Oct 13 2005, 10:40 AM) There's money to be made here While I don't disagree with you regarding the Thimersal debate, GG, the "there's money to be made" statement goes both ways. Well, of course. That's the American way, and I don't disagree or have a problem with a company making an honest living.   And yes, I'm paying out the...umm...nose, to do some of these things for Stephen, simply because the insurance company that gets a chunk of my paycheck won't pay for "natural" substances. Since pharmaceutical companies can't get patents on natural substances, they refuse to market them, therefore insurance companies won't pay for them, and on and on.   My "there's money to be made" comment was as cynical as I can get, because MY beef is partly because of things such as this:   Why did the vaccines NEED preservatives? Because the large, multi-dose vials are cheaper than producing single-dose vials. And yes, you can still use the "they're a business entitled to make money" argument for that, too. But when the savings come at the price of a child's health and wellbeing, then I say that's capitalism gone awry.   Just my opinion, of course. Like GG said, there's nothing wrong with these "natural" doctors making money. They deserve to be compensated for their skills like anybody else. GG has to spend money to help Stephen no matter what. The way I see it, she could spend her hard-earned cash one of two ways: She could take Stephen to a mainstream doc and spend the rest of her son's life repeatedly buying prescription antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants that will do NOTHING to improve Stephen's condition; they will only make him sleep more and space him out. Drugs that the pharmaceuticals tell these docs to push onto their patients. These docs receive "incentives" for doing this. Repeat business is how these guys make their money.   She could take Stephen to a "natural" doctor, like she's doing now. A doctor who'll actually try to help her son improve over the long term. A doctor who will try to remove what's causing Stephen's symptoms, instead of just treating the symptoms. And once the treatments are over, so are the visits to the doctor's office, and she won't be shelling out money for prescriptions every month for the rest of her son's life. That second option is a best-case scenario, of course. Maybe Stephen will only see a slight improvement, but any improvement is better than none, and he'd get NONE from that first option. That first option sounds like bullshit to me.

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (1-0-0-1-0-0-1 @ Oct 14 2005, 03:27 PM)

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Oct 14 2005, 01:37 PM) QUOTE (pedro2112 @ Oct 13 2005, 05:13 PM) QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Oct 13 2005, 10:40 AM) There's money to be made here While I don't disagree with you regarding the Thimersal debate, GG, the "there's money to be made" statement goes both ways. Well, of course. That's the American way, and I don't disagree or have a problem with a company making an honest living.   And yes, I'm paying out the...umm...nose, to do some of these things for Stephen, simply because the insurance company that gets a chunk of my paycheck won't pay for "natural" substances. Since pharmaceutical companies can't get patents on natural substances, they refuse to market them, therefore insurance companies won't pay for them, and on and on.   My "there's money to be made" comment was as cynical as I can get, because MY beef is partly because of things such as this:   Why did the vaccines NEED preservatives? Because the large, multi-dose vials are cheaper than producing single-dose vials. And yes, you can still use the "they're a business entitled to make money" argument for that, too. But when the savings come at the price of a child's health and wellbeing, then I say that's capitalism gone awry.   Just my opinion, of course. Like GG said, there's nothing wrong with these "natural" doctors making money. They deserve to be compensated for their skills like anybody else. GG has to spend money to help Stephen no matter what. The way I see it, she could spend her hard-earned cash one of two ways: She could take Stephen to a mainstream doc and spend the rest of her son's life repeatedly buying prescription antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants that will do NOTHING to improve Stephen's condition; they will only make him sleep more and space him out. Drugs that the pharmaceuticals tell these docs to push onto their patients. These docs receive "incentives" for doing this. Repeat business is how these guys make their money.   She could take Stephen to a "natural" doctor, like she's doing now. A doctor who'll actually try to help her son improve over the long term. A doctor who will try to remove what's causing Stephen's symptoms, instead of just treating the symptoms. And once the treatments are over, so are the visits to the doctor's office, and she won't be shelling out money for prescriptions every month for the rest of her son's life. That second option is a best-case scenario, of course. Maybe Stephen will only see a slight improvement, but any improvement is better than none, and he'd get NONE from that first option. That first option sounds like bullshit to me.

[Dweezil]

[war2112]

I'm afraid I don't have any information related to autism.

 

The only thing I really have to say is that your son is a cute kid, GG.

 

I hope you don't take that wrong or anything; it's just that I have seen his picture throughout a lot of your posts and it just really struck me that he is indeed a cute kid.

 

That's all, I wish I had more. I wish there was something I could do. Hopefully, your efforts in this arena will point towards some results for your son.

 

All the best.

 

 

 

 

[Dweezil]

[GhostGirl]

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (war2112 @ Oct 28 2005, 02:28 AM)

I'm afraid I don't have any information related to autism. The only thing I really have to say is that your son is a cute kid, GG. I hope you don't take that wrong or anything; it's just that I have seen his picture throughout a lot of your posts and it just really struck me that he is indeed a cute kid. That's all, I wish I had more. I wish there was something I could do. Hopefully, your efforts in this arena will point towards some results for your son. All the best.

I don't take it wrongly at all. He IS a cutie, if I do say so myself.

 

You actually brought something to mind that I may not have mentioned before: because Stephen LOOKS so normal (well, maybe cuter than that ) we often get lots of "God, look at that spoiled brat having a tantrum" looks when he has a meltdown. When a child has a visible physical issue then people make allowances in their judgement. Not so with autism.

 

But thankfully we have people who know us and love us. And Stephen has a precious older brother who loves him and takes really good care of him as well.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/RushBabe/Boys/PICT0032.jpg

 

Thanks for your nice words, WAR.

[GhostGirl]

A few lovely folks have asked me about Stephen's progress, so I thought I'd post something in the way of an update.

 

After finding that Stephen had aluminum, lead AND mercury in his little body, then the search began for the right chelating agent. We finally found it, ordered it, and when it came we had to decide how to get him to take it, since he's so picky.

 

But, with the help of our wonderful compounding pharmacy, we found some strawberry flavoring syrup which we mix with the contents of the capsules. And (knock on wood) so far he's doing okay with it. He just had his 2nd dose.

 

We've continued the methyl B-12 shots, and have noticed a clinical increase in his expressive speech attempts. At school, he has been much more interactive with his typical peers. He still has his off days, but don't we all?

 

Overall, he's progressing well in some areas, not so much in others. But we're working on those, and expect great things. Not magic or miracles, but great things nonetheless.

 

Thanks once again to my wonderful friends who never let too many days go by before asking about Stephen. It means the world to me.

[sundog]

That is wonderful news GG!

 

 

 

 

[Alsgalpal]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Dec 19 2005, 10:36 PM)

A few lovely folks have asked me about Stephen's progress, so I thought I'd post something in the way of an update. After finding that Stephen had aluminum, lead AND mercury in his little body, then the search began for the right chelating agent. We finally found it, ordered it, and when it came we had to decide how to get him to take it, since he's so picky. But, with the help of our wonderful compounding pharmacy, we found some strawberry flavoring syrup which we then mix with the contents of the capsules. And (knock on wood) so far he's doing okay with it. He just had his 2nd dose. We've continued the methyl B-12 shots, and have noticed a clinical increase in his expressive speech attempts. At school, he has been much more interactive with his typical peers. He still has his off days, but don't we all? Overall, he's progressing well in some areas, not so much in others. But we're working on those, and expect great things. Not magic or miracles, but great things nonetheless. Thanks once again to my wonderful friends who never let too many days go by before asking about Stephen. It means the world to me.

I am so glad that it seems to be working!!! I often wonder. Shame on me for not asking so much.

 

 

 

 

GG, you are so strong, and such a great mom!!! I would like to wish that I am half as good as you are.

[GhostGirl]

Thank you sunny and AGP.

[RushRevisited]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Dec 19 2005, 10:36 PM)

A few lovely folks have asked me about Stephen's progress, so I thought I'd post something in the way of an update. After finding that Stephen had aluminum, lead AND mercury in his little body, then the search began for the right chelating agent. We finally found it, ordered it, and when it came we had to decide how to get him to take it, since he's so picky. But, with the help of our wonderful compounding pharmacy, we found some strawberry flavoring syrup which we mix with the contents of the capsules. And (knock on wood) so far he's doing okay with it. He just had his 2nd dose. We've continued the methyl B-12 shots, and have noticed a clinical increase in his expressive speech attempts. At school, he has been much more interactive with his typical peers. He still has his off days, but don't we all? Overall, he's progressing well in some areas, not so much in others. But we're working on those, and expect great things. Not magic or miracles, but great things nonetheless. Thanks once again to my wonderful friends who never let too many days go by before asking about Stephen. It means the world to me.

This is AWESOME news GG! ANY progress is a GREAT sign!!! Keep us posted!!

 

QUOTE

GG, you are so strong, and such a great mom!!!

 

I agree 10000%

 

[Necromancer]

I wish you all the best and continued success with these new treatments for your son.

 

ken

[GhostGirl]

RR - words can't express... Thanks, bro.

 

And thank you, Necro. I appreciate the well wishes very much.

[Daylin]

I'm so glad to hear that things are progressing for Stephen.

[GhostGirl]

We've moved on to chelation meds every day now, and so far he's still taking the stuff like a trooper. I'm so proud, and relieved. This kid is SO picky, and he takes this stuff so easily it's almost as if he knows it's to help him.

 

Last night he was looking at a Dora the Explorer book and he started repeating a part from the show - the other parents here might know the "Swiper the Fox" part. ("Swiper, no swiping!" and "Oh, man!" ) Now, his words are only recognizable to us, but still, it's a start. It's just amazing to see his little brain starting to wake up.

[Alsgalpal]

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Dec 27 2005, 12:48 PM)

We've moved on to chelation meds every day now, and so far he's still taking the stuff like a trooper. I'm so proud, and relieved. This kid is SO picky, and he takes this stuff so easily it's almost as if he knows it's to help him. Last night he was looking at a Dora the Explorer book and he started repeating a part from the show - the other parents here might know the "Swiper the Fox" part. ("Swiper, no swiping!" and "Oh, man!" ) Now, his words are only recognizable to us, but still, it's a start. It's just amazing to see his little brain starting to wake up.

Oh!!! GG, thats wonderful to hear!!!! It just makes your heart swell with pride, love and all those good unexplainable things...

 

 

 

 

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

Can't help but think back about those "normal" doctors who wanted to give Stephen "normal" drugs that would've kept him subdued and spaced-out. But our GG stuck to her guns and found responsible, alternative medicine that's actually helping him to improve.

 

You ROCK, GG.

[GhostGirl]

QUOTE (Alsgalpal @ Dec 27 2005, 11:51 AM)

QUOTE (GhostGirl @ Dec 27 2005, 12:48 PM) We've moved on to chelation meds every day now, and so far he's still taking the stuff like a trooper.  I'm so proud, and relieved.  This kid is SO picky, and he takes this stuff so easily it's almost as if he knows it's to help him.  Last night he was looking at a Dora the Explorer book and he started repeating a part from the show - the other parents here might know the "Swiper the Fox" part.  ("Swiper, no swiping!" and "Oh, man!" )    Now, his words are only recognizable to us, but still, it's a start.  It's just amazing to see his little brain starting to wake up. Oh!!! GG, thats wonderful to hear!!!! It just makes your heart swell with pride, love and all those good unexplainable things...         Yes, that's it.