I'm really sadden by the phone call I just got from my mom. Apparently, my grandma was really really sick, she thought she should go down and spend a couple days with her because we have a big family reunion for Thanksgiving coming up. And when she got there my grandma was in really bad shape. She swore she was having a stroke...To make a long story short, she pushed the dr.s to do a spinal tap (even tho' they were adamant she was just a babbling old lady and perfectly fine) and w/o even sending to the lab for confirmation they knew she had bacterial meningitis. My concern for my grandma and the anger with how the medical professionals blew her off is a whole different story.
At this point I really don't know what to do with our planned trip to the reunion. My mom called all my aunts (because she thought she wasn't going to make it, and she probably wouldn't have if they didn't push things) but now everyone who is suppose to be at Thanksgiving have been with my grandma during this whole time. So presumably then also, exposed to the Meningitis. Apparently, the CDC is supposed to come talk to them and give them some type of preventative antibiotic....But my Mom said she wanted to let me know because they fully understand if we don't want to chance coming down for the reunion. We have family flying in from Oregon, and they can't change their flights or we could have delayed thanksgiving.
I have a 13 month old and an almost 3 year old, and have no clue as to what the risks would be? I also have an immune disorder (MS), but have been in remission for 6 yrs now....My 2 yr old is fully vaccinated, my 13 month old still has another round left i think. Its my understanding my grandmother has the HiB type of meningitis. Has anyone else been in this situation and know how contagious Hib is? I know how deadly it can be and would never want to put my family in danger, but we have been planning this get together for a whole year :( I am so disappointed and so scared with everything?
Would you even consider attending or is this really a no brainer and I just need to call it and mail all the gifts?
Just wanted to add I fully intent on calling the pediatrician in the am, to get a professional opinion. But obviously this is going to be weighing on my mind all night....
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Health is FIRST.
AND you have children.... AND you have an immune disorder.
Nuf' said.
Health FIRST.
You will NOT want to, in hindsight... 'wish' you canceled, if you or your kids catch it or an illness....
C'mon... the CDC is even going to visit them... to delineate things to them about the illness.
This is a no brainer.
I would personally, NOT attend. At all.
Having had meningitis as a child, I wouldn't want my children anywhere near someone with it. That may sound mean, but it is an awful thing. I'm sure your pediatrician will give you the best advice.
Just my two cents,
R.
no brainer. even if ped. says go. he doesn't know the full scope. no way exposing children to that.
If the CDC is coming to talk to them you would have to think it is contagious. You should probably stay away. But wait until tomorrow....you need to hear what your ped says and also what the CDC tells your family. You should DEFINITELY ask one of your family members to ask about you and give them your story and see what they think about you guys coming. That would be a better source than your ped even I would think.
I to agree. Stay away. Meningitus is serious and deadly. I would not risk it at all.
Sorry your plans will get changed but better safe than sorry.
No Brainer..you are responsible for you and your childrens health and well being..your family will understand and even if they are disappointed they will see past it.
I would stay away. You don't want your children getting this or even being exposed. I'd stay home and keep them safe.
k
i just wanted to say I am so glad you are not going. My daughter had viral meningitis when she was young. She couldn't even lift her head off the pillow. The emergency room doctor kept telling us it was an ear infection. We knew better and so did our doctor. He came in on a Sunday just to take care of her. You never want to take a chance like that. I hope your grandmother is feeling better soon.
Meningitis is nothing to mess around with. Mail the gifts and stay home. It's not worth risking exposure to it.
As with all bacterial infections, bacterial meningitis is contagious and not something that you would want any of your young children to contract. My son had at 15 months of age. It was a devastating experience, 10 days of which we spent in the pediatric ICU. Fortunately, we did not loose him but it resulted in 13 months of various types of therapy. Remember, this is a very serious infection attacking the brain...Almost 18 months later, my son still needs OT (he develop gross motor imbalance). I hope your grandmother recovers fully and very soon.
P.S make sure to tell your mom thanks for being so persistant with the Doctor's. It is so sad that we have to do that now a days. Just because you are elderly does not mean that you are crazy!!
omg definitely do not go. meningitis is serious and can be fatal. do not risk it by exposing your kids to it. it sucks you can't go but you do not want to go through the horrors if something does happen.
