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Mere7706
member
Flu shot thoughts- long
Mere7706
member
I just got home from T's 9 month appointment and I feel frustrated. The doctor wanted to do a flu shot so I was asking lots of questions and explained my concerns with it. (DH was allergic to eggs as a child and can't have the flu shot) I wanted to know what the risk was for T due to that history. She discussed it with me at length, telling me bc he had chicken with no problems the risk was low but he could still have a reaction. When I asked what she would do if it were her baby she was defensive and rude- "It's a weighted, unfair question. I'm a doctor and I'd know what to do if there was an allergy." That made me think she doesn't think I'd be able to handle it so we won't do it. She then seemed mad that I chose to wait on it and take her up on the offer to get him tested for the allergy via blood tests. She was also made me feel like I had done something wrong when I told her we hadn't given him tastes of anything that may have eggs in it, other than graham crackers and some puffs. She couldn't believe that I hadn't given him any of my food or cake! WTF? She knows that dh had severe food allergies and we're trying to be very careful with it all. DUH!
Sorry this is so long and ventful! What would you have done?? I know I did the cautious and right thing, but also feel like maybe I'm over reacting. What are your thoughts??
On a side note, she was in disbelief that she had to write me a note to use cds at the daycare! So that's all set and we will continue to cd full time next month!
Lovin' Life: M+D 7/06, T 1/08, B 5/10
Getting back to it- my diet and exercise blog
Losing it...Without Losing it
Getting back to it- my diet and exercise blog
Losing it...Without Losing it
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Flu shot thoughts- long
Chicken protein is not the same as egg, and I am surprised your doctor said that. DD can eat chicken just fine and has a huge problem with eggs AND FWIW not all allergies show up with allergy testing. I have seen many doctors and they all are confident that my DD has food allergies to egg (among other things) and she has never been positive on an allergy test. Blood tests are not reliable on babies and blood tests and scratch testing can have different results.
IME, my DD was showing reactions to food I ate in my breastmilk at 6 weeks. I have no idea about solid food because she also has food aversions, but it seems to me that children are born with allergies or not. DD had daily and long term hiccups while I was pregnant, which is one of her allergy symptoms with egg when I eat it now.
It's up to you, you are the patient, if you don't want to get a flu shot for DD, then don't get one. If you don't want her to eat certain foods, that is fine, too. I told my pedi no on the flu shot, and she gave it anyway, I didn't notice until after I got the vax sheet, and DD got stomach upset and hives. Not all reactions are the same. You have to do what you are comfortable doing, only you know how your child will react.
I think it's time to find a new dr. who is more sensitive to what's going on with your own child. This dr. seemed to either be judgmental or blowing off some very valid concerns.
i dunno, i'd probably be looking for a new pediatrician if i went thru that. Esp with what you're going thru with your DH's food allergies.
seems silly that she would act like that, its just a flu shot, and its an optional shot at that! (and not even 99% effective in preventing the flu).
very weird... but YEAY! about getting your CD note.
Wow - I would find a new dr. ?I also have food allergies so have been super cautious about introducing foods to DS. ?Egg is not recommended until 1 year anyway, so I'm confused why she thought you would have given that already. ?I know a lot of people give just egg yolk before a year since the white is the part that is allergenic. ?
In terms of the flu shot, with your DH's food history, I wouldn't give it this year because you don't know what reaction your DS will have. ?I know a lot of people don't vaccinate babies and you can just be more careful around those who are sick this winter. ??
Cake? For a 9 month old? You're not supposed to give egg whites under a year. If I were you, I would have skipped the flu shot too. My DH has food allergies too, and I'm skipping the flu shot too, and going very slowly introducing solid foods too.
As far as switching to a different doctor, if you felt disrespected or dismissed and no longer comfortable with her, I'd consider switching. Or if you think you need to find a doctor that knows more about allergies to be most helpful in caring for your DS. But if you just don't find her a reliable source for allergy info that you can find on your own, I wouldn't necessarily jump ship. I guess I don't expect my pediatrician to be an expert on absolutely everything, and I expect to do some legwork myself.