Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Madeline, Hello! I don't know much about antibiotic ingredients and such, but I do know that giving lots of probiotics *during*, and for a few weeks after, antibiotics is very beneficial. You don't want to wait until after the antibiotics! There is a dairy-free version for children. Let me know if you need me to find the brand for you. As an aside to anyone else interested in this topic, I've cured every ear infection any of my three children have had with garlic oil drops in the ears, which is also anti-inflammatory so helps with the pain even better than the numbing drops. My pediatrician doesn't believe me - she thinks one *cannot* get rid of an ear infection without antibiotics! Also my son and I just had a horrendous bout of thrush and were given Nystatin. Instead we both took megadoses of probiotics, and I applied the probiotics to my breast as well. It took only a week and we are both fine - no Nystatin needed! Warmest Wishes, Tanya Better first dates. More second dates. Personals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 RULE of thumb - IF your child has a BACTERIAL INFECTION - get the prescription for anti-biotics- IF YOUR CHILD has a VIRAL INFECTION - do not give anti-biotics!! This is the advice from my homeopathic/pediatrician, family Dr.) We have had our Dr. for over 12 years - He has only prescribed anti-biotics 3x - all for Lime disease a bacterial infection - Ear infections as infrequent as they were - we cut up garlic, put olive oil on a cotton ball and band-aid that to the ear - worked everytime. ANTI-BIOTICS DO NOT CURE VIRAL INFECTIONS - they only weaken the immune system. I would say that scarlet fever is a bacterial infection - anti-biotics are necessary! (PS - for adults with cold symptoms -take Zinc pills- they taste awful bt work great (COLD EEZE is a great brand name) You did the right thing! Terry Somerson <terry wrote: My five-year-old son is seldom sick, but antibiotics have been prescribed for him several times over the course of his life. I've always given him the medicine without worrying about it. If he had chronic problems such as ear infections I would look for alternative therapies. But for infrequent infections, I'd much prefer to ease his discomfort and get him back on his feet quickly by giving him the amoxycillin (which if I recall correctly has always been pink). Terry I realize this is off topic and I hope it doesn't bother anyone. This is my number one parenting resource. My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes develops after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing my own home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in this case included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. When there was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a prescription for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, numerous ear infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken pox (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic fever and complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it for a day before having it filled but could not come up with another alternative. I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make it that nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates bananas anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for kids? And adults too for that matter. Secondly, how do the rest of you deal with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to all the others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to have lots of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as infrequently as possible. Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you do after antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after are necessary. Anything else? Thanks in advance. I look forward to the input as I hope to be better prepared next time. :)Madeline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 My girls usually only need anti-biotics once a year or so. They are 5 and 6. If they have strep they definately need the antiobiotic. I definately don't go running to the Dr. for every little thing because I also want to keep them off the anti-biotics. One thing that I have found to work for myself is swabbing my throat with tea tree oil everytime cold/sore throat/aching ears symptoms appear. This tastes extremely nasty but most every time will knock out whatever I have. Unfortunately I have never been able to get the girls to do this.....just the smell gets to them little lone trying to get it near their mouth. As an adult though I can get through it, and it's much better than trying to gag down something like Nyquil (sp?) Kelly Lauren Niedel <lniedel wrote: RULE of thumb - IF your child has a BACTERIAL INFECTION - get the prescription for anti-biotics- IF YOUR CHILD has a VIRAL INFECTION - do not give anti-biotics!! This is the advice from my homeopathic/pediatrician, family Dr.) We have had our Dr. for over 12 years - He has only prescribed anti-biotics 3x - all for Lime disease a bacterial infection - Ear infections as infrequent as they were - we cut up garlic, put olive oil on a cotton ball and band-aid that to the ear - worked everytime. ANTI-BIOTICS DO NOT CURE VIRAL INFECTIONS - they only weaken the immune system. I would say that scarlet fever is a bacterial infection - anti-biotics are necessary! (PS - for adults with cold symptoms -take Zinc pills- they taste awful bt work great (COLD EEZE is a great brand name) You did the right thing! Terry Somerson <terry wrote: My five-year-old son is seldom sick, but antibiotics have been prescribed for him several times over the course of his life. I've always given him the medicine without worrying about it. If he had chronic problems such as ear infections I would look for alternative therapies. But for infrequent infections, I'd much prefer to ease his discomfort and get him back on his feet quickly by giving him the amoxycillin (which if I recall correctly has always been pink). Terry I realize this is off topic and I hope it doesn't bother anyone. This is my number one parenting resource. My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes develops after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing my own home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in this case included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. When there was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a prescription for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, numerous ear infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken pox (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic fever and complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it for a day before having it filled but could not come up with another alternative. I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make it that nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates bananas anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for kids? And adults too for that matter. Secondly, how do the rest of you deal with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to all the others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to have lots of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as infrequently as possible. Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you do after antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after are necessary. Anything else? Thanks in advance. I look forward to the input as I hope to be better prepared next time. :)Madeline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 If you don't mind my asking, how did you go about applying a probiotic to the breast? I've only seen them in powder form, so that's why I'm curious. You can reply to me directly if you'd like. Maria Tanya L <telnjml wrote: Instead we both took megadoses of probiotics, and I applied the probiotics to my breast as well. It took only a week and we are both fine - no Nystatin needed! Warmest Wishes, Tanya Better first dates. More second dates. Personals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Patricia, Are you sure you aren't confusing Scarlet Fever with Rheumatic Fever? According to what I've read and what our ped says, Scarlet Fever is a rash that occurs either with Strep Throat or Impetigo. Rheumatic Fever develops as a result of untreated Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever. Even though the symptoms of the Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever go away when left untreated, the strep is still in the body and can cause Rheumatic Fever which is what can cause irreparable damage in primarily ages 6 - 15 years old. God's Peace, Gayle - " Patricia Bullington-McGuire " <patricia Monday, April 04, 2005 4:27 PM Re: antibiotics > > > On Mon, 4 Apr 2005, Madeline White wrote: > >> My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes >> develops >> after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing my >> own >> home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in this >> case >> included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. When >> there >> was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a >> prescription >> for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or >> antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, numerous >> ear >> infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken pox >> (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic fever >> and >> complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too >> developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it for a >> day before having it filled but could not come up with another >> alternative. > > My son also had scarlet fever. He was 2 at the time. I also usually avoid > antibiotics, but scarlet fever is one case where I was very, very glad to > have them. My mother had scarlet fever as a child and still has residual > damage from it now, in her 60s. Scarlet fever can kill, or blind, or > deafen, or do any number of other permanent, life-altering things to a > child. Using the anti-biotics was the right call. In fact, one of the > reasons I decline antibiotics in ordinary circumstances is to minimize the > risk of drug resistance that can render them ineffective when they are > really needed for truly serious illnesses, like this. > >> I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make it >> that >> nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I >> simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates >> bananas >> anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for >> kids? And adults too for that matter. > > Amoxicillin is one of the safest antibiotics. It is a penicillin variant. > I have no idea why it was yellow. Straight penicillin is no longer the > first drug of choice in most cases because so many bugs are resistant to > it at this point. But if your son ever needs antibiotics again, you can > certainly tell the doctor that it's hard to get him to take the > amoxycillin and you would prefer something else. There are lots of > antibiotics on the market to choose from. > >> Secondly, how do the rest of you deal >> with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one >> antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to all >> the >> others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to have >> lots >> of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as >> infrequently as possible. > > I decline antibiotics for my kids unless the illness is really serious, or > if they are seriously suffering and my resolve breaks, which has happened > a couple of times with extreme ear infections that pain-killers alone > could not handle. Actually, usually I just take the prescription and > never fill it -- it's easier than arguing, and it gives me the option of > filling it quickly if I change me mind, which I rarely do. > >> Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you do after >> antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after >> are necessary. Anything else? > > I just make sure to feed my kids soy yogurt with active cultures during > and for a few days after the antibiotics. That seems to be enough to keep > down any diarrhea resulting from the antibiotics wiping out beneficial > bacteria in the gut, and my kids practically live on the stuff anyway so > it's easy enough to do. I tried to give my son probiotics from a bottle > once but he hated it so I gave up on that avenue. > > ---- > Patricia Bullington-McGuire <patricia > > The brilliant Cerebron, attacking the problem analytically, discovered > three distinct kinds of dragon: the mythical, the chimerical, and the > purely hypothetical. They were all, one might say, nonexistent, but each > nonexisted in an entirely different way ... > -- Stanislaw Lem, " Cyberiad " For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at > http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to > http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to > provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a > qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Studies also show that ear infections left untreated will clear up at the same rate that ear infections that are treated in anyway clear up. God's Peace, Gayle - " Tanya L " <telnjml Monday, April 04, 2005 7:12 PM antibiotics > > > > > > Madeline, > > Hello! I don't know much about antibiotic ingredients and such, but I do > know that giving lots of probiotics *during*, and for a few weeks after, > antibiotics is very beneficial. You don't want to wait until after the > antibiotics! There is a dairy-free version for children. Let me know if > you need me to find the brand for you. > > As an aside to anyone else interested in this topic, I've cured every ear > infection any of my three children have had with garlic oil drops in the > ears, which is also anti-inflammatory so helps with the pain even better > than the numbing drops. My pediatrician doesn't believe me - she thinks > one *cannot* get rid of an ear infection without antibiotics! > > Also my son and I just had a horrendous bout of thrush and were given > Nystatin. Instead we both took megadoses of probiotics, and I applied the > probiotics to my breast as well. It took only a week and we are both > fine - no Nystatin needed! > > Warmest Wishes, > Tanya > > > > > > Better first dates. More second dates. Personals > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 What do you do after antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after are necessary. Anything else? Hi Madeline This is a very tough decision. My ped won't even give antibiotics unless he is sure that the child has a bacterial infection. My kids have rarely taken them. When they have I have always given acidophilous at the same time. My dd had bronchitis a couple of weeks ago and she took an antibiotic. I gave her a probiotic twice a day until a few days after the meds stopped. My opinion on meds is that parents have to weigh the risks of the meds against the risk of the disease. I think that antibiotics can be a useful thing if they are only used on rare occasions. Good luck Carol, mom to Melissa, 3/14/94 Julia, 2/18/97 Lily, 9/7/04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 It's true that most ear infections are viral in nature and don't require an antibiotic. My 7 yo DS is currently on a 4 week course of Bactrim because of a severe(and rare!) bacterial infection in his right ear. We tried tea tree oil, garlic, antibiotic drops and finally after having the fluid cultured, the doctor diagnosed an odd strain of bacteria in his ear. He has had problems with this ear for most of his life, and I trust our ENT inherently. We go through every possible remedy before resorting to cultures and/or antibiotics. He has even sent us to an infectious diseases specialist to see if DS had an immune deficiency of some sort. Since this particular infection had persisted for more than 2 months, we all felt it was necessary to use the antibiotics, since there is some chance of having the infection spread to the mastoid. Again, I guess the message is, sometimes antibiotics are the right thing. Noreen quintmom [quintmom] Tuesday, April 05, 2005 6:14 AM Re: antibiotics Studies also show that ear infections left untreated will clear up at the same rate that ear infections that are treated in anyway clear up. God's Peace, Gayle - " Tanya L " <telnjml Monday, April 04, 2005 7:12 PM antibiotics > > > > > > Madeline, > > Hello! I don't know much about antibiotic ingredients and such, but I do > know that giving lots of probiotics *during*, and for a few weeks after, > antibiotics is very beneficial. You don't want to wait until after the > antibiotics! There is a dairy-free version for children. Let me know if > you need me to find the brand for you. > > As an aside to anyone else interested in this topic, I've cured every ear > infection any of my three children have had with garlic oil drops in the > ears, which is also anti-inflammatory so helps with the pain even better > than the numbing drops. My pediatrician doesn't believe me - she thinks > one *cannot* get rid of an ear infection without antibiotics! > > Also my son and I just had a horrendous bout of thrush and were given > Nystatin. Instead we both took megadoses of probiotics, and I applied the > probiotics to my breast as well. It took only a week and we are both > fine - no Nystatin needed! > > Warmest Wishes, > Tanya > > > > > > Better first dates. More second dates. Personals > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Sometimes, to prevent yeast infections, one may want to eat yogurt with active yeast in it. That is really all you need to do. carol sobczak <cpsobczak wrote: What do you do after antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after are necessary. Anything else? Hi Madeline This is a very tough decision. My ped won't even give antibiotics unless he is sure that the child has a bacterial infection. My kids have rarely taken them. When they have I have always given acidophilous at the same time. My dd had bronchitis a couple of weeks ago and she took an antibiotic. I gave her a probiotic twice a day until a few days after the meds stopped. My opinion on meds is that parents have to weigh the risks of the meds against the risk of the disease. I think that antibiotics can be a useful thing if they are only used on rare occasions. Good luck Carol, mom to Melissa, 3/14/94 Julia, 2/18/97 Lily, 9/7/04 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 On Tue, 5 Apr 2005 quintmom wrote: > Patricia, > Are you sure you aren't confusing Scarlet Fever with Rheumatic Fever? > According to what I've read and what our ped says, Scarlet Fever is a rash > that occurs either with Strep Throat or Impetigo. Rheumatic Fever develops > as a result of untreated Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever. Even though the > symptoms of the Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever go away when left untreated, > the strep is still in the body and can cause Rheumatic Fever which is what > can cause irreparable damage in primarily ages 6 - 15 years old. Nope, I'm not confusing them. Scarlet Fever can turn into Rheumatic Fever. If you wait until it does, you've waited to long. The symptoms are different, but the underlying infection is the same thing. Strep in any of its forms is not something to take lightly precisely because it can morph into more serious forms. ---- Patricia Bullington-McGuire <patricia The brilliant Cerebron, attacking the problem analytically, discovered three distinct kinds of dragon: the mythical, the chimerical, and the purely hypothetical. They were all, one might say, nonexistent, but each nonexisted in an entirely different way ... -- Stanislaw Lem, " Cyberiad " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 I used to squirt garlic oil from a pierced capsule into my son's ear. Worked great and rarely needed further treatment. Jacqueline > > Lauren Niedel <lniedel > 2005/04/04 Mon PM 10:47:44 EST > > Re: antibiotics > > > > RULE of thumb - IF your child has a BACTERIAL INFECTION - get the prescription for anti-biotics- IF YOUR CHILD has a VIRAL INFECTION - do not give anti-biotics!! > > This is the advice from my homeopathic/pediatrician, family Dr.) > > We have had our Dr. for over 12 years - He has only prescribed anti-biotics 3x - all for Lime disease a bacterial infection - Ear infections as infrequent as they were - we cut up garlic, put olive oil on a cotton ball and band-aid that to the ear - worked everytime. > > ANTI-BIOTICS DO NOT CURE VIRAL INFECTIONS - they only weaken the immune system. > I would say that scarlet fever is a bacterial infection - anti-biotics are necessary! > > (PS - for adults with cold symptoms -take Zinc pills- they taste awful bt work great (COLD EEZE is a great brand name) > > You did the right thing! > > Terry Somerson <terry wrote: > > > My five-year-old son is seldom sick, but antibiotics have been prescribed for him several times over the course of his life. I've always given him the medicine without worrying about it. If he had chronic problems such as ear infections I would look for alternative therapies. But for infrequent infections, I'd much prefer to ease his discomfort and get him back on his feet quickly by giving him the amoxycillin (which if I recall correctly has always been pink). > > Terry > > > I realize this is off topic and I hope it doesn't bother anyone. This is my > number one parenting resource. > > My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes develops > after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing my own > home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in this case > included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. When there > was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a prescription > for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or > antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, numerous ear > infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken pox > (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic fever and > complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too > developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it for a > day before having it filled but could not come up with another alternative. > > I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make it that > nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I > simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates bananas > anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for > kids? And adults too for that matter. Secondly, how do the rest of you deal > with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one > antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to all the > others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to have lots > of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as > infrequently as possible. Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you do after > antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after > are necessary. Anything else? > > Thanks in advance. I look forward to the input as I hope to be better > prepared next time. > > :)Madeline > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Gayle, I'd like to believe that is true, but .... can you recall any references for the studies you mentioned? I'd like to check them out. I've seen so many conflicting studies over the years that I've grown skeptical unless a clear consensus emerges. - Alan , <quintmom@n...> wrote: > > Studies also show that ear infections left untreated will clear up at the > same rate that ear infections that are treated in anyway clear up. > > God's Peace, > Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Carol This was a question I had. I was told not to give probiotics at the same time as antibiotics because antibiotics kills all bacteria, even good. Instead, I was told to wait until the antibiotics stop and give probiotics for at least a month after? This sounds totally different to what you are doing. I can't ask my doc because he is very anti-alternative meds. If anyone knows more about this, please advise. :)Madeline >carol sobczak <cpsobczak > > >Re: antibiotics >Tue, 5 Apr 2005 05:16:37 -0700 (PDT) > > > > What do you do after >antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after >are necessary. Anything else? > >Hi Madeline > >This is a very tough decision. My ped won't even give antibiotics unless >he is sure that the child has a bacterial infection. My kids have rarely >taken them. When they have I have always given acidophilous at the same >time. My dd had bronchitis a couple of weeks ago and she took an >antibiotic. I gave her a probiotic twice a day until a few days after the >meds stopped. My opinion on meds is that parents have to weigh the risks >of the meds against the risk of the disease. I think that antibiotics can >be a useful thing if they are only used on rare occasions. Good luck > > > >Carol, mom to >Melissa, 3/14/94 >Julia, 2/18/97 >Lily, 9/7/04 > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 It was bright yellow banana flavoured. I am in Canada though so there may be a dif. In hindsight, because I have a son who is used to flax oil and liquid multis etc, I should have just asked for the pill form penecillin....ahhhh, hindsight! ><quintmom > > >Re: antibiotics >Mon, 4 Apr 2005 16:16:02 -0400 > > >Hi Madeline, >The amoxicillin that my kids have taken in the past has always been pink >and >bubble gum flavored. I have never seen yellow, banana flavored amoxil. >That doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just that I have never seen it. When I >suspect strep throat, I always take my kids to the doc and if confirmed >always give the antibiotics due to the risk of rheumatic fever - as you >said. There is another antibiotic that our pediatrician sometimes gives >that is a mild yellow flavor but I think it's a lemon flavor. I can't >remember the name of it right now. If I understand correctly (which is >many >times a long shot!), amoxil/amoxicillin is a form of penicillin. > >God's Peace, >Gayle > >- > " Madeline White " <madeline_killian > >Sunday, April 03, 2005 8:48 PM > antibiotics > > > > > > > > I realize this is off topic and I hope it doesn't bother anyone. This is > > my > > number one parenting resource. > > > > My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes > > develops > > after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing my > > own > > home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in this > > case > > included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. When > > there > > was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a > > prescription > > for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or > > antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, numerous > > ear > > infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken pox > > (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic fever > > and > > complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too > > developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it for >a > > day before having it filled but could not come up with another > > alternative. > > > > I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make it > > that > > nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I > > simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates > > bananas > > anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for > > kids? And adults too for that matter. Secondly, how do the rest of you > > deal > > with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one > > antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to all >the > > others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to have >lots > > of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as > > infrequently as possible. Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you do > > after > > antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month >after > > are necessary. Anything else? > > > > Thanks in advance. I look forward to the input as I hope to be better > > prepared next time. > > > > :)Madeline > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website >at > > http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go >to > > http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended >to > > provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from >a > > qualified health professional. > > > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > > professional. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2005 Report Share Posted April 5, 2005 Antibiotics for strep can be a vicious cycle. Since the body never fights off the infection, it never gains resistance to it. I had recurring (about twice a year) strep during my childhood and for most of my teenage years. It's the only thing I ever has antibiotics for, but my mom got them for me every time. It wasn't until we declined antibiotics to give my body a chance to fight it off once and for all that I got over strep completely, and by completely I mean I never got it again. I've seen this in other children as well, including my neice. She had to go through a cycle of strep w/o antibiotics until she stopped getting it. We all now use a sore throat homeopathic remedy (Heel/BHI Inflammation, which has, among other things, strep and flu nosodes in it) at the first sign of a sore throat. Getting strep once or twice isn't as big of a deal, but if it becomes recurring then alternative methods may be needed to " proof " the body against it. Just fyi, you can also get the strep nosode (homeopathic) by itself. It works for all kinds of strep and can prevent you from getting it again. A good book for home care of children, and knowing when to take them to the doctor, is " Have a Healthy Child, in Spite of your Doctor " (or something like that). Written by a guy who'd been a pediatrician for 20-30 years. My own kids have never had antibiotics for anything, and if they have had strep I wouldn't know it. They've never had anything that didn't go away in 3-5 days. We have very a homeopath, a naturopath, and a chiropractor at our disposal, though, and we would do antibiotics if they deemed it necessary. I am also in school to be a naturopath myself, which is coming in handy. You can't really give probiotics too long. I'd say give them at *least* a month. Many people give them for general wellness year- round (as do we) and can tell a difference when they slack off. Also, it's best to get one that has multiple types of friendly bacteria. Hopefully you won't have to go through this again any time soon. Shayla , " Madeline White " <madeline_killian@h...> wrote: > My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes develops > after strep throat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Well, everyone else has already given tons of good advice on using antibiotics. I'll just add something regarding the flavor and color. Next time try looking for a " compounding pharmacy. " Ask at the pharmacy you usually use if they do compounding, if not they should be able to tell you who in the area does. Then you should be able to work with them to get just what you want in the medicine and none of what you don't want. I found out about this when I had a cold with a lingering cough and I wanted a syrup with just a cough suppressant, no other medicines, no dyes, and no artificial sweeteners or artificial flavors. Impossible to find on the shelves! They mixed me up dextromethorphan in a simple sugar syrup with only a natural peppermint flavor. It is SO irritating that when we do decide we want to give our children a " chemical " medicine because their condition warrants it, a hard enough decision for us " natural " types, you can't get just the medicine, it comes with artificial dyes and artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives too! Anyway, a good compounding pharmacy should have the pure form of the antibiotic and then can mix it up for you without the bright yellow dye and gross banana flavor. Or if your child is old enough to take a pill, you could get it in pill or capsule form. Good luck! Jen , " Madeline White " <madeline_killian@h...> wrote: > > I realize this is off topic and I hope it doesn't bother anyone. This is my > number one parenting resource. > > My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes develops > after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing my own > home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in this case > included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. When there > was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a prescription > for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or > antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, numerous ear > infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken pox > (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic fever and > complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too > developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it for a > day before having it filled but could not come up with another alternative. > > I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make it that > nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I > simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates bananas > anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for > kids? And adults too for that matter. Secondly, how do the rest of you deal > with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one > antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to all the > others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to have lots > of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as > infrequently as possible. Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you do after > antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month after > are necessary. Anything else? > > Thanks in advance. I look forward to the input as I hope to be better > prepared next time. > > :)Madeline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Alan, I will try to find the study I read. It's been about a year or so that I read it, so bear with me as I try to remember and find it. God's Peace, Gayle - " Alan " <soy_decaf_latte Tuesday, April 05, 2005 2:47 PM Re: antibiotics > > > > Gayle, > > I'd like to believe that is true, but .... can you recall any > references for the studies you mentioned? I'd like to check them out. > > I've seen so many conflicting studies over the years that I've grown > skeptical unless a clear consensus emerges. > > - Alan > > , <quintmom@n...> wrote: >> >> Studies also show that ear infections left untreated will clear up at > the >> same rate that ear infections that are treated in anyway clear up. >> >> God's Peace, >> Gayle > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at > http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to > http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to > provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a > qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Hey Patricia, But, Scarlet Fever, in and of itself does not cause any residual problems unless left untreated and even then only in a small percentage of those left untreated. Scarlet Fever is no more dangerous than Strep Throat in that BOTH can lead to Rheumatic fever which causes chronic progressive damage to the heart and its valves, joints, nervous system and skin. I've read nowhere about the blindness, etc... that you wrote about. Can you point me to a resource about that? I'd love to learn more about it since one of my kids is so suceptible to Strep Throat. On the Mayo Clinic site, it says that: " Most cases of strep throat don't lead to rheumatic fever. In fact, even in untreated cases, only a small percentage of people with strep throat develop rheumatic fever. " That goes along with what our pediatrician says. I was also told that normally there needs to be more than a few times of untreated Strep Throat or Scarlet fever in a person to possibly result in Rheumatic fever rather than one time alone. I found a couple of websites with info about Rheumatic Fever that might be helpful to anyone who wants to read more: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00250 http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic509.htm I still advocate antibiotics when anyone gets Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever or even Impetigo (also caused by the strep A bacteria). To me, even a small percentage of untreated strep A bacteria leading to Rheumatic Fever is too large a percentage to risk for my children. I'm sure you would agree. God's Peace, Gayle - " Patricia Bullington-McGuire " <patricia Tuesday, April 05, 2005 11:07 AM Re: antibiotics > > > On Tue, 5 Apr 2005 quintmom wrote: > >> Patricia, >> Are you sure you aren't confusing Scarlet Fever with Rheumatic Fever? >> According to what I've read and what our ped says, Scarlet Fever is a >> rash >> that occurs either with Strep Throat or Impetigo. Rheumatic Fever >> develops >> as a result of untreated Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever. Even though the >> symptoms of the Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever go away when left >> untreated, >> the strep is still in the body and can cause Rheumatic Fever which is >> what >> can cause irreparable damage in primarily ages 6 - 15 years old. > > Nope, I'm not confusing them. Scarlet Fever can turn into Rheumatic > Fever. If you wait until it does, you've waited to long. The symptoms > are different, but the underlying infection is the same thing. Strep in > any of its forms is not something to take lightly precisely because it can > morph into more serious forms. > > ---- > Patricia Bullington-McGuire <patricia > > The brilliant Cerebron, attacking the problem analytically, discovered > three distinct kinds of dragon: the mythical, the chimerical, and the > purely hypothetical. They were all, one might say, nonexistent, but each > nonexisted in an entirely different way ... > -- Stanislaw Lem, " Cyberiad " For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at > http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to > http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to > provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a > qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Thanx, Jen! What good advice. I don't know if we have a pharmacy here like that but I'll have to look for one and try your suggestion if any of my kids ever need conventional meds again. God's Peace, Gayle - " jpetrusplus " <jen.petrus Wednesday, April 06, 2005 12:38 AM Re: antibiotics > > > > Well, everyone else has already given tons of good advice on using > antibiotics. I'll just add something regarding the flavor and color. > Next time try looking for a " compounding pharmacy. " Ask at the > pharmacy you usually use if they do compounding, if not they should be > able to tell you who in the area does. Then you should be able to work > with them to get just what you want in the medicine and none of what > you don't want. I found out about this when I had a cold with a > lingering cough and I wanted a syrup with just a cough suppressant, no > other medicines, no dyes, and no artificial sweeteners or artificial > flavors. Impossible to find on the shelves! They mixed me up > dextromethorphan in a simple sugar syrup with only a natural > peppermint flavor. It is SO irritating that when we do decide we want > to give our children a " chemical " medicine because their condition > warrants it, a hard enough decision for us " natural " types, you can't > get just the medicine, it comes with artificial dyes and artificial > flavors and artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives too! > Anyway, a good compounding pharmacy should have the pure form of the > antibiotic and then can mix it up for you without the bright yellow > dye and gross banana flavor. Or if your child is old enough to take a > pill, you could get it in pill or capsule form. > Good luck! > > Jen > > , " Madeline White " > <madeline_killian@h...> wrote: >> >> I realize this is off topic and I hope it doesn't bother anyone. > This is my >> number one parenting resource. >> >> My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes > develops >> after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing > my own >> home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in > this case >> included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. > When there >> was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a > prescription >> for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or >> antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, > numerous ear >> infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken > pox >> (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic > fever and >> complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too >> developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it > for a >> day before having it filled but could not come up with another > alternative. >> >> I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make > it that >> nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I >> simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates > bananas >> anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for >> kids? And adults too for that matter. Secondly, how do the rest of > you deal >> with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one >> antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to > all the >> others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to > have lots >> of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as >> infrequently as possible. Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you > do after >> antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month > after >> are necessary. Anything else? >> >> Thanks in advance. I look forward to the input as I hope to be better >> prepared next time. >> >> :)Madeline > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at > http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to > http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to > provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a > qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health > professional. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2005 Report Share Posted April 6, 2005 Thanks so much. I had no idea. > " jpetrusplus " <jen.petrus > > > Re: antibiotics >Wed, 06 Apr 2005 04:38:51 -0000 > > > >Well, everyone else has already given tons of good advice on using >antibiotics. I'll just add something regarding the flavor and color. >Next time try looking for a " compounding pharmacy. " Ask at the >pharmacy you usually use if they do compounding, if not they should be >able to tell you who in the area does. Then you should be able to work >with them to get just what you want in the medicine and none of what >you don't want. I found out about this when I had a cold with a >lingering cough and I wanted a syrup with just a cough suppressant, no >other medicines, no dyes, and no artificial sweeteners or artificial >flavors. Impossible to find on the shelves! They mixed me up >dextromethorphan in a simple sugar syrup with only a natural >peppermint flavor. It is SO irritating that when we do decide we want >to give our children a " chemical " medicine because their condition >warrants it, a hard enough decision for us " natural " types, you can't >get just the medicine, it comes with artificial dyes and artificial >flavors and artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives too! >Anyway, a good compounding pharmacy should have the pure form of the >antibiotic and then can mix it up for you without the bright yellow >dye and gross banana flavor. Or if your child is old enough to take a >pill, you could get it in pill or capsule form. >Good luck! > >Jen > > , " Madeline White " ><madeline_killian@h...> wrote: > > > > I realize this is off topic and I hope it doesn't bother anyone. >This is my > > number one parenting resource. > > > > My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes >develops > > after strep throat. I waited 4 days before going to the doctor doing >my own > > home medicine which mostly involves patience, rest, etc though in >this case > > included grapefruitseed extract, echinacea, and homeopathic meds. >When there > > was little to no improvement I visited the doc and was given a >prescription > > for antibiotics. Now, my son has never yet had conventional meds or > > antibiotics in spite of being diagnosed with 'possible' asthma, >numerous ear > > infections from 3 months to 2 years, conjunctivitus (twice), chicken >pox > > (not formally diagnosed), etc. However, with the risk of rheumatic >fever and > > complications and,to be honest, as my energy was waning because I too > > developed strep throat, I took the prescription. I thought about it >for a > > day before having it filled but could not come up with another >alternative. > > > > I have 2 questions. First, what is in the amoxycillin (sp?) to make >it that > > nuclear yellow colour? In future, which I hope there never is, could I > > simply ask for him to have penecillin pills as I was given? He hates >bananas > > anyway so the amoxy isn't a huge hit. What is the safest antibiotic for > > kids? And adults too for that matter. Secondly, how do the rest of >you deal > > with these situations? My friend has a 3 year old who only has one > > antibiotic option left to him now because his body is resistent to >all the > > others. So scary to me. In case we ever really need it I want to >have lots > > of options. But I believe the only way to ensure this is to use meds as > > infrequently as possible. Oh, let me throw in a third. What do you >do after > > antibiotics. I think I remember hearing that probiotics for a month >after > > are necessary. Anything else? > > > > Thanks in advance. I look forward to the input as I hope to be better > > prepared next time. > > > > :)Madeline > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Madeline, In our wellness practice, we advise clients to give probiotics at the same time as antibiotics and continue for several days past the last dose of anitbiotics. The probiotics will give the body a leg up. The antibiotics will kill some of the bacteria from the probiotics, but not all. If you have more detailed questions, please feel free to email me. Peace, Laura madeline_killian writes: I was told not to give probiotics at the same time as antibiotics because antibiotics kills all bacteria, even good. Instead, I was told to wait until the antibiotics stop and give probiotics for at least a month after? This sounds totally different to what you are doing. I can't ask my doc because he is very anti-alternative meds. If anyone knows more about this, please advise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Shayla, what probiotic do you recommend and where do you get it? BTW, I had the carribean avocado sandwich at Brookview today - YUMMY!! wisheyemay [happyvegan] Tuesday, April 05, 2005 3:27 PM Re: antibiotics Antibiotics for strep can be a vicious cycle. Since the body never fights off the infection, it never gains resistance to it. I had recurring (about twice a year) strep during my childhood and for most of my teenage years. It's the only thing I ever has antibiotics for, but my mom got them for me every time. It wasn't until we declined antibiotics to give my body a chance to fight it off once and for all that I got over strep completely, and by completely I mean I never got it again. I've seen this in other children as well, including my neice. She had to go through a cycle of strep w/o antibiotics until she stopped getting it. We all now use a sore throat homeopathic remedy (Heel/BHI Inflammation, which has, among other things, strep and flu nosodes in it) at the first sign of a sore throat. Getting strep once or twice isn't as big of a deal, but if it becomes recurring then alternative methods may be needed to " proof " the body against it. Just fyi, you can also get the strep nosode (homeopathic) by itself. It works for all kinds of strep and can prevent you from getting it again. A good book for home care of children, and knowing when to take them to the doctor, is " Have a Healthy Child, in Spite of your Doctor " (or something like that). Written by a guy who'd been a pediatrician for 20-30 years. My own kids have never had antibiotics for anything, and if they have had strep I wouldn't know it. They've never had anything that didn't go away in 3-5 days. We have very a homeopath, a naturopath, and a chiropractor at our disposal, though, and we would do antibiotics if they deemed it necessary. I am also in school to be a naturopath myself, which is coming in handy. You can't really give probiotics too long. I'd say give them at *least* a month. Many people give them for general wellness year- round (as do we) and can tell a difference when they slack off. Also, it's best to get one that has multiple types of friendly bacteria. Hopefully you won't have to go through this again any time soon. Shayla , " Madeline White " <madeline_killian@h...> wrote: > My 5 year old son was diagnosed with scarlet fever which sometimes develops > after strep throat. For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 On Wed, 6 Apr 2005 quintmom wrote: > Hey Patricia, > But, Scarlet Fever, in and of itself does not cause any residual problems > unless left untreated and even then only in a small percentage of those left > untreated. Scarlet Fever is no more dangerous than Strep Throat in that > BOTH can lead to Rheumatic fever which causes chronic progressive damage to > the heart and its valves, joints, nervous system and skin. To me it seems like picking nits to say that scarlet fever is not dangerous, it's only the rheumatic fever that scarlet fever can lead to that's dangerous. Scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can kill. Ergo, scarlet fever is dangerous, IMO. > I've read > nowhere about the blindness, etc... that you wrote about. Can you point me > to a resource about that? I'd love to learn more about it since one of my > kids is so suceptible to Strep Throat. Helen Keller was blinded and deafened by an illness that was then diagnosed as " brain fever " but which many modern doctors believe was probably scarlet fever. http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=1 & TopicID=129 Mary Ingalls, the sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder of Little House on the Prairie fame, was also blinded by scarlet fever. http://www.harpercollins.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=00\ 60264160 & tc=cx ---- Patricia Bullington-McGuire <patricia The brilliant Cerebron, attacking the problem analytically, discovered three distinct kinds of dragon: the mythical, the chimerical, and the purely hypothetical. They were all, one might say, nonexistent, but each nonexisted in an entirely different way ... -- Stanislaw Lem, " Cyberiad " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2005 Report Share Posted April 8, 2005 Patricia, Thank you for the links. I will read them more carefully. I will also call my cousin who works at the CDC and see what she has to say - this is a resource I tend to lean on quite heavily. Let us agree to disagree on the other matters as I think in some sense we are saying the same thing. God's PEace, Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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