Worry Update

Ashlea is still really struggling to crawl.  She is also unable to W-sit and can't weight bear on her legs.  I have spent most of the week on the phone to various specialists trying to see if there is something more that can be done.  Here is the latest update:

• The consensus now seems to be that the weakness HAS indeed been brought on by the swine flu vaccination.  There is absolutely nothing else that has been going on with her that can explain it.
  
  
• As her weakness doesn't appear to be progressing, the doctors are fairly confident she doesn't have Guillain Barre Syndrome - although we are under strict instruction to go to the ED if she deteriorates over the weekend.
  
  
• If I had known there was a risk of this happening I would NEVER have given her the vaccination.
  
  
• She didn't crawl at all yesterday or today at preschool (and usually she is all about the crawling at preschool when we pick up Audrey).  At swimming yesterday she wasn't able to do the activities she could do last week - and the teacher noticed that she was a lot weaker - which cemented in my mind that the symptoms did come on over the weekend not gradually over a number of weeks.  Also I found a photo of her sitting up just a week ago - so I know her deterioration was quick.
  
  
• I have informed the GP (who gave the vaccine) of Ashlea's reaction and requested that it be reported as an adverse event.
  
  
• Ashlea did seem quite perky this evening and got up on her hands and knees to crawl a couple of times.  She was still only able to take a few 'steps' before collapsing, but at least she seemed more interested in trying.
  
  
• We are seeing our paediatrician next week to see if she thinks any further testing needs to be done.  Can you believe the only appointment I could get was 4pm on Wednesday - Emma's first day of school.  We are also seeing our physiotherapist.

The moral to the tale - DON'T get the swine 'flu vaccine.  To think that this has happened BECAUSE of my actions, not in spite of my actions is driving me crazy.  I thought I was doing the right thing by getting the vaccine for her due to her increased risk of serious consequences of the 'flu - and now I am responsible for causing her harm.

The doctors are hoping she will recover on her own.  I am hoping it will happen quickly.  She has gone backwards by at least 12 months if not longer in terms of her physical milestones.  I feel sick to my stomach whenever I think about it, with that awful "Oh my goodness what is going to happen next" feeling that I used to have all the time when she was in the NICU.

For those of you who pray, please pray for a speedy recovery for Ashlea.