Reaction to Immunizations???

Updated on June 15, 2009
J.C. asks from Roselle, IL
25 answers

My 4.5 month old son had his 4 month boosters a week ago. Since his shots, he has been experiencing episodes of edema/water retention in his legs, feet, arms, and hands. His legs have turned blue when holding him upright and when we lie him down, his face flushes. Most alarming and the biggest departure from his normally happy disposition are bouts of hysterical crying and thrashing after being held peacefully or playing happily for may 20 minutes. We lay him down, give him his pacifier, and stroke his head to sooth/calm him down to which he falls asleep. We've had him in 2 ER's and to a Pediatric Cardiologist today because at the last ER visit we noted that his BP was 110/72 - normal for a 6 mo old or younger is 84/46. The docs refuse to attribute any of this to immunizations...but he is now a COMPLETELY different baby. Has anyone experienced anything like this???

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So What Happened?

Thank you to all for your kind words and recommendations! Ped Cardiologist at Children's did an Echo and EKG - normal. BP was checked in arm and legs - 100/46 - systolic high. Recommended to monitor BP monthly. Ped Allergist checked all foods he has received: cow's milk, rice, carrots, peas, pears - no rxn. It's possible that he is "food intolerant?" not allergic. Food intolerance can cause swelling/edema and irritability/behavior changes and the thrashing/back arching episodes because of discomfort. Ped's have checked his kidney and liver functions - all normal. So for now, we have brought him back to just giving bottles and watching him. On a positive note, he is still very chatty and engages in playtime with lots of smiles and laughing. I am definitely NOT going to proceed with future vax...though I can't prove it was attributed to them. We are reporting his rxns to the vax companies as well.

Featured Answers

R.S.

answers from Chicago on

You need a second or third opinion. Take him to dr. robert minkus or the doctors at homefirst.they would be open to considering vaccine damage.find out what brands of vaccinations he received.

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A.M.

answers from Chicago on

What you describe are not side effects of an immunization. Medically established side effects for some immunizations include redness at the site of inject and sometimes a fever. If you go on the CDC website you can get more information on the side effects of each immunization. Also your doctor may have given you a sheet that goes over what to expect from each immunization.
When something happens about the same time as something else, it doesn't mean that one caused the other. It just means that they happened at around the same time. There can be a causal relationship or perhaps not. What your doctor is telling you is that it is a cooincidence that the illness that your child is experiencing was this week rather than next or the week before his immunizations. That being said his symptoms are clearly alarming. If you are unsure about them, I would get an appointment with a specialist at Children's Memorial or one of the other children's hospitals in town (U of C, Loyola, Rush). Hope he is better soon.

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R.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J., I pray that your son is ok and he most likely will be however after my now 8 yo son had his 1 yo vaccinations he was never the same - to this day, he has Autism. After his shots he was constantly cranky and distant where before he was so happy and laid back. I am not discouraging anyone from immunizing their child I am hoping to give a message of CAUTION to all. I suggest getting vaccinations slower then the doctors schedule and "1" at a time. Don't let doctors or medical assistants bully you, this is your child and YOU are the boss. I now have another son who is 17 months old today I have chosen not to vaccinate him at all I feel I can not take a chance. So far so good but we will only know for sure after the 18-20 month mark if he doesn't have Autism. Take care R.

1 mom found this helpful

B.H.

answers from Chicago on

I would tell my Drs that he/she has an obligation to report the distressing reactions that came on the heels of several vaccines as a Vaccine Adverse Event Reactions in the VAERS Safety database. Provide a written description of all the symptoms and when they started, and ask for the VAERS reference number. I reported my own son's reaction myself, because it took me so long to get over my disbelief of the cause. He started behaving differently with 1 day of a multidose flu shot at age 3 years 2 months (according to his pre-school teacher), culminating over a period of a few weeks in severe regression to complete loss of eye contact, screetching, hand flapping, watery diarrhea several times a day that went on for weeks (so bad we were compelled to do a GI scope 10 weeks later), and complete loss of language (whereas before he was delayed in language at the 2 year old level).
I would then reevaluate which vaccines he is supposed to get and decide which of them you will accept and which you wont. The ones you do, make sure no more than one shot at a visit. Some vaccines are not needed as their risks (particularly in the case of your son) far outweight the benefit of saving a week of chicken pox, etc, which can be managed to mildness by proper nutrition and herbs. Hep B--don't do anymore unless you think your son is going to share drug needles of have unprotected sex. But the time he would be of an age to be at very small risk of aquiring a STD such as Hep B, his Hep B titers will have waned to offer very little protection. (they screen our blood supply as well as blood donors, so transfusions are 99.999% safe as well) I would make sure your son is getting Omega 3, 6, 9--healthy "raw" oils. I would have lab work done to evaluate whether his immune cells types and population falls in reference range. (enumeration down to the subtype of T-cells (Th1/Th2) as often this ratio is very imbalanced as seen in kids with severe allergies, autoimmune diseases, autism, and some ADHD). If a few or several counts or % are out of reference range, you may want to pursue meeting with a DO. I've no idea what is safe for an infant to naturally rebalance the immune system. Often, the vaccines push an immature developing immune system to overdevelop the "helper" side and underdevelop the "suppressor" side--setting kids up for asthma, allergies (seasonal or even the severe peanut-type) juvenile diabetes, and other immune system breakdowns.

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N.H.

answers from Chicago on

I am SO sorry you are going through this!!

I have not had this experience but I work for a lab that does testing for alot of the kids that have had problems and am familiar with leaders in this field. I can tell you that one of the best is:

Dr. Usman at True Health Medical Centre, Naperville, ###-###-#### or online at the Autism Center for Enlightenment at www.autismcenterforenlightenment.org.

HRI Pfeiffer Treatment Center
1804 Centre Point Circle, Suite 102
Naperville, IL 60563
tel: ###-###-####

Dr. Eisenstein is also very knowledgeable at Home First

One of the best resources for vaccine awareness is Dr. Sherry Tenpenny. http://sayingnotovaccines.blogspot.com/

Sadly, you are not going to get the answers you need from your current doctor. There are doctors out there that can answer your questions and help you with your child.

Best of luck to you!

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D.Y.

answers from Chicago on

This sounds like a reaction to them definately. At this young age getting so many at one time is very toxic to their systems. Get the book "What Drs dont want you to know about vaccinations" This advocates not getting any vaccinations but tells you how they affect the system. The book by Dr. Sears The Vaccination Book tells you to get them but how to do it so its not so toxic. They are both good books to have for reference.

You can give him Liquid Vit C for infants and a homeopathic remedy to dispell the toxic affects of the vaccine. Get them in a health food store. There is a webside where you can go to maybe get help from other parents regarding this at holisticmoms.org. They meet in one of the suburbs once a month I think.

My olderst daughter now 36 had a violent reaction and I feel caused problems with her. My grandaughter just had 2 of them and has changed from the perfect baby sleeping 13 hrs nightly, always happy etc to cranky My daughter had always spaced them out but with her new Dr. has been having problems with doing that so she changed Drs. You lmight want to go to a Dr. that has a more holistic attitude. Read the books and see your options

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E.R.

answers from Chicago on

Yes it sounds like a reaction. I am so so sorry. Your pediatrician will no doubt deny this, but it does sound like one and you should report it to VAERS.

Also, I would get in touch with a homeopath who can help his body detox from the shot. I know Thuja is given, but I don't know how much. Also Vitamin C can help. Hyland's makes a baby C that you can get from Vitamin Shoppe or your local health food store.

I do know of a couple of homeopaths that could help you. Chances are this will resolve on its own but you can give his body some help.

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C.C.

answers from Chicago on

It makes me so sad to hear what you are going through! I havent experienced this but know others who have. I have done research on vaccines for 8 years now. I would be happy to email you a list of books/websites that could be helpful for you to do more research and get help.
My email is ____@____.com. Please email me.
You are not alone. This is more common than you think.
I highly recommend that you report this (since your dr.s wont but are legally required). Most adverse reactions are bot reported by docs but by the parents.
I also recommend that you document everything-every reaction, what the doctors have said, his cheanges socially and in his disposition. Please watch over him closely!

My thoughts are with you and your baby!!

C. - mom of 3

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C.F.

answers from Chicago on

check out dr. mayer eisenstein from homefirst pediatrics or dr ashly oshsner. www.maximizedlivingdroshsner.com. it does sounds like your son is having a vaccine reaction, personally, i would refuse ANY more vaccinations until you find and correct the problem. i do believe that vaccinations contribute to autism.

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E.B.

answers from Chicago on

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. It's possible that your 4.5 month old had a reaction to a vaccine, but not likely. If it is a reaction, though, you should definitely report it. This may seem like a random thing to ask, but did the nurse administer all of the shots in one thigh? Because babies can become fluid overloaded if they are all given in one thigh...this could cause all of the symptoms. Usually two shots per thigh is the maximum. Might be worth checking. Sounds like it could be human error. He also could have picked up something at the doctor's office. I hope you find out what's wrong with your son. Best wishes.

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C.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J., I am sorry for what you are going through. I have not had personal experience with this but I know several families that have. We have actually, after much research and the urging of families that we know, decided to opt out of vaccinations for our six month old stating "religious reasons" I found a very informative (and frightening) website that has lots of stories like yours as well as loads of information about the vaccines themselves. You may want to wait to take a look until this has blown over, hopefully your little one will be feeling better soon. He is going through a lot because it is trying to fight off what has been injected into his body. You will find that doctors will not admit the connection, they are trying to protect themselves as well as our government- there is research that proves that these reactions do occur. Here is the website: http://thinktwice.com Also if you would like to consider a doctor that will give you unbiased information and the freedom to make your own choices about vaccines look into Home First- we love them.

Hope this helps, good luck. C. C.

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K.K.

answers from Chicago on

It could be a coincidence...we have illnesses and conditions appear around the time of immunizations. The cuase could be something else. If your Dr. is not giving you any answers, I'd seek out a second opinion!

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C.G.

answers from Chicago on

You should report this to the vaccine reaction system. I think the abbreviation is VAERS or something similar. I would also look for a doctor who is willing to listen to you and take your concerns seriously.

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M.W.

answers from Chicago on

J.,
My heart goes out to you....How stressful, frustrating, and scary. I bet you are completely exhausted from worrying and comforting him. I have not experienced anything similar, but I would say always trust a specialist over a general practice physician/pediatrician. I would definitely listen to the pediatric cardiologist....if you don't like the one you saw...go to another. I myself had medical problems that my general practice doctor could not diagnose, so she sent me to a urologist and within minutes she said she was pretty sure she knew what was going on. She was right, gave me a prescription, and I have been fine since. I would totally enlist the help of family too. Have someone come over to help(if your hubby is not available/just as tired/overwhelmed)..so you can get a good night sleep if he is cranky and not sleeping. Go with you gut instinct always...if something dosen't feel right, then trust that feeling and act upon it.

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

sounds like you are right. Definitely don't settle for the answers you have gotten so far. You can try Homefirst like another mom suggested. I go there too. Dr. Barbara Griffith in Orland Park might be a good choice too. She is difficult to get into, but so worth it. If you tell your problem, they might fit you in. Also, try the Illinois Vaccine Coalition for more info ###-###-#### www.vaccineawareness.org And make sure you report his reaction.

Good luck! I hope that they can help your son!

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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J.,
I have a 4.5 month old son also and got his shots recently too. As with the last set, he had reactions- a fever and irritability for about two days after. He wouldn't sleep very well at night because of it either. Anyway, he got over it after a couple days, so if you're little guy is still having symptoms, you should get it checked out. I hope nothing is wrong. Keep after the doctors to find out what is going on. You may need to get a second opinion or find another pediatrician. Good luck!
A.

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A.R.

answers from Chicago on

hi sorry you are going through a tough time.
since day one i always have split all shots. dont give them all a once. make sure its a day you can be home in case of reactions. so if there is a series of 4-5 . get 2 then wait a month . the doctor will tell you the important ones to get first and what order. there are certain ones that could give reactions just ask. i always give tylenol or motrin whatever you prefer before shots. always give a bottle if there babies right away after wards depending on age. also try not to plan much that day. good luck!

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T.L.

answers from Chicago on

email me off list and i can send you info...i am so sorry

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J.S.

answers from Champaign on

I'm sorry your little guy doesn't feel well, kids' illnesses are tough on the mamas. Do the docs or tests say WHY he has severe edema and elevated BP? I'm sure his irritability is realted to the edema or possibly the elevated BP. You'd be uncomfortable with those symptoms too. If you're not satisfied w/the doctor's evaluation and/or treatment, you can report the symptoms to the Vax. agency that the other's recommend and go to a different doctor. You're right to question the docs and advocate for your son, it is true that the docs don't know everything. That being said, I think it's also important to keep an open mind and not allow people to scare you about vaccines (at least until you get more information, as there are 2 major, conflicting opinions on the subject). This illness may have nothing to do with his vaccination.
I think you're doing all you can right now. Now you have to wait (hard to do) for the test results and go from there. Good luck and I hope your little guy feels better soon!

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E.A.

answers from Chicago on

My heart goes out to you. I agree with getting more opinions. Also in order to get a medical waiver you are going to need a doc who will help document this reaction (if it's related to vax'ing) also, weather it is or not - I completely support your concerns over continuing to vax on schedule (or at all). i want to add another doc. Dr. Karen Federici in Genoa is fabulous and compeltely supportive of vax'ing on your terms. She will openly and supportively deal with you on this topic and it's no further than homefirst from Huntley. I had a bad experience with HF. Dr. Federici is a local Dr. Sear's - we love her! If you need to talk feel free to message me.

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R.R.

answers from Chicago on

Mom knows best. You know your child and I feel that this is a reaction. This is why I choose not to vaccinate my son until he is ready for kindergarten. Their bodies are so small and just trying to cope with live's daily influences as they are growing that introducing them with viruses that they probably will never come into contact with so young can actually have lasting affects. Like you said every child is different and every body is different in how it will react to certain things especially knowing that these are lab created viruses too. Hang in there and just pass until you feel your baby's body is ready. If you need a great ped. I have one in the Naperville area.

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B.B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J. sorry to hear about your sons reactions to the immunizations. I sure wouldn't let the doctors convince you of something you don't believe. Check out http://www.nvic.org/ you can also report immunizations reactions. I would not give your child any more immunizations. You never know what else could happen, even though your docs won't contribute it. I would be very clear with your docs as to how you feel and I would also tell them they need to report the adverse reaction your son is having. Be sure to document everything.

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi mom sorry no I have not experience nothing like this but this sounds serious, surely the doctors don't want to admitte this but its always that 1% I suggest you go to other doctors, make some noise and they will listen. Good Luck

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L.R.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J.,
I can only suggest to you to contact Dr. Charles Majors at
____@____.com
I emailed him and forwarded your request and his answer is below as follows:

he needs to go through immediate detoxification, tell her to email me. let her know im a defeat autism now doctor and i will give her information to help...you are saving lives, this is one of your purposes in life, you are amazing...
My prayers are with you and your son...be blessed. L.

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A.R.

answers from Chicago on

Call Homefirst and get their advice. They are homeopathic and will tell you if it was the vax.

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