kim

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,275736,00.html The ingredient has been the subject of concern on cancer, because when mixed with Vitamin C, it turns into a carcinogenic substance called benzene, the Independent reported. and "These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it: they knock it out altogether,"

Patty, Is the ratio 2:1 or 1:1 in the new one?

Michele, One of the best resources for researching the prevelence and risk of contracting a diseasee is the CDC pink book. I didn't look at this much, but my niece did, and she said that it was very helpful in making her decision regarding vaxes for her daughter. This is such a common statement. I personally heard it from not one, but four pediatricians. Part of the problem, I feel, is underreporting of adverese reactions (again, I have personal experience with this). Another thing is the amt. of time children are tracked for adverse reactions. It seems often times, even when children become very ill, we are told that they must have caught a bug, around the time they received their immunizations, or the symptoms are normal or nothing to be concerned about. If these people are such experts on vaccines, why couldn't one Ped (the only one I asked), even tell me what adjuvants were contained in Pediarix? I think this is the only way, to make a good decision for your particular child!

itsme, Again, thank you for this info. I think it's really important to many here. Whether you have a child with environmental allergies, repeated infections, food sensitivities etc. understanding some of the info contained on this page, I think is really important. http://www.gdx.net/home/assessments/allerg...uide/index.html GDX Food Antibody Assessment Application GuideGenova Diagnostics' Food Antibody Assessment is unique. ... to restoring healthy flora, increasing secretory IgA (SIgA) and reducing gut permeability. ... Since I have a particular interest in immunizations, the people who are already high in a TH2 type response, could be important too(aluminum is known to prompt a TH2 response). I know this is not the test that you had. It was just one from Genova's site that goes into some good detail about the immune system amongst other things.

Spartan, I haven't had time to really look at the new product that you posted, in any detail. I think the "hydrolyzed" is what you want to stay away from (?), and the way the whey is processed (ceramic?) is the important part. It may require a call to the manufacturer, to find all of the info that you need. The product you first posted, was what I was looking at because our local GNC carries it. I did a small amount of research, and decided that that product was not something I would give my child. If you find one, that does not have the problems discussed in the article, I would really appreciate hearing what you come up with. Also, I'm wondering if you read the post (above Faiths's) to you?

Lisa, You know, I don't even like the phrase "Tourette Syndrome" anymore. My understanding is that Tourette was simply a Dr. who recognized unusual movements as a physical disorder......not necessarily psychiatric. Now I think of this whole thing as more of a dysregulation of the immune system. I think what Ronnas has been trying to point out with all of her article postings, is that the ASO and antiDnase tests, are only useful when there is a negative throat culture. This type of testing can confirm strep, that was unable to to diagnosed with the culture. It really has nothing to do with a PANDAS diagnosis. This would be made from an increase of symptoms with confirmation of strep, whether that is made with a positive culture, or titers testing at the onset, and again at a later time, in the event of a negative throat culture) and observing a decrease in symptoms with the use of an antibiotics. If your daugter consistently shows an increase in symptoms with confirmed strep, and improves with the use of antibiotics, I think you can assume PANDAS is a resonable assumption. It seems to me, that any illness can flair symptoms in what is thought of as a "PANDAS child." That might not be accurate (I'm thinking of Alisons posts where she talks about her son having an increase in symptoms with a virus in the house?) Also, I think there is an article that has been posted, that talks about an exacerbation of symptoms with a strep infection, suggesting that this is not the cause of TS or ISDS (immune system dysregulation syndrome ) only something that aggravates the situation. Does that help at all? edit this statement "only something that aggravates the situation" is probably not very accurate, as the theory is that there is a specific autoimmune reaction within the basal ganglia? My question is, when are they going to start testing for these autoantibodies? Is there not an accurate test for this yet?

Just google: Tarentula Homeopathy Tourette Syndrome (there are more articles) http://www.mindspring.com/~jslowe/ADD.htm along with his extreme restlessness, mischievous behavior and violent dreams of giant spiders sucking blood led Joan to give the child a homeopathic remedy made from a spider venom, Tarentula. http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:0k6AD...;cd=5&gl=us Tarentula Case Symptoms Bites, kicks, hits Bosses other kids Impulsive Outgoing Hyper, busy, curious Not on task Diarrhea, swollen glands, enuresis

Spartan, I don't know what your insurance status is, but if you can have a Dr. do thyroid function and zinc and copper status test, I think it may be really helpful. It's so hard to recommend a dosage of zinc. Some people require quite high amts. that really should be supervised by a Physician. Optizinc, I believe is a good form of zinc, however, many people with neuro problems seem to be high in copper and low in zinc. You may not be doing yourself a favor by supplementing with copper, at least until you bring zinc levels up, if needed. I would think that 50 mgs of zinc would be safe enough to try short term (remember I have zero medical training here...just read a lot!) to see if it has any effect on the acne issues. Carolyn, might be a better one to advise you on this. Zinc is also needed for protein digestion, helps fight candida, improves wound healing, improves sense of smell and taste, and many other things. Search zinc and acne. You will get a lot of info. One other thing, I don't know how scientific this is, but white spots on the fingernails is said to be an indication of low zinc. My youngest son, who tested low in zinc, had a ton of these. Another thing you might try is a product called zinc drink or zinc (tally?) If I remeber right, these are supposed to have no taste if you are low. You can search those products too. I don't think you mentioned if you are taking any supplements? I am not unhappy to read that you are thinking about stopping the whey products. I had looked at it myself once, because my youngest son doesn't get much protein and I would like to get him off of dairy and peanut butter! One other thing, you might want to cut back on fish oil, and add a little carnitine. It can help with fatty acid transport, and has been said to sometimes help with tics. You can increase fish oil intake if you find it helps. Of course, all of this is best done with testing and Physician guidance, but some things to investigate/think about.

Spartan, Honestly, there are so many things here, that could be causing you problems. Maybe we can just take it one step at a time. Possible problems: Artificial Flavor Maltodextrin...most likely corn derived Sucralose.....Splenda ultra filtered whey concentrate ????? Would have to read the article that I linked to again Real Gains Maltodextrin, ultra filtered whey concentrate, micellar casein, artificial flavors sucralose....splenda I would lose the Real Gains product PRONTO personally. The first ingredient listed is maltodextrin ! Google maltodextrin dangers or maltodextrin + neurotoxins then, start here by reading about Whey protein processing http://www.integratedsupplements.com/intsu...ecrets?p_pid_c= Excerpts In truth, there are not a lot of reasons why a supplement company would use a high quality whey isolate instead of a low quality whey concentrate. The general supplement consumer simply is not discerning enough to tell the difference between the two. (it looks like this company is trying to make a higher quality product. but is it enough for a neurologically sensitive person?) Proper, low temperature, whey isolate processing produces a product with the lowest amount of denatured proteins, and the highest most balanced ratio of active microfractions. WHEY ISOLATE Any protein supplement that lists whey concentrate anywhere in the ingredients should not be purchased. Period. To hydrolyze such a protein and potentially free these amino acids from the native protein structure is flirting with neurological disaster. Even if hydrolyzed whey were not toxic, the beneficial immunomodulating microfractions of whey are compromised with any significant hydrolyzation of the protein, 12 thus sacrificing one of whey's premiere benefits. In other words, the benefit of easier absorption of hydrolyzed whey comes at the expense of the glutathione-immune boosting properties of an intact whey protein. In general terms, whey isolate is any whey protein achieving 90%+ protein content. By definition, whey isolate will have more protein, less fat, less lactose, less cholesterol and less denatured proteins than the cheaper whey protein concentrates Of course, the whey isolates will cost more than the cheaper concentrates, but the increase in price can definitely be worth it, if you know which type of isolate to choose. You see, there are two general types of processing which can produce a whey isolate. They are known as ion exchange, and microfiltration. this could be a problem too....try searching it gut dysbiosis and rising ammonia levels (high ammonia levels associated with high protein intake) Sorry, I had to do this in a hurry. I hope this isn't too overwhelming!

Spartan, Is the form of whey that you're using isolate or concentrate? Have you ever used as much whey, for as long of a period of time? Is this the same product that you used before? I have some info that might be helpful, or just save you some time if you think it might be useful. Maybe you are well acquainted with the issues surrounding whey (glutamate), if not, that would be the first thing that I would really look at. The 2nd would probably be your ability to digest protein and fats period. Are there any foods that you are particularly drawn to, or have a real adversion to? Zinc may be something that you want to have checked. It may be involved with the increase in acne also. (all of this is in addition to what Chemar already posted of course! ) Kim

This site might be helpful http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art7739.asp don't miss clicking on 2nd page Dangers of Aluminum Toxicity Part II These are just a few of the alum studies that I have saved. Some of these were copied because I was looking at the relationship to vaccines/ soy and my youngest sons apparent adversion to many protein containing foods. They may not be of interest to all. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/hum/...000002/art00007 Effect of Aluminum on the Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in Acute and Chronically Hyperglycemic Rats http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m322...71/ai_n13684250 http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/pr/news/story.cfm?id=981 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=35136 http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050315/tips/11.html http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/...51218111320.htm http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...p;dopt=Abstract Aluminum transfer as glutamate complex through blood-brain barrier. Possible implication in dialysis encephalopathy. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...st_uids=7779551 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...t_uids=12657166 Dietary protein restriction causes modification in aluminum-induced alteration in glutamate and GABA system of rat brain.Nayak P, Chatterjee AK. Department of Physiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, 5th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok 737102, Sikkim, India. nprasunpriya@hotmail.com BACKGROUND: Alteration of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyrate system have been reported to be associated with neurodegenerative disorders and have been postulated to be involved in aluminum-induced neurotoxicity as well. Aluminum, an well known and commonly exposed neurotoxin, was found to alter glutamate and gamma-aminobutyrate levels as well as activities of associated enzymes with regional specificity. Protein malnutrition also reported to alter glutamate level and some of its metabolic enzymes. Thus the region-wise study of levels of brain glutamate and gamma-aminobutyrate system in protein adequacy and inadequacy may be worthwhile to understand the mechanism of aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. RESULTS: Protein restriction does not have any significant impact on regional aluminum and gamma-aminobutyrate contents of rat brain. Significant interaction of dietary protein restriction and aluminum intoxication to alter regional brain glutamate level was observed in the tested brain regions except cerebellum. Alteration in glutamate alpha-decarboxylase and gamma-aminobutyrate transaminase activities were found to be significantly influenced by interaction of aluminum intoxication and dietary protein restriction in all the tested brain regions. In case of regional brain succinic semialdehyde content, this interaction was significant only in cerebrum and thalamic area. CONCLUSION: The alterations of regional brain glutamate and gamma-aminobutyrate levels by aluminum are region specific as well as dependent on dietary protein intake. The impact of aluminum exposure on the metabolism of these amino acid neurotransmitters are also influenced by dietary protein level. Thus, modification of dietary protein level or manipulation of the brain amino acid homeostasis by any other means may be an useful tool to find out a path to restrict amino acid neurotransmitter alterations in aluminum-associated neurodisorders. PMID: 12657166 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...t_uids=12197946 Response of regional brain glutamate transaminases of rat to aluminum in protein malnutrition.Nayak P, Chatterjee AK. Department of Physiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, 5th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok 737 102, Sikkim, India. nprasunpriya@hotmail.com BACKGROUND: The mechanism of aluminum-induced neurotoxicity is not clear. The involvement of glutamate in the aluminium-induced neurocomplications has been suggested. Brain glutamate levels also found to be altered in protein malnutrition. Alterations in glutamate levels as well as glutamate-alpha-decarboxylase in different regions of rat brain has been reported in response to aluminum exposure. Thus the study of glutamate metabolising enzymes in different brain regions of rats maintained on either normal or restricted protein diet may be of importance for understanding the neurotoxicity properties of aluminium. RESULTS: Dietary protein restrictions does not have an significant impact on regional aluminum content of the brain. The interaction of aluminum intoxication and protein restriction is significant in the thalamic area and the midbrain-hippocampal region in cases of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase. In the case of glutamate pyruvate transaminase, this interaction is significant only in thalamic area. CONCLUSION: The metabolism of amino acids, as indicated by activities of specific transaminases, of brain is altered in response to aluminum exposure. These alterations are region specific and are dependent on dietary protein intake or manipulation of the brain amino acid homeostasis. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...t_uids=11696403 Effects of aluminium exposure on brain glutamate and GABA systems: an experimental study in rats.Nayak P, Chatterjee AK. Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C. Road, 700 009, Calcutta, India. nprasunpriya@hotmail.com It has been postulated that the neurotoxic effects of aluminium could be mediated through glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Hence the effects of aluminium administration (at a dose of 4.2mg/kg body weight daily as aluminium chloride, hexahydrate, intraperitoneally, for 4 weeks) on glutamate and gamma-amino butyrate (GABA), an inhibitory amino acid, and related enzyme activities in different regions of the brain were studied in albino rats. The glutamate level increased significantly in the cerebrum, thalamic area, midbrain-hippocampal region and cerebellum in response to in vivo aluminium exposure. The aluminium insult also caused significant increases in glutamate alpha-decarboxylase activity in all the brain regions. However, on aluminium insult, the GABA content was not significantly changed except in the thalamic area, where it was elevated. On the contrary, the GABA-T activities of all the regions were reduced significantly in all regions except the midbrain-hippocampal region. However, the succinic semi-aldehyde content of all brain regions increased, often significantly. The aluminium-induced modification of the enzyme activities may be either due to the direct impact of aluminium or due to aluminium-induced changes in the cellular environment. The aluminium-induced differential regional accumulation of glutamate or other alterations in enzymes of the glutamate-GABA system may be one of the causes of aluminium-induced neurotoxicity. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...t_uids=11346489 Differential responses of certain brain phosphoesterases to aluminium in dietary protein adequacy and inadequacy.Nayak P, Chatterjee AK. Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C. Road, Calcutta 700 009, India. nprasunpriya@hotmail.com The aluminium-induced neurotoxic consequences include, among other factors, dephosphorylation, phosphorylation as well as hyperphosphorylation of specific macromolecules. Accordingly, activities of phosphoesterases were measured in different regions of rat brain, maintained with either adequate or inadequate protein diet, following aluminium exposure. Male Wistar rats weighing 80-100 g were treated with aluminium chloride at a dose of 15% of the LD50 for 4 weeks. In different regions of the brain of aluminium-exposed rats, significant variation in both phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activities have been recorded. These alterations were found to be varied when the rats were subjected to dietary protein insufficiency. These findings demonstrate the specificity of aluminium on different phosphoesterases. These regional variations may be attributed to the accumulated level of aluminium or may be due to cellular localization of these enzymes and linked to whether the enzymes are compartmentalized with different aluminium hydration species.

Studies on Dyes Last update: February 9, 2005 RED FD&C Red No. 40 - Allura Red FD&C Red No. 3 - Erythrosine 1. DNA damage induced by red food dyes orally administered to pregnant and male mice. Tsuda S, et al, Toxicol Sci 2001, May;61(1):92- 9 "We determined the genotoxicity of synthetic red tar dyes (amaranth - Red 2, allura red - Red 40, acid red - #106, new coccine - No. 18) currently used as food color additives in many countries, including Japan. …The assay was positive in the colon 3 hours after the administration of ama-ranth and allura red and weakly positive in the lung 6 hours after the administration of amaranth. Acid red did not induce DNA damage in any sample at any sampling time. …The 3 dyes induced DNA damage in the colon starting at 10 mg/kg. …6.5 mg/10 ml of new coccine induced DNA damage in colon, glandular stomach, and bladder….the 3 azo additives we examined induced colon DNA damage at very low doses. 2. Reproductive and neurobehavioral toxicity study of erythrosine (Red 3) administered to mice in the diet. Tanaka T, Food Chem Toxicol 2001 May;39(5):447- 54 "Erythrosine was given in the diet to provide levels of 0 (control), 0.005, 0.015 and 0.045% from 5 weeks of age of the F(0) generation to 9 weeks of age of the F(1) generation in mice, and selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured. . .In movement activities of exploratory behaviour, several parameters were significantly changed in the high dose group, and those effects were dose-related in adult females in the F(0) and F(1) generations and in male offspring in the F(1) generation." 3. Estrogenic and DNA-damaging activity of Red No. 3 in human breast cancer cells. Dees C, et al, Environ Health Perspect 1997 Apr;105 Suppl 3:625-32 "Exposure to pesticides, dyes, and pollutants that mimic the growth promoting effects of estrogen may cause breast cancer. …Red No. 3 increased binding of the ER from MCF-7 cells to the estrogen responsive element. Consumption of Red No. 3, which has estrogenlike growth stimulatory properties and may be genotoxic, could be a significant risk factor in human breast carcinogenesis. " 4. A study on the reproductive toxicity of erythrosine (Red No. 3) in male mice. Abdel Aziz AH, et al, Pharmacol Res 1997 May:35(5):457- 62 "The potential adverse effects of erythrosine (ER FD&C Red No. 3) on the spermatogenesis process were investigated in adult mice. . . sperm count as well as the percentage of motile sperms were significantly inhibited by about 50% and 57% respectively. Moreover. . .it increased the incidence of sperms with abnormal head by about 57% and 65% respectively. The induced increase in sperm abnormalities could enhance the spermatogenetic dysfunction and germ cell mutagenicity. These findings indicate that ER with used doses has a potential toxic effect on spermatogenesis in mice and in turn, it may affect its testicular function and reproductive performance. " 5. Developmental toxicity and psychotoxicity of FD and C red dye No 40 (allura red AC) in rats. Vorhees, CV, et al, Toxicology 1983;28(3):207- 17 "Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing FD and C red dye No. 40 for 2 weeks and were then bred. The diets were continued for the females throughout gestation and lactation and were provided continuously to the offspring thereafter. Red 40 significantly reduced reproductive success, parental and offspring weight, brain weight, survival, and female vaginal patency development. Behaviorally, Red 40 produced substantially decreased running wheel activity, and slightly increased post-weaning open-field rearing activity. Overall, R40 produced evidence of both physical and behavioral toxicity in developing rats at doses up to 10% of the diet." 6. Neurotransmitter Release from a Vertebrate Neuromuscular Synapse Affected by a Food Dye. Augustine G, Levitan H, Science Magazine, March 28, 1980, Vol. 207, pp. 1489-90 ". . .FD&C No. 3 . . .produced an irreversible, dose-dependent increase in neurotransmitter release. . . These results suggest that erythrosine might provide a useful pharmacological tool for studying the process of transmitter release, but that its use as a food additive should be re-examined. " 7. Erythrosine B inhibits dopamine transport in rat caudate synaptosomes. Lafferman JA, Silbergeld EK, Science 1979 205:410-412 Erythrosin B is a member of a class of fluorescein dyes that are suggested to elicit hyperkinesis when ingested by susceptible children. We found that erythrosin B inhibits dopamine uptake . . . Erythrosin B also decreased nonsaturable binding of dopamine to the synaptosome membrane. The inhibitory action of erythrosin B on dopamine uptake is consistent with the hypothesis that erythrosin B can act as a central excitatory agent able to induce hyperkinetic behavior. YELLOW FD&C Yellow No. 5 - Tartrazine FD&C Yellow No. 6 - Sunset Yellow 8. Immumological aspects of the common food colorants, amaranth and tartrazine. Koutsogeorgopoulou L, et al, Vet Hum Toxicol 1998 Feb;40(1):1- 4 "We described . . . the cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects of food colorants such as amaranth and tartrazine. . . The results showed clear immunosuppressive effects from the 2 substances tested, although the concentrations chosen for this study provide to be non-cytotoxic. " 9. Reproductive and neurobehavioral effects of Sunset Yellow FCF administered to mice in their diet. Tanka T, Toxicol Ind Health 1996 Jan-Feb;12(1) :69-79 10. Synthetic Food Coloring and Behavior: A Dose Response Effect in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Repeated-Measures Study, Rowe KS, Rowe KJ, Journal of Pediatrics November 1994 Vol. 135, pp.691-8 "This study demonstrated a functional relation between the ingestion of a synthetic food color (tartrazine) and behavioral changes in 24 atopic children, aged 2 to 14 years, with marked reactions being observed at all six dosage levels of dye challenge." 11. Intolerance to Dietary Chemicals May Underlie Recurrent Headaches, Cornwell N, et al, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney Austrialia. "In a study of dietary chemical sensitivities in 26 patients subject to recurrent idiopathic headaches, all but four of the patients experienced a marked reduction in the frequency and severity of headaches by adhering to a diet devoid of monosodium glutamate, amines, tartrazine (Yellow No. 5) preservatives, yeasts, nitrites/nitrates and salicylate." 12. Controlled Trial of Oligoantigenic Treatment in the Hyperkinetic Syndrome, Egger J, Graham PJ, Carter CM, Gumley D, Soothill JF, The Lancet March 9, 1985 "76 selected overactive children were treated with an oligoantigenic diet. 62 improved, and a normal range of behaviour was achieved in 21 of these. Other symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, and fits, also often improved…. Artificial colorants (Yellow No. 5) and preservatives were the commonest provoking substances, but no child was sensitive to these alone." 13. Danger! Additives at Work. London Food Commission. London 1985. FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow) was found to be a carcinogen when fed to animals. 14. The influence of the chemical additive tartrazine on the zinc status of hyperactive children: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Ward NI; Soulsbury KA; Zettel VH; Colquhoun ID; Bunday S; Barnes B; J Nutr Med;1(1). 1990 51-58 ALL FOOD DYES 15. Food Additives are Common Causes of the Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in Children. Boris M, Mandel F, Annals of Allergy, May 1994. ". . .this double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge study supports the role of dietary factors in ADHD (including dyes). Through a simple elimination diet symptoms can be controlled." 16. Behavioral responses to artificial food colors, Weiss B, et al., Science, March 28, 1980 207:1487-1488 17. Food Dyes Impair Performance of Hyperactive Children on a Laboratory Learning Test, Swanson J, Kinsbourne M, Science, March 238, 1980, Vol. 207. pp. 1485-7. "The performance of the hyperactive children on paired-associate learning tests on the day they received the dye blend was impaired relative to their performance after they received the placebo, but the performance of the non-hyperactive group was not affected by the challenges. . ." info here too http://www.diet-studies.com/color.html

Thanks itsme Glad you will keep us informed. Did the Dr. give the impression that this level would come down with the treatment plan?

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/sci...-0415nmdrc.html Does 'the dose make the poison?' Extensive results challenge a core assumption in toxicology

Article documenting movement disorder after varicella virus http://www.ajnr.org/cgi/reprint/16/3/449.pdf Postvaricella Basal Ganglia Infarction in Children excerpt Case 2 Right facial droop and slurred speech suddenly developed in a 6-year-old child. Several days later, transient right-sided weakness was noted, which resolved over 1 to 2 days. A prominent right-sided choreoathetosis then developed. Chickenpox had occurred 2 to 3 months earlier. Initial evaluation at another hospital included an MR scan that revealed a nonenhancing focal region of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images involving the globus pallidus adjacent to the anterior commissure and the medial aspect of the putamen (Fig 2). The region of altered signal intensity extended into the body of the caudate and adjacent central white matter of the left frontal lobe (Fig 2). Subsequent neurologic examination at our institution was normal except for choreiform movement of the right arm, face, and leg. Complete blood count, coagulation studies, and vasculitis screen were normal. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid demonstrated 9 white blood cells per cubic millimeter with normal levels of protein and glucose. Cerebral angiography revealed mild narrowing and irregularity of the intimal surface of the distal left internal carotid, the A1 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery, and the M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery (Fig 2). No changes were seen further to the periphery, and there were no angiographic abnormalities of the right carotid system. Treatment with steroids was initiated. The patient’s neurologic deficit improved remarkably, and 1 month after the onset of his movement disorder there was only minimal residual evidence of hemichorea. I wonder what follow up on this child reveals? If our kids develope tics or a worsening of TS symptoms after natural chicken pox or the varicella vax, how will it ever be known? One way we can help, is by reporting to VAERS (vaccine adverse event reporting system) another is to educate Dr.s, by providing them with info. like above. No one is ever going to put these things together, if they're not looking. Excellent paper regarding varicella vax http://www.whale.to/m/butler11.htmlu This paper mentions SV40. Is anyone aware of what SV40 is? I sure wasn't. I have never heard of someone with cancer being told that their tumor contained this DNA. I think it is highly unlikely we ever will. Will we be reading about other problems 20 years from now, from this vaccine which contains human DNA as technology advances? Of course, it will NOT be conclusive, as far as a connection because studies can be designed in ways (that most of us aren't smart enough to figure out, including me) that can make anything "inconclusive." It seems the more people possibly harmed, the harder these conclusions become. From CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/cancer/default.htm#5 Simian Virus 40 (SV40), Polio Vaccine, and Cancer I guess you all know now, why I'm so torn about the varicella vax

Hi itsme, I'm just wondering if you found anything on this? I've seen it posted quite frequently, that this is high on that type of test. I have never known if it could have any of the same effects that group A strep could cause or not. I just know they talk about trying to get the "strep level down." This is mostly discussed on the Yasko forum. Kim

I thought the above article contained the information found here, opps! http://www.upi.com/Special_Reports/The_Age...sm_pox__part_4/ The whole series of these articles can be found here (clickable left margin... lists others in the series) http://www.upi.com/Special_Reports/The_Age_of_Autism/

Thanks for your responses everyone. These are two articles that I think are important. For those of us who have gotten our kids one dose (and choose not to do a 2nd and maybe 3rd 4th 5th etc)of this vax, there is the danger of a Dr. prescribing antibiotics at the onset of chickenpox because of the flu like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes. This exact thing happened to a friend of my oldest son, last summer. He had one vax. the Dr. assumed since he had had the vax, that it COULDN'T be chicken pox, and prescribed an antibiotic and a steroids. This is NOT what you want to happen. CP, without going back through this, your son got the varicella vax, then you thought he looked yellow and sickly, right? Look at what the Mercola article says about the livers involment in chicken pox. powerofprayer, have you ever used anything like olive leaf extract for a shingles flair up? I guess stress does lower our immunity,but, there may be more at play with hereditary glitchs in the immune system too. These are the patterns, that would be interesting to note. The possibilty of the MMR given too close to a case of the chicken pox causing problems, (Carolyn, I wonder if you had the first MMR at the age of 1 yrs. old?) and the new combo shot of MMR/varicella, is quite scarey. I believe I have read where the amt of varicella virus in that combo shot, is 10 times what is used in the single vaccine. Anyway, here are the articles http://www.vaccinetruth.org/page_221.htm http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/17/chicken_pox.htm

Carolyn, Since the bd. has me in the vaccine frame of mind again right now, the first thing that popped into my mind was tetanus. Honestly, this disease and the prevalence of it, is just not what I thought it was, and I'm not nearly as afraid of it as I used to be, but it is found in animal waste. If you decide to use it, just make sure you don't have any deep open puncture wounds that aren't bleeding I'm wondering too, if anyone has any ideas for organic ways to control dandelions????

I really didn't want to get into all of my thoughts on vaccines because it is such a huge topic, but I didn't know how to answer Faith's question without getting into a bit of it. Besides, who other than the parents of our kids, who may well have issues with the immune system, would benefit more from being informed. I hope EVERY parent takes the time to look at vaccines very hard and critically. Otherwise, we will remain at the mercy of some, who may not be putting these recommendations forth with nothing but the health and best interest of our children in mind ($$$$$). These are just my thoughts and are certainly not intended to sway any other parents decision on this subject. Varecella/chicken pox, has me stumped. My boys have both had one dose. Now they find that one, isn't very effective. They are older now. Both the vax and the natural disease are going to cause antibody formation (although this isn't always the case). If there is a flair relating to TS, will it be an autoimmune reaction or just the stress of the body working to cope with illness or the vax or a vax ingredient? I think we have an opportunity on this forum to track it (thank you for your post Sky and everyone else who has remarked...Caryn, CP, Faith). For parents choosing to do the vaccines, it would be very helpful to report what you see. For those choosing not to vax/continue vaxing, it would be helpful to know how they/their children react to the natural illness, too. I think I mentioned once before that I have a 33 year old friend on another forum. He developed TS and extreme episodes of anxiety following a natural case of chickenpox at age 12. Also, chicken pox is generally harder for an adult to recover from, although I'm not really worried about it being life threatening, just the effects on an older person with special circumstances to begin with. Now, this is what ANGERs me about the articles that I posted above. They KNEW by eradicating the varicella virus, that people who had had the natural chicken pox were no longer going to be exposed to "boosters" by infected persons in the environment. This is required to keep the lingering virus inactive, and prevent it from reemerging in the form of shingles. How many of you have heard of the shingles vax? It's out there now. Also, there are quite a few parents reporting shingles in children who have received the varicella vax. So, even if we continue to vax for Varicella, will our kids get shingles? Will they get the shingles vax then too? Right now it's recommended for older people (I believe over 60?) but as time goes on, we may see that age lowered/ Within a few years, maybe they will be giving that to toddlers too. I find this trend really frightening. This same scenario was laid out in an article I posted here somewhere, regarding HIB. Apparently, the Hib vax was quite effective in reducing the incidence of Hib disease, BUT the incidence of Pneumonia went UP. The author predicted that a Pneumonia vax would be added to the schedule. It was. If I were to get the boys the TdaP it would be their SIXTH vax of this combo (the first five were DTaP). Now they want adults to get this TdaP too, because they say that our immunity has waned, and we are infecting the youngsters. Well how darn effective can this vax be, if we are STILL infecting kids who are receiving 5 and 6 doses of these things? They are mainly worried about Pertussis which is most dangerous to infants under one year of age. Well instead of vaccinating the entire population every 5 years, maybe they should work on a more effective treatment for Pertussis! This vax, unlike Varicella contains aluminum. However, the process involved in the manufacturing V. doesn't make me sleep well either. The article on Gardasil, I thought made the case quite well on how different studies, can come to different conclusions. The remark about other strains filling the void left by eradicated strains of the HPV virus, again demonstrates how we may be lowering the incidence of one disease and increasing the odds of another. Will the emerging stain be more invasive or difficult to treat? I really couldn't justify not continuing to vax on fears of TS related symptoms, because the natural illness could produce the same effect if looking at autoimmunity. Vax ingredients and metals (alum and definitley thimerosal)are a huge concern so that was a check in the "never again" category, but once I saw all of the other possibilities of problems with this program, it became much easier to make my decision. Personally, like Laurensmom said recently,I feel the risk of vaccinating outweighs the risk of the disease, but I will continue to keep an eye out for information, and others experiences with chicken pox. I hope if anyone or their child has had this naturally, you will let us know how it went.

Sorry, for anyone trying to follow this that the link didn't work. I fixed it. This paragraph in particular was important in this article. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...1,3983094.story But the data also hinted that blocking the targeted strains might have opened an ecological niche that allowed the flourishing of HPV strains previously considered to be minor players, partially offsetting the vaccine's protection.

I really don't think the Dr.s have a whole lot more info. than we, as parents. Remember, vaccines are marketed (is that a word?) to them too. Plus the majority, have probably seen a child die of a disease that is vax preventable (and I have a hard time with that phrase). It would just make it that much easier for them to feel like they are doing a wonderful thing with all of those well child visits, and immunization office calls. Win win situation hey? After all, the establisment which their whole practice is based on is making these recommendations. Why would they really investigate it. It could jeopardize their whole career (look what's happening to Andrew Wakefield because he dared to find the vaccinated strain of measles in some autistic childrens intestines) plus...law suits, if a Dr. was EVER to go againt the powers that be (Pharma/CDC/AAP same thing) Oh oh, I'm getting mouthy. I better remove that last statement. Oh well, I forgot to do it. Plus, unless your child turns purple and falls on the floor within seconds, they will not tie adverse events to the vaccine. As Sky pointed out, most will get that patient condesending look at best, or outright wrath at worst, if you suggest that a vax caused ANY type of problem for your child. I guess I should say that these statements do not apply to ALL Dr.s. I do believe there are some wonderful people in medicine, that are btwn a rock and a hard place (from things they know, but can't really say), and really care about the health of our children. http://www.cdc.gov/Nip/recs/child-schedule-color-print.pdf For my boys these are the required vaccines Varicella Meningococcal Tdap These may be recommended also HPV (girls) Gardasil Pneumococcal Hep A Flu shot You will need to check your state requirements for school purposes. before I answer your question Faith about what I'm going to do, read these articles. You don't have to read all three of the Varicella articles, you will probably get the idea from the first one. Study casts new doubts on HPV vaccine The highly touted treatment to prevent cervical cancer may be less effective than previously thought, findings suggest. By Thomas H. Maugh II and Jia-Rui Chong Times Staff Writers May 10, 2007 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...1,3983094.story New data on the controversial HPV vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer have raised serious questions about its efficacy, researchers reported today, potentially undercutting the efforts in many states to make vaccination mandatory. and - - - - 1: Int J Toxicol. 2006 Sep-Oct;25(5) :313-7. The case against universal varicella vaccination. Goldman GS. Medical Veritas International Inc., Pearblossom, California 93553, USA. pearblossominc@ aol.com In 1995, the United States became the first country to implement a Universal Varicella Vaccination Program. Several questions remain: Is the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine needed? Is it cost effective as a routine immunization for all susceptible children? Or is it more beneficial for the disease to remain endemic so that adults may receive periodic exogenous exposures (boosts) that help suppress the reactivation of herpes zoster (shingles). In addition, as vaccination coverage becomes widespread, does loss of immunologic boosting cause a decline in vaccine efficacy and result in a reduced period of immunity? Scientific literature regarding safety of the varicella vaccine and its associated cost-benefit analysis have often reported optimistic evaluations based on ideal assumptions. Deleterious outcomes and their associated costs must be included when making a circumspect assessment of the Universal Varicella Vaccination Program. PMID: 16940003 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] 2: Int J Toxicol. 2005 Jul-Aug;24(4) :205-13. Universal varicella vaccination: efficacy trends and effect on herpes zoster. Goldman GS. Medical Veritas International (MVI), Pearblossom, California 93553, USA. pearblossominc@ aol.com In 1995, the Varicella Active Surveillance Project (VASP) was established in Antelope Valley (California) , a geographically distinct high-desert community of 300,000 residents, as one of three sites in the nation in a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect baseline demographic and clinical data and to monitor trends in varicella (chickenpox) following introduction of varicella vaccine. Herpes zoster (shingles) was added to the active surveillance January 1, 2000. The universal varicella program has proven effective in terms of reducing the number of reported verified varicella cases by 85%, from 2,934 in 1995 to 412 in 2002. Prior to this dramatic reduction, immunologic boosting due to exogenous exposures to wild-type varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the community (1) caused mean serum anti-VZV levels among vaccines to increase with time after vaccination and (2) served as a mechanism that helped suppress the reactivation of herpes zoster (HZ), especially among individuals with a previous history of wild-type varicella.That immunologic boosting might play a significant role in both varicella and the closely related HZ epidemiology is evidenced by (1) a decline in vaccine efficacy by over 20%, from 95.7% (95% C.I., 82.7% to 98.9%) in 1999 to 73.9% (95% C.I., 57.9% to 83.8%) in 2001 and (2) an unexpectedly high cumulative (2000 to 2003) true incidence rate of 223 (95% C.I. 180-273) per 100,000 person-years (p-y) among children <10 years old with a previous history of varicella. Because capture-recapture methods demonstrate a likely lower bound of 50% underreporting, the actual rate is likely double or 446 per 100,000 p-y, approaching the HZ rate reported among older adults. Other recent studies based on VASP data have mitigated against discovery of the above trends that challenge several initial assumptions inherent to the universal varicella program, namely, (1) a single dose confers long-term immunity and (2) there is no immunologically mediated link between varicella and HZ incidence. As vaccinated children replace those with a prior history of wild-type varicella in the <10 age group, increasing HZ incidence among this cohort will be of less concern in the near future. However, previous scientific studies, including the present preliminary results from active surveillance indicate that HZ may be increasing among adults. It may be difficult to design booster interventions that are cost-effective and meet or exceed the level of protection provided by immunologic boosting that existed naturally in the community in the prelicensure era. PMID: 16126614 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] 3: Vaccine. 2005 May 9;23(25):3349- 55. Cost-benefit analysis of universal varicella vaccination in the U.S. taking into account the closely related herpes-zoster epidemiology. Goldman GS. Medical Veritas International (MVI), Pearblossom, CA 93553, USA. pearblossominc@ aol.com Many models concur that universal varicella vaccination of children is beneficial from the perspective of reducing societal costs. Yet, the majority of such cost analyses have been modeled under the assumption that varicella vaccination has no adverse effect on the closely related herpes-zoster (HZ) epidemiology. Historical models have assumed that asymptomatic endogenous reactivation is the chief mechanism of boosting that suppresses the reactivation of HZ and that immunity wanes due to the aging process. Recent studies suggest instead that periodic exogenous exposures to wild-type varicella are the predominant factor influencing the curve of increasing HZ incidence rate with advancing age among individuals <50, after which an age-related decline dominates in the elderly. Based on a realistic age-structured model, we compare differences in outcomes of the number of HZ cases and direct medical costs associated with the population existing in 2000 and as it ages (according to the mortality given in the 2000 U.S. census) during the following 50 years with and without implementation of universal varicella vaccination. Under universal varicella vaccination, we assume that 15 years post-licensure, the boosting mechanism known as asymptomatic endogenous reactivation principally serves to limit HZ incidence to 550 per 100,000 person-years in unvaccinated individuals <50 with a previous history of natural varicella--since there has been a vaccine-induced decline in exogenous boosting. We estimate universal varicella vaccination has the impact of an additional 14.6 million (42%) HZ cases among adults aged <50 years during a 50 year time span at a substantial cost burden of 4.1 billion US dollars or 80 million US dollars annually utilizing an estimated mean healthcare provider cost of 280 US dollars per HZ case. PMID: 15837242

Caryn & Sky, Sorry, I thought someone mentioned the flu vaccine. When looking at the vaccine issue, I would highly encourage you to use these two sites. http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=47 http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/pink/def_pink_full.htm Caryn, with the age of your son, I think it would be pretty unlikely that he received anyting but trace thimerosal. The only shots that still contain it that I am aware (commonly used) of is, the flu shots (which personally, I think boders criminal) the TD vax, and some multidose vials of the Menactra (menningitis vax). Here is some info on Comvax (Did your Dr. explain to you how reduced the odds were of your son developing problems from Hib at his current age? Did he explain how Hep B was transmitted)? http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circul...x/comvax_pi.pdf 9376602 COMVAX® [HAEMOPHILUS b CONJUGATE (MENINGOCOCCAL PROTEIN CONJUGATE) and HEPATITIS B (RECOMBINANT) VACCINE] DESCRIPTION COMVAX* [Haemophilus b Conjugate (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) and Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine] is a sterile bivalent vaccine made of the antigenic components used in producing PedvaxHIB* [Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate)] and RECOMBIVAX HB* [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)]. These components are the Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide [polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP)] that is covalently bound to an outer membrane protein complex (OMPC) of Neisseria meningitidis and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from recombinant yeast cultures. Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B are grown in complex fermentation media. The primary ingredients of the phenol-inactivated fermentation medium for Haemophilus influenzae include an extract of yeast, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, hemin chloride, soy peptone, dextrose, and mineral salts and for Neisseria meningitidis include an extract of yeast, amino acids and mineral salts. The PRP is purified from the culture broth by purification procedures which include ethanol fractionation, enzyme digestion, phenol extraction and diafiltration. The OMPC from Neisseria meningitidis is purified by detergent extraction, ultracentrifugation, diafiltration and sterile filtration. The PRP-OMPC conjugate is prepared by the chemical coupling of the highly purified PRP (polyribosylribitol phosphate) of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Haemophilus b, Ross strain) to an OMPC of the B11 strain of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B. The coupling of the PRP to the OMPC is necessary for enhanced immunogenicity of the PRP. This coupling is confirmed by analysis of the components of the conjugate following chemical treatment which yields a unique amino acid. After conjugation, the aqueous bulk is then adsorbed onto an amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate adjuvant (previously referred to as aluminum hydroxide). HBsAg is produced in recombinant yeast cells. A portion of the hepatitis B virus gene, coding for HBsAg, is cloned into yeast, and the vaccine for hepatitis B is produced from cultures of this recombinant yeast strain according to methods developed in the Merck Research Laboratories. The antigen is harvested and purified from fermentation cultures of a recombinant strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing the gene for the adw subtype of HBsAg. The fermentation process involves growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on a complex fermentation medium which consists of an extract of yeast, soy peptone, dextrose, amino acids and mineral salts. The HBsAg protein is released from the yeast cells by mechanical cell disruption and detergent extraction, and purified by a series of physical and chemical methods, which includes ion and hydrophobic chromatography, and diafiltration. The purified protein is treated in phosphate buffer with formaldehyde and then coprecipitated with alum (potassium aluminum sulfate) to form bulk vaccine adjuvanted with amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate. The vaccine contains no detectable yeast DNA, and 1% or less of the protein is of yeast origin. The individual PRP-OMPC and HBsAg adjuvanted bulks are combined to produce COMVAX. Each 0.5 mL dose of COMVAX is formulated to contain 7.5 mcg PRP conjugated to approximately 125 mcg OMPC, 5 mcg HBsAg, approximately 225 mcg aluminum as amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, and 35 mcg sodium borate (decahydrate) as a pH stabilizer, in 0.9% sodium chloride. The vaccine contains not more than 0.0004% (w/v) residual formaldehyde. The potency of the PRP-OMPC component is measured by quantitating the polysaccharide concentration by an HPLC method. The potency of the HBsAg component is measured relative to a standard by an in vitro immunoassay. The product contains no preservative. COMVAX is a sterile suspension for intramuscular injection. This is for Varicella Vax http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:8yn98...us&ie=UTF-8 Varicella Virus Vaccine Live (Oka/Merck)]Refrigerator-stable formulation DESCRIPTION VARIVAX* [Varicella Virus Vaccine Live (Oka/Merck)] is a preparation of the Oka/Merck strain of live, attenuated varicella virus. The virus was initially obtained from a child with wild-type varicella, then introduced into human embryonic lung cell cultures, adapted to and propagated in embryonic guinea pig cell cultures and finally propagated in human diploid cell cultures (WI-38). Further passage of the virus forvaricella vaccine was performed at Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) in human diploid cell cultures(MRC-5) that were free of adventitious agents. This live, attenuated varicella vaccine is a lyophilized preparation containing sucrose, phosphate, glutamate, processed gelatin, and urea as stabilizers. Refrigerator-stable VARIVAX, when reconstituted as directed, is a sterile preparation for subcutaneousadministration. Each 0.5 mL dose contains the following: a minimum of 1350 plaque forming units (PFU) ofOka/Merck varicella virus when reconstituted and stored at room temperature for 30 minutes, approximately 18 mg of sucrose, 8.9 mg hydrolyzed gelatin, 3.6 mg of urea, 2.3 mg of sodium chloride, 0.36 mg of monosodium L-glutamate, 0.33 mg of sodium phosphate dibasic, 57 mcg of potassiumphosphate monobasic, 57 mcg of potassium chloride. The product also contains residual components ofMRC-5 cells including DNA and protein and trace quantities of neomycin and bovine calf serum fromMRC-5 culture media. The product contains no preservative. Sites with info on exemptions http://www.vaclib.org/exemption.htm http://909shot.com/state-site/state-exemptions.htm

You are very welcome Irena I'm so happy to hear that Stas is enjoying himself. It's a struggle, with all of the supplements and diet worries, but eventually, (and rather quickly, it seems) they are going to be off making their own choices about what to eat, drink, how many supplement they take etc. I can only imagine how sore my knees are going to be, with all of the praying I'll be doing, once my oldest "baby" is driving. I'm going to have to have a tracking device that alerts me if the car turns into the fast food places. About the Ox bile in my previous post, I sure hope I didn't give others the impression that I thought there was ox bile in vaccines (although, it would be preferrable to mercury or aluminum IMHO). I meant that I have read of transmission of some nasty things that are derived from animals and used in vaccines, thru the years. The CDC website has a really interesting article on this subject. I just sat here reading, with my mouth hanging open. I guess human diploid cells, bovine serum, chick embryo etc isn't SO different from Ox bile!

Caryn and Others looking at Vaccine connections, You might be interested in this article http://www.putchildrenfirst.org/flu.html Also, someone asked if you can opt out of vaccines. Yes! There are religious, philisophical and medical (medical..tough to get ANY Dr, to sign) exemptions. There was a post on a vax forum by a Ped/Mom. She was explaining that they have a % that must be met as far as vax rates. If they fall below the %, they will be credited a different rate by the insurance companies for ALL services, not just vaccine related. I will be back with a site that will give info on all of the states. CP, I have a niece with a daughter who is just over 1 yr. old. She is totally unvaxed. She hasn't been sick once. She had the sniffles for about 2 days, which we don't know if it was due to cutting teeth, or a cold. I want to point out, that you will never meet someone who thought the whole idea of vaccines being dangerous was insanity, more than I did. Sadly, I no longer feel that way, and it's too late for my boys. I would do anything to start from scratch with a brand new immune system for them. I would NEVER NEVER let them inject so many things into my babies again! Now the whole idea seems horrifying, but that is after many hours of reading the other side.