knowledge is power.

We all want what's best for our children. Unfortunately, we don't always know what that is. I learned this hard lesson most recently. You could call me green. I always assumed doctors, teachers and even the people in Washington were the people that looked out for our children. The doctors keep my kids medically safe. The teachers make sure they are taught in a way that they are successful. And the politicians take office to make a difference. I was wrong. Yes, those people are out there...but not everyone is in 'it' for the greater good.

I have learned with Reese how easy it can be. She hits her milestones and does all those things she is supposed to do. Her appointments at the pediatrician are easy! But it's not that way with Noah and it never has been. I always have extra questions and concerns. Anyone that knows me is not surprised to know I always walk in with a list. :) Since moving to Florida I have had a rude awakening when it comes to doctors. Most recently it was the flu shot. I choose not to give it to my children because it contains thimerosal. The vaccines that infants and small children get do not contain thimerosal, but the flu shot still does. But it doesn't have to. Thimerosal is a preservative. They can make mass amounts of the flu vaccine when they use it. It costs the docs office more money when they order shots without it. If your child is age three or under, there is never thimerosal in the shot. If the FDA thinks it's unsafe for these children, then why suddenly is it safe when you turn three? hmmm. This got me thinking. I knew the thimerosal-free flu shot could be special ordered. It may not be covered by insurance, but that's okay. So I told them to special order one for Noah. After all, his immune system is still compromised and I am not willing to take chances. I was told "we can't order just one. it's not cost effective." Ridiculous. So then I asked about the dosage compared with what the infant through age three gets. She said after age three it's doubled. Ahhhh... double-up the thimerosal-free infant dosage for Noah! I got the look. The "yeah, not gonna happen" look. I asked the nurse to double check and she came back and said-- "insurance will never pay for that." Okay... 'fine'... I will pay out-of-pocket. The nurse leaves and I can hear the rumblings with the not-so-happy doctor. The nurse comes back and says "she said that she still can't do it because she signs something with the insurance companies and drug companies stating that she won't" WHATTTT??????!!!!!! Are you kidding me? But wait a minute-- she is supposed to look out for his best interests. She is bought and paid for. I just couldn't believe it.

I later called back and she said "tell her I will do it if she tells no one... and just this one time." Again, are you kidding me? I am offering to pay out-of-pocket. I am doing what's best for my child. You have access to this and are acting like I am asking for some hard core drug! If it seems like I am still beside myself, it's because I am still beside myself. I learned that day that this doctor cared more about the checks from insurance and drug companies than she cares for her own patients. And it saddened me greatly.

You know what's next. My lovely husband was incredibly supportive in the decision to pull the kids out of that office immediately. And the letter was written. Now, this letter could be your standard "please send records..blah, blah, blah" or I could try to write something that may inform some or create change. So that's what I did.

Here is part of that letter (keep in mind, my kids saw two different docs at the practice):

"I am writing today to confirm that my children will no longer be patients of ********* Pediatrics. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the service my daughter, Reese, has always received. I always left an appointment knowing that she was seen as an individual and had gotten the best possible care. I wish I could say the same for Noah. It’s unfortunate, but in my opinion, his doctor did not provide “the best possible care.” It is apparent that she does not understand how to meet the needs of a child with disabilities. I want to be very clear that this is not due to one incident, but it was one incident too many.

On a personal note, I would like to say that as a mother of a boy with disabilities I do not have time for eye rolls, sighs and hearing that other mothers are “crazy” because they seek different treatment for their child. I do not have time to hear “we sign something with the insurance companies that states we cannot do this for you.” You see, my boy has unlimited potential and the clock is ticking. I need to partner with a doctor and an office that is at least willing to try to understand this."

The rest of the letter was information regarding where to send all records. I did bring the office baked goods because their front staff is outstanding. The woman at the front was crying and hugging us when she read the letter. She knew. She knew it was happening and she knew it was wrong.

For those that get the flu shot, make no mistake. It's a worthwhile shot. But it is completely available without thimerosal. Why would we want to inject our kids with mercury filled preservatives anyway? There's just not been enough research about this stuff. And I am not willing to wait 20 years for them to figure out it's unsafe.

Our new pediatrician carries not one shot (that's right-- no vaccines, no flu shots) with thimerosal. Every shot is thimerosal-free. I'm sure it costs this office more. But if you're in it for the greater good, it must be worth it.