A few months ago, we took the kids to the doctor. The doctor that seemed confused as to why we were taking them to see him when they weren't sick. The doctor that did a good job and gave me a lot of new information. Also, the doctor that gave me the WRONG information.
I asked him about getting Nae vaccinated against cervical cancer. Giving her the Guardasil vaccine. The SAME vaccine I was against when it first came out. The SAME vaccine that I thought about for MONTHS before taking Nae to the doctor. The SAME vaccine that I specifically asked him about. The same DAMN vaccine that he told me was "fine" to give to girls and that the only side effects were just like any type of vaccination. He gave me a prescription to get her vaccinated at a different clinic, I put it in my purse. It's still in my purse. I never took her to get it because it didn't feel right. I tried so many times to talk myself out of my hesitation and just do what the good doctor said would benefit my daughter. I never convinced myself it was a good thing to do and I am SO glad I followed my instincts on this one!
I was catching up on my blogs and came to rocket.queen's post about an article she read about Guardisil. I read it about three times. Each time my heartbeat got faster and my palms sweat with every sentence. I thanked my gut instinct for kicking in and talked to Dirty about the article. We won't be getting Nae vaccinated for cervical cancer right now. Maybe not ever.
The thoughts that are running through my head, right now, are not pretty thoughts. I have images of getting her vaccinated and then something horribly wrong happening. She becomes very ill, her whole life changes because I insisted she get this vaccination. Or worse, she dies because the research about death didn't make it to my doctor. I am relieved to tears that I kept her safe from this ONE thing. The one thing I'm "suppose" to do, I didn't do and I can never be thankful enough to my gut instinct. Nor can I ever be thankful enough to rocket.queen for posting about this article. I can't be thankful enough to Dr. Diane Harper for speaking out.
Please, read the article and pass it on to everyone. Research is a good thing, even if one has to dig deep to find it. Even if it comes in the form of a blog where the last thing on your mind was cervical cancer.
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18 friends have commented:
Like you I have been against this ever since it came out. I way all my kids vaccines before getting them.
As you know Keley( my oldest) doesnt live with me.I just found out last week that she just got this shot. I was devasted, he never researched it and said oh well she is okay.. REALLY??!!??
I wish I could smack him in the head with a brick right now.. ugh..
I do know for a fact that hannah will never get it...
I am proud of you for sticking with ur gut on it. you are an awesome mommy and thanks for sharing that article with me!!
xoxo
I am so happy I could help you. It scares me what parents will do without a second thought to doing their own research. You are a fantastic parent trusting your gut.
Nae is lucky to have you.
How scary! SO glad you trusted your motherly instincts. Way to go, awesome Mama! :)
Wow - thank you for your post and linking that article. Not being a mom (yet?!), I've only seen the aggressive marketing for this but haven't thought too much about it. Have been thinking about vaccines in general a lot since starting to see the ND myself - and noticed a lot of literature about childhood vaccinations. You've opened my eyes A LOT. This is a solid reminder to always do your research - and to trust your gut. Again, thanks.
That is one vaccine that has scared me. There is so much that is questionable about it...and they push it so damned hard.
I had the same gut instinct. I'm so glad that I listened to it. And I'm glad you did too!
I'm glad you did so much good research before making a decision about a vaccination!
this was really nice that you had waited on it, and then got to read the blog. it it was the other way around, even though Nae could have been fine, you'd feel horrible anyway. Vaccines are a sensitive subject. I have doubts about them and would also do any and all research possible before vaccinating my kids, especially when the vaccination is elective.
Whew! I'm glad you didn't end up getting the shot... way to listen to your instincts. We have so many difficult choices to make as parents, it's hard to sift through the hype and get down to the truth.
I'll definitely have to read up on it. Although I totally agree with vaccinations, this one is just super new so I'm a bit leary.
it is always best to go with you gut!
They pushed this vaccine SO HARD when it came out...the media bombarded people with ads and information, but apparently not ENOUGH information. I was glad I have boys and didn't have to make that decision! Good for you.
I have to admit that I got the vaccinations 2 years ago, when it first arrived on the scene. I have a history of HPV and only at stage 2 so my dr recommended I get it. It doesn't cure HPV, just guards from getting the other kinds, so-to-speak.
I've had 2 (yes 2) LEEP procedures done and I would also like to speak out about THAT. I do not recommend putting any woman through that unless they are older and done having children. Because I wasn't properly informed about the risks of having it done, I now deal with cerv.ical sten.osis (narrowing of the cervix)and have had 2 dilations done to correct it.
Anyway - IF I had been more informed about the risks of both I probably would have made different decisions. I definitely commend you for taking the initiative to research it ahead of time. :)
This vaccine freaked me out when it first came out, and it still does. First of all, it only helps with 4 kinds of HPV, and there are over 100 kinds! They are the 4 most common ones, but still. Also, the false sence of security it gives young girls freaks me out. One of my college age friends just became sexually active, and didn't bother to make sure her partner has been tested recently before becomeing active. "We use Condoms" she said, but it doesn't matter. "Welcome to the world of disease and tests!" was the best way a friend could put it. I couldn't agree more. Knowledge is the best possible thing you can give young girls, in my opinion.
Great post, and I'm glad you followed your gut!!!
wow. i had no idea. of course, we're no where near this stage, but still... research is always important, and i'm SO glad you went with your gut!!!
hugs!
melissa
ps. yes, mia had a GREAT actual bday party! :) this mama was so relieved her little sickies went away!!
I am so glad you found this article before getting Nae vaccinated. And thank you so much for doing the footwork for the rest of us. I appreciate the info!
I was against this stuff too. It's too experimental for my taste. I met mothers of 3 yr. olds who wanted to get it for their girls! That's nuts! I know this is an old post, but I had to comment. Tonight I'm scanning and half-assed trying to catch up on everyone's blogs!
Don't tell the ex (I try not to tell him I was wrong if I can avoid it) but I'm glad he drug his feet when I was insisting my daughter be vaccinated due to family history of cancers. The more that comes out about it now, the more concerned I am about there being more to the story that we're even being told.
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