I was reading another blog, GoTeamWood, that immediately caught my attention from my mom side and my professional side, a pediatric pharmacist. Please read it; mom Jen did a great job of describing what happened.
I will describe acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)) toxicity for everyone to explain, hopefully in laymen's terms, what the physicans at the ER where concerned about.
Acetaminophen Toxicity
Acetaminophen is a common medication used for the relief of pain or fever. It is not to be used for anti-inflammatory reasons. It is present in many over the counter (OTC) medications, which is why there has been cause in the past years to reduce all children medications to single ingredient only. Many children were being overdosed because parents were unaware of the duplication of many ingredients in products. This is why speaking to your pharmacist (who is readily available to most people at their pharmacies) before dosing your children can help in preventing this problem.
Acetaminophen is metabolized (broken down) in the liver. Normal half life depends on the age of the child: in neonates, averages to 7 hours; in infants, averages to 4 hours; and in children, averages to 3 hours.
While children are a seemingly decreased risk of acetaminophen toxicity because of their preceived increased metabolism and increased glutathione (involved in metabolism) stores, they are still at risk and need to be triaged and assessed accordingly. If you think your child overdosed, do not hesitate to take them to the ER.
Ingestion is the most common route for acetaminophen toxicity (meaning, it is taken by mouth, either in tablet or liquid form). However, acetaminophen can also be given rectally (up the butt, not a classy way to put it, but essentially what it means) and can contribute and/or cause toxicity.
Signs of acetaminophen toxicity are truly nonspecific: nausea, vomiting, liver toxicity, and kidney impairment.
There are four stages in the clinical course of acetaminophen toxicity:
1) Preclinical toxic effects;
2) Hepatic (liver) injury;
3) Hepatic (liver) failure;
4) Recovery and/or death.
These four stages, which can overlap, are impacted by amount ingested; duration of the ingestion (overdosed over a time); coingestion with other medications; presence of comorbidities; and timing of medical interventions.
So... your child took acetaminophen, and you suspect an overdose. Go to the ER. The ER will first take a serum acetaminophen level (to see how much acetaminophen is in the blood) and liver function tests (to see if the liver has been damaged). The level of acetaminophen is particularly effective if you know the time of the ingestion, so if you do, or suspect a time, make sure to tell the ER staff. When the level comes back, it will be plotted on a Rumack-Matthew nomogram. This nomogram helps to determine if your child is at low to moderate to high rish for toxicity. If it is low, your child will be monitored for a bit and then most likely discharged home without much fuss (which is what helped in the blog I mentioned earlier).
However, if its moderate to high, treatment options will be brought up. There are two main types: decontamination and antidotes. Decontamination usually works with a known ingestion time and if there is a coingestion. Gastric lavage (not a pretty sight), if done, is usually within 1 hour of ingtestion, but is generally not recommended. Activated charcoal, also not a pretty thing to see, is done usually within 2 hours of ingestion. Do NOT use ipecac or cathartics.
Antidote - in the case of acetaminophen toxicity is acetylcysteine - is the preferred method to go, even though there is a difference in opinion of dosing and time tables. However, it does work. Acetylcysteine works to help restore liver glutathione, serves as a glutathione substitute, and enhances nontoxic sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen (in other words, helps with metabolism of the acetaminophen).
I hope this helps a little to explain the process. I won't go much more into it, and always talk to your healthcare professional if you have questions, and never hesitate to go to the ER if you suspect your little one ingested something they shouldn't. Another tip: don't treat medication like candy, don't ever call it candy, and KEEP IT LOCKED! Child preventative caps are a joke. Do not believe they will prevent your child from opening a bottle.
*Written for informational purposes only*
Monday, January 21, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
My sister is getting married!
Today was my sister Nicole's bachelorette "party." Ten of us went out to dinner (changing venues because of a ridiculous two hour wait at The Cheesecake Factory) and enjoyed ourselves for two hours. Flirted with some single Navy boys about to leave on deployment (thoroughly embarrassing Krystal, the only single girl other than my nieces who are 5 and 12). It was perfect; Nicole wanted something simple, nothing fancy, and it was exactly what she wanted.
My "little" sister is getting married soon! It's crazy. In less than three weeks she will be Mrs. E (even though she is not formally changing her last name). She will "belong" to someone else. Someone other than the original six will have a right to her time. Is this what she felt when I was about to wed four years ago? Its strange to me.
I'm not sure if I like it.
My "little" sister is getting married soon! It's crazy. In less than three weeks she will be Mrs. E (even though she is not formally changing her last name). She will "belong" to someone else. Someone other than the original six will have a right to her time. Is this what she felt when I was about to wed four years ago? Its strange to me.
I'm not sure if I like it.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sandy Hook Elementary
As everyone is aware, a senseless tragedy happened at what should be one of the safest places for children: their elementary school. Twenty first graders and six women educators lost their lives in a horrendous act carried out by a mentally unstable young man who not only took his own life but that of the woman who gave him life. While so many questions remained unanswered at this time, the only one that matters to me is why the children? At six and seven years of age, what did they do to deserve to have their lives cut short and in such a manner?
Nothing I write will allow them to come back. Nothing anyone says will give those parents their babies for Christmas. Whatever changes are enacted because of this massacre will not give those children a chance to live lives full of promise and hope that comes from being so young.
I hug my two boys tighter. I give them more kisses. With time, I will not shudder to think of sending Goober to preschool in a month for the first time, not knowing if this will happen at our church's small preschool. To think of those parents who thought they would pick their little ones up at school but instead had to pick them up at the morgue... I cry every time. No one - repeat, no one - should have to.
A first grader should not be gunned down in his or her school. EVER. A child should not be afraid of going to school, worried about not going home at the end of the day. School should be a safe haven, not a killing ground. A teacher should not have to use her body as a shield in an effort to protect those she was entrusted to teach. Students should not be practicing lock down drills; they should be practicing their subtraction and playing at recess.
How did we get here, America? How did we lose sight of what is important?
Religion? Gun laws? Blame them if you must, but they are not the answer either. We, as adults and parents, must take responsibility not only for our children (!) but for their lives and reclaiming their childhoods. I believe in protecting their innocence for as long as possible; our children are growing up way to fast these days, and here is another example. Why should we be explaining to our first graders why most of their friends died today? We shouldn't. We should be kissing their wounds, talking of Christmas and gingerbread houses, and telling them we love them and the monsters aren't under their beds. Not kissing away nightmares of gunmen killing their friends in the hallways and classrooms of their school.
I told my husband the other day we are homeschooling our boys. While this might change, the idea is looking better and more enticing each day. At least I can limit the harsh reality of the modern world for a little bit longer. Keep them children for another year. I shouldn't have to, but the world seems intent on rushing my children from their sweet childhood into an unknown, uncaring, and dim world. What life is that?
One of my favorite quotes I have seen floating around social media I will close with (paraphrasing):
Dear God,
How do you let these things happen in school?
A student
Dear Student,
I am not allowed in your school anymore.
Love,
God
Dear Lord, please, always, stay guarding over my children, regardless of where they are. Hold the lost little ones in your loving arms and provide some peace to their grieving families. Amen.
Nothing I write will allow them to come back. Nothing anyone says will give those parents their babies for Christmas. Whatever changes are enacted because of this massacre will not give those children a chance to live lives full of promise and hope that comes from being so young.
I hug my two boys tighter. I give them more kisses. With time, I will not shudder to think of sending Goober to preschool in a month for the first time, not knowing if this will happen at our church's small preschool. To think of those parents who thought they would pick their little ones up at school but instead had to pick them up at the morgue... I cry every time. No one - repeat, no one - should have to.
A first grader should not be gunned down in his or her school. EVER. A child should not be afraid of going to school, worried about not going home at the end of the day. School should be a safe haven, not a killing ground. A teacher should not have to use her body as a shield in an effort to protect those she was entrusted to teach. Students should not be practicing lock down drills; they should be practicing their subtraction and playing at recess.
How did we get here, America? How did we lose sight of what is important?
Religion? Gun laws? Blame them if you must, but they are not the answer either. We, as adults and parents, must take responsibility not only for our children (!) but for their lives and reclaiming their childhoods. I believe in protecting their innocence for as long as possible; our children are growing up way to fast these days, and here is another example. Why should we be explaining to our first graders why most of their friends died today? We shouldn't. We should be kissing their wounds, talking of Christmas and gingerbread houses, and telling them we love them and the monsters aren't under their beds. Not kissing away nightmares of gunmen killing their friends in the hallways and classrooms of their school.
I told my husband the other day we are homeschooling our boys. While this might change, the idea is looking better and more enticing each day. At least I can limit the harsh reality of the modern world for a little bit longer. Keep them children for another year. I shouldn't have to, but the world seems intent on rushing my children from their sweet childhood into an unknown, uncaring, and dim world. What life is that?
One of my favorite quotes I have seen floating around social media I will close with (paraphrasing):
Dear God,
How do you let these things happen in school?
A student
Dear Student,
I am not allowed in your school anymore.
Love,
God
Dear Lord, please, always, stay guarding over my children, regardless of where they are. Hold the lost little ones in your loving arms and provide some peace to their grieving families. Amen.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
The scent of autumn is in the air...
It's already the end of September! The boys and I are back in Virginia Beach for another long stay (about three weeks) while I work, attend a concert, and possibly a wedding. Elijah went home Monday after being with us in Savannah, Georgia, and then a few days here in Virginia Beach.
We went on VACATION! We spent a few days in Savannah, Georgia. We visited Forsyth Park, The Roundhouse Railroad Museum, walked Riverwalk, ate at Moon River Brewing, swam in the hotel's pool, and just enjoyed some family time. It was amazing, to have no worries but just the four of us. Both the boys came down with colds the last day/night we were there, but it didn't really put a damper on things. Goober enjoyed watching a movie in bed with us the last night we were there (Lion King per his request), and it is these little things I can't wait to enjoy more with him and his brother as they get get older.
The boys - and their daddy - enjoyed some quality time with my brother Keith. We drove up a day early to surprise my brother when he arrived in from San Diego. Goober got him good, too! Well worth it to see the smile on my brother's face when he saw his nephews!
James, our wedding photographer, took some family shots on Sunday. Should see them next Monday -- very excited!! Check him out at Eclipse Photography. He did an amazing shoot wi th Goober when he was 7 months old, and I am hoping he will do Peanut's soon (just have to save up some money!).
Speaking of Peanut ... he's 7 months old, crawling, and pulling himself up! We are going to have to lower the crib today because yesterday, when my mom went in to get him after a nap, he was standing up waiting for her. Oh!!! Where has the time gone with my baby?!
*Working, will return later*
We went on VACATION! We spent a few days in Savannah, Georgia. We visited Forsyth Park, The Roundhouse Railroad Museum, walked Riverwalk, ate at Moon River Brewing, swam in the hotel's pool, and just enjoyed some family time. It was amazing, to have no worries but just the four of us. Both the boys came down with colds the last day/night we were there, but it didn't really put a damper on things. Goober enjoyed watching a movie in bed with us the last night we were there (Lion King per his request), and it is these little things I can't wait to enjoy more with him and his brother as they get get older.
The boys - and their daddy - enjoyed some quality time with my brother Keith. We drove up a day early to surprise my brother when he arrived in from San Diego. Goober got him good, too! Well worth it to see the smile on my brother's face when he saw his nephews!
James, our wedding photographer, took some family shots on Sunday. Should see them next Monday -- very excited!! Check him out at Eclipse Photography. He did an amazing shoot wi th Goober when he was 7 months old, and I am hoping he will do Peanut's soon (just have to save up some money!).
Speaking of Peanut ... he's 7 months old, crawling, and pulling himself up! We are going to have to lower the crib today because yesterday, when my mom went in to get him after a nap, he was standing up waiting for her. Oh!!! Where has the time gone with my baby?!
*Working, will return later*
Saturday, August 18, 2012
We're going to...
... Savannah! I am so excited! This has been on my "to-do" list before we leave South Carolina. Not knowing if we are going to get picked up in October, I want to make sure to check this off my list. Since Elijah has to take leave or lose it, we're going in September before I head north to Virginia for three weeks. Super stoked!
Now that I know we are going, I am getting a list together of things to see/do/eat before we head down there to have a loose plan. Know anything to check out? Please send me a message! I am open to ideas.
Right now on our list:
Places to eat:
The Pirate House
Lady and Sons (Paula Deen's place)
Places to go:
Children's Museum
Forsyth Park
Railroad Museum
Tybee Island
Still researching other places.
So excited :)
It's going to be our first family vacation -- just the four of us -- ever.
Now that I know we are going, I am getting a list together of things to see/do/eat before we head down there to have a loose plan. Know anything to check out? Please send me a message! I am open to ideas.
Right now on our list:
Places to eat:
The Pirate House
Lady and Sons (Paula Deen's place)
Places to go:
Children's Museum
Forsyth Park
Railroad Museum
Tybee Island
Still researching other places.
So excited :)
It's going to be our first family vacation -- just the four of us -- ever.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Our current dilemma
In a nutshell, South Carolina vs. Virginia...
See, Elijah is up for new orders, and he has already received them... the Ford, which is currently in the shipyard in Virginia... back home! My parents... my sisters... our family... our friends... my career. HOWEVER, he is currently awaiting to see if he is selected for the officer program. If he is selected, then we will be staying here in South Carolina... in our house... with our friends. He will attend the Citadel, and he will go to school for three years. Afterwards, he would be commissioned as an officer in the US Navy.
So... we are waiting for October. If he doesn't get it, then we are in Virginia by January. Three short months to get the house ready to either rent or sell (yet ANOTHER decision we have to make) and move. Thankfully, we know people in Virginia ;)
So there are so many pros and cons to either, and I am so torn. For my husband's career, staying here is the best. We don't have to move. The boys know this house. We have friends, they have friends. Elijah has friends already in the program. Hopefully the house market turns around when we do need to move... and by his officer status, we can go more places... including those over seas.
Moving to Virginia... my family is there. The boys will have their grandparents and aunts and cousins and extended family that loves them. I can work part time on a more regular basis. We already know what preschool Goober would go to (my church's). My job would help pay off some of our debt quicker and my working wouldn't take the boys away from their daddy.
UGH. I hate this. There is absolutely nothing we can do but WAIT.
I hate this!!!
See, Elijah is up for new orders, and he has already received them... the Ford, which is currently in the shipyard in Virginia... back home! My parents... my sisters... our family... our friends... my career. HOWEVER, he is currently awaiting to see if he is selected for the officer program. If he is selected, then we will be staying here in South Carolina... in our house... with our friends. He will attend the Citadel, and he will go to school for three years. Afterwards, he would be commissioned as an officer in the US Navy.
So... we are waiting for October. If he doesn't get it, then we are in Virginia by January. Three short months to get the house ready to either rent or sell (yet ANOTHER decision we have to make) and move. Thankfully, we know people in Virginia ;)
So there are so many pros and cons to either, and I am so torn. For my husband's career, staying here is the best. We don't have to move. The boys know this house. We have friends, they have friends. Elijah has friends already in the program. Hopefully the house market turns around when we do need to move... and by his officer status, we can go more places... including those over seas.
Moving to Virginia... my family is there. The boys will have their grandparents and aunts and cousins and extended family that loves them. I can work part time on a more regular basis. We already know what preschool Goober would go to (my church's). My job would help pay off some of our debt quicker and my working wouldn't take the boys away from their daddy.
UGH. I hate this. There is absolutely nothing we can do but WAIT.
I hate this!!!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
August Update
So August is in full swing. Crazy that we are rapidly approaching mid - month! So much has been going on here...
We have again "sleep trained" Goober. That took a couple of days, but thankfully, so far, he is back on schedule. He slept regressed in June/July, and it was not getting better. He would have to be coaxed to sleep, would through a fit, and it wasn't fun when it was just me to do bedtime duty with him and his brother. So what did we do? Nothing fancy... one of us read his books in bed with him, then said prayers, and then did nighttime kisses. Walked out of the room. He threw a fit; at five minutes, the person who did the reading would go back in, put him back to bed, and then walk out again. At ten minutes, at fifteen minutes... we never made it to twenty. He finally went back to his bed, covered up, and went to sleep. The next day, didn't make it to the ten minute mark. Next day, didn't make it to the five minute mark. Then... he didn't get out of bed! My husband did the first couple of days; I did it and he regressed, but then, the second night, he got up, checked the door (we lock it at first, and then when we go to bed, we unlock it), went back to bed. :) It has been good going so... let's hope it continues.
We have been working on projects from Pinterest. Do you know Pinterest? If you don't, check it out! It is an online bulletin board. My husband and I have been posting all sorts of things - recipes, home projects, crafts - and we finally have been working on some them. Trying new recipes are great, and we haven't found a dud yet. Check out Pinterest!
Peanut has been on the MOVE. Rolling over and over, moving forward/backward, and he is getting up on ALL FOURS! I can't believe he is trying to already crawl! Teething is in full force, but still no teeth. He loves his jumping bouncy play gym thing (I have no idea what they are called), his daddy, his BROTHER, and of course, his mommy (just because I got the milk!).
(I'm watching "Coming Home" on Lifetime, and I am bawling when the kids see their daddy/mommy after a deployment... reminds me of my homecomings with my dad and just makes me wonder about the future homecomings of my husband and boys.)
All right... I'm going to sign off. Tomorrow I will write about the current dilemma the husband and I are in...
We have again "sleep trained" Goober. That took a couple of days, but thankfully, so far, he is back on schedule. He slept regressed in June/July, and it was not getting better. He would have to be coaxed to sleep, would through a fit, and it wasn't fun when it was just me to do bedtime duty with him and his brother. So what did we do? Nothing fancy... one of us read his books in bed with him, then said prayers, and then did nighttime kisses. Walked out of the room. He threw a fit; at five minutes, the person who did the reading would go back in, put him back to bed, and then walk out again. At ten minutes, at fifteen minutes... we never made it to twenty. He finally went back to his bed, covered up, and went to sleep. The next day, didn't make it to the ten minute mark. Next day, didn't make it to the five minute mark. Then... he didn't get out of bed! My husband did the first couple of days; I did it and he regressed, but then, the second night, he got up, checked the door (we lock it at first, and then when we go to bed, we unlock it), went back to bed. :) It has been good going so... let's hope it continues.
We have been working on projects from Pinterest. Do you know Pinterest? If you don't, check it out! It is an online bulletin board. My husband and I have been posting all sorts of things - recipes, home projects, crafts - and we finally have been working on some them. Trying new recipes are great, and we haven't found a dud yet. Check out Pinterest!
Peanut has been on the MOVE. Rolling over and over, moving forward/backward, and he is getting up on ALL FOURS! I can't believe he is trying to already crawl! Teething is in full force, but still no teeth. He loves his jumping bouncy play gym thing (I have no idea what they are called), his daddy, his BROTHER, and of course, his mommy (just because I got the milk!).
(I'm watching "Coming Home" on Lifetime, and I am bawling when the kids see their daddy/mommy after a deployment... reminds me of my homecomings with my dad and just makes me wonder about the future homecomings of my husband and boys.)
All right... I'm going to sign off. Tomorrow I will write about the current dilemma the husband and I are in...
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