Cough Medicine & Sudden Death

[allen8500]

Until just recently, Evan's death has been undetermined. We have been part of the SUDC Organization.(Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood)  We have been so desparate for answers that we have had his blood sent to anyone who would test it. Much of this tesing is "genetic testing".

On Tuesday, we recieved a call from the University of Indiana, which tested Evan's blood for genetic abnormalities. Dr. Flockhart explained to us that Evan's liver was lacking the proper enzymes that would normally allow him to "break down" chemicals in the body. Evan was given cough medicine the night he died, therefore contributing to his death. This is genetic. The testing also revealed another genetic mutation that they were not able to identify. DNA has two components. One component was perfect and the other showed severe genetic mutations. Further testing is going to be done to determine what the other mutations are. Only one has been confirmed. Nathan and I are going to Indiana next Friday to be tested to determine what side these mutations come from. My biggest fear now is that Noah may have the same condition.

Right now I am still trying to process all of this information. I feel hugely responsible and guilty for giving him the medicine. I am really still so numb and very much overwhelmed. Everyone can say that giving medicine is what every mother does, but that is easy to say when it is not your child that died.

On another note, there has been much debate over the use of cough and cold medicines for children. What they don't tell you is the statistics of sudden death among children, mine now being one of them. Seven Pecent of all children lack the proper enzymes in their liver. Please tell everyone you know, DO NOT GIVE YOUR CHILDREN COUGH OR COLD MEDICINE!

[Crashmonster1]

Feb. 1, 2009 at 5:13 PM

First off I am so sorry for the loss of your little man.  I hope you are doing okay

Wow how very scary this could happen to anyone.

 

[arkmomma06]

Feb. 1, 2009 at 5:14 PM

I am sorry to hear about your loss.....Saying prayers for you!!

[sjlk1966]

Feb. 1, 2009 at 9:00 PM

Wow, I had no idea that could happen....thanks for posting this.  But don't feel guilty....you were doing what you thought best, trying to make your child better.  It wasn't your fault.  This could have happened to any of us.

[rebabeach2]

Feb. 2, 2009 at 10:51 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. Please don't feel guilty, as moms we make the very best choices for our LOs that we can. Thank you so much for raising awareness to this issue, I agree that we need more thorough information on the effects of medication in young children.

I hope you are able to find peace in your heart over this tragedy soon. Hugs.

[travswife55]

Feb. 2, 2009 at 1:31 PM

Wow!!! My heart just goes out to you in it's entirety.  I can not even begin to imagine what you are going through.  I am praying for your family and your other little boy.  I appreciate you posting this as it must have been super difficult, but the information is so critical to mothers.  It scares me to death in todays society of having medicines for everything that this could be happening and us mothers are not aware ( I know i wasn't). Stay strong and as much as it's easier said than done don't be too hard on yourself you were doing what you knew and thought to be right.  I Am so very sorry for your loss.

[kimberleee382]

Feb. 2, 2009 at 2:52 PM

My heart breaks for you

"Everyone can say that giving medicine is what every mother does, but that is easy to say when it is not your child that died."  (this is where I broke into tears)

I can't even imagine the guilt and hurt you're experiencing.  But Please, please, please, find it in your heart to forgive yourself.  There was no way you could have known.  Every moment in our lives, we only do the best we can with the knowledge we have.  You were doing everything you could.  NO ONE could ever blame you for such a devastating tragedy.  The ONLY person placing the blame is YOU- and living with that guilt will only tarnish your memories and rip you to shreds.  

Let yourself mourn the loss of your child, but take the blame for it OFF your shoulders.  It doesn't belong there.

 

 

[JasonsMom2007]

Feb. 2, 2009 at 3:15 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss :(   By spreading the news you will help other parents learn about this.  I know you feel horrible because you did give him cold medicine but there is no way you could have known.  His doctor would have told you it was fine to give him.  Nobody would say that you are at fault in any way!  I will be praying for you and your family.

[MamaBee07]

Feb. 2, 2009 at 3:20 PM

I am sorry for your loss.  God bless you and your family.  May your son's soul rest in the arms of Jesus.

[momofkia]

Feb. 2, 2009 at 3:53 PM

I am so sorry for your heart wrenching loss.  It's something no mother should ever have to endure, and I'm so sorry.  Thank you so much for your selflessness at this time and posting your message.  My baby has been sick along with my other 2 kids.  I was thinking I would give my baby medicine to help her with her cold, and came across your heart breaking message.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your warning.  As moms we just want what is best for our children.  They are our hearts on the outside of our bodies.  I wish there was something I could do or say, just thank you for your message and I'm truly so sorry. 

[veg4animals2006]

Feb. 2, 2009 at 3:57 PM

Thank you for posting this and making this information available. I had no idea this could happen. :(