February has never been a good month for our family. The weather is horrible and all the little bug-a-boos seem to make their way in and infect the family and daycare. Now when someone becomes sick, there’s a whole new fear factor involved. It’s now a known given that those living with FOP can have nasty flare-ups from getting sick. The flare-ups indicates the FOP is progressing by new bone growth and the possibility of new limitations. All FOP patients are told to get an annual flu vaccine since the flu is known to further FOP progression. Some FOPers take the nasal vaccine but that has the live flu strain. Then there is the vaccine that is administered subcutaneously (FOPers cannot receive vaccinations into the muscle since that can cause further muscle ossification in the injection site). However if the FOPer is in an active phase with flare-ups, they should not receive any vaccinations in any method since it can prolong the flare-up and cause more damage. Unfortunately Erin was in an active phase of her FOP and wasn’t able to get the flu vaccine this year. It’s a vicious cycle. Luckily the flu hasn’t reared its ugly head yet this season. However there are lots of runny noses, sore throats, and stomach bugs going through the house. The good news is Erin hasn’t needed her Naproxen for over a week now. She has a little runny nose but no flare-ups. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we get through the rest of the season without any complications. Thank goodness the daycare kids love to wash their hands! That’s been our number one bug-a-boo crime fighter.
2 Responses to “Our House Is Sick”
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Suzanne–
Are you familiar with the alkaline/acid balance theory about illness? Basically, it says that keeping our bodies on the alkaline side helps to ward off disease. We control the balance by what we eat. I have found this idea to be very helpful in warding off colds, etc., although it is purported to ward off much more serious diseases as well. You can find out lots more by googling “alkaline acid balance” or something similar, but I’m including a short summary below from one of the websites. (The one thing I notice it doesn’t mention, which is one of the worst offenders in producing acidity, is sugar.)
Alkaline-Forming Foods (80% of the daily diet should contain these foods):
All vegetables except dried beans, lentils, asparagus tips, and garbanzos.
All fresh fruits except cranberries, plums, olives, prunes, and blueberries (preserves and canned fruits are usually acid-forming).
Almonds, chestnuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts.
Acid-Forming Foods (20 % of the daily diet should contain these foods):
All meats except beef juice and bone meal.
All grains, cereals, and bakery products except for soybeans.
All dairy except buttermilk, yogurt, raw milk and whey.
Peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.
Since keeping Erin from getting sick is so important, you might want to check out these idea for yourself.
Thanks for the info! Erin loves her milk and yogurt. She prefers milk to any other beverage and she’ll snack on yogurt throughout the day. She can also eat an entire container of blueberries too. I would think blueberries would be in the 80% portion. I’ll definitely look into this….THANKS!!!