[gwenrenee007]

We got a call today about a little girl born in March who has syphilis - the info I find on the net is SCARY. We were told she has skin missing on her hands, feet, and bottom that are being treated. She is on O2 and may or may not have a g-tube. So far we have passed, but I was just wondering if anyone had any info on the syphilis factor?

One statistic I read said that 12% of babies die in infancy and can have some serious long term affects.

[KLL08]

I'd try posting this on the special needs boards too.

[devildogwife]

I can't comment on the syphillis, but Cameron has had a g button since October and it is wonderful! So, so easy to use and much better than an NG tube. If the baby is on a g tube, they obviously have some major feeding problems. Hopefully the baby is receiving OT to help with that. Feeding tubes aren't as big of a deal as people think they are. Once you're used to them, they're not a big deal at all. Know that some kids are fed bolused, or a continous drip. Bolusing is more convenient, especially when you have a busy toddler!

Cameron has been on oxygen for a good portion of his life. It's a pain to cart that tank around, but you get used to it. When you're on oxygen, there's a good chance you're on a monitor at night. Cameron was on a pulse oxymeter to make sure he didn't sat below 65. Monitoring can be a pain, but it's necessary.

Really, the equipment can seen super overwhelming at first. But after a couple days, it's second nature.

Good luck on your decision!

[reetoreet]

Originally Posted by devildogwife

I can't comment on the syphillis, but Cameron has had a g button since October and it is wonderful! So, so easy to use and much better than an NG tube. If the baby is on a g tube, they obviously have some major feeding problems. Hopefully the baby is receiving OT to help with that. Feeding tubes aren't as big of a deal as people think they are. Once you're used to them, they're not a big deal at all. Know that some kids are fed bolused, or a continous drip. Bolusing is more convenient, especially when you have a busy toddler!

Cameron has been on oxygen for a good portion of his life. It's a pain to cart that tank around, but you get used to it. When you're on oxygen, there's a good chance you're on a monitor at night. Cameron was on a pulse oxymeter to make sure he didn't sat below 65. Monitoring can be a pain, but it's necessary.

Really, the equipment can seen super overwhelming at first. But after a couple days, it's second nature.

Good luck on your decision!

I concur. If you are up for learning how to care for the child and use the equipment it's really only a matter of days to weeks until it becomes a normal part of your life.

I don't really have much else to offer as to babies born with syphilis but if you are considering a special needs baby I have to tell you this: Statistic are overwhelming and they are good to make a note of...but you cannot think about them too much because it will rule your life. There was a 75% percent chance Kaiden wouldn't live to his one year transplant anniversary. He will be 1 year post transplant on July 24th!! I worried constantly about the "numbers" but I realized that you just have to do what you can and leave the rest up to God. Just for peace of mind.

I will say a prayer for this baby. It's so heart wrenching to see these situations.

[proudmommyof 2]

One of our kids was born with syphlis. They were treated with antibiotics and had gotten tested for the disease a few times. Now, they are much older (don't want to say which of my kids), and according to docs, won't suffer any long-term effects. However, they were only in the early stages-rashes and such.