RSV = Rotten Stinky Virus

Well, I’ve shed some tears today after being DENIED our Synagis shots for RSV. For those of you unfamiliar with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) let me do my best to explain…..
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Update: Great news!! After being denied by our secondary insurance, which we were assured was the best route to take for approval, I was informed this morning that our primary health network does not make the final decision on these matters, and it appears we may get these shots covered afterall!! It will still cost us over $2,000 for the year, but this is much better than $38,000. Please keep praying, we are not declaring victory yet, but it appears we may get these covered. Thank you for praying and for all the helpful suggestions, we love you all!!

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Like the flu or common cold, RSV is a seasonal virus. It starts NOW and continues into about April. It’s common and easily spread infecting nearly all children by the age of 2.

Most kids (born at full-term) develop moderate – severe cold like symptoms, but due to preemies fragile, less developed lungs and lower immune system they are at increased risk for developing severe RSV infection leading to severe lung infection (ie: pneumonia), life-threatening breathing problems, hospitalization, etc.

Let’s take a look at the risk factors…..

  • Premature birth (35 wks or less) – CHECK
  • Heart disease – NOPE
  • Lung Issues – Clark had respiratory distress and Isaac was ventalated as well
  • Being Around Other Children – It’s nearly impossible to find help without kids, but we are trying
  • Family History of Asthma – Don’t think so…
  • Exposure to tobacco smoke – NOPE
  • Low Birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs) – CHECK, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK
  • Multiple Births – Ah, YEAH

So obviously we meet plenty of risk factors, yet we are being denied because we don’t smoke, don’t take our kids to daycare, and our kids are “too healthy”. I’m thrilled that they are healthy, but we’d like to think that having the Synagis shot has had something to do with that!

Synagis is the only approved medicine to protect from the severity of RSV, which is the #1 cause of hospitalization in babies under one year. However, if we paid for the shots on our own it would cost us $6400 dollars per month for a grand total of over $38,000. Yes, 38 GRAND! This just isn’t possible for our income. We are still working the system to see if we can get approved, but it’s not looking too promising at this time. If anyone reading has any advise, or info. we gain from similar experiences or connections, please let us know through a comment or email.

What does this mean for us if we don’t get approved? More isolation – which has been a blow today, just to be honest. After months of bedrest, hospitalization, then the NICU, then staying home to protect the little guys, and staying away from church, family gatherings, holidays, etc. it’s hard to think about being cooped up for the next 6-7 months. I’m more than ready to have a more “normal” life. However, I know that God is sovereign in ALL things and I can bank on that.

Would you join us in praying for a few things?

  1. Ultimately, that we would be approved for the Synagis shots
  2. For wisdom in deciding how much isolation is sufficient
  3. Contentment in all circumstances and outcomes
  4. That God would continue to protect our boys and that we would trust Him over and over again with their lives. They are yours, Lord

Sorry that this was not my typical light-hearted post. Just keepin’ it real…..I am overwhelmingly grateful for 4 healthy boys and all that God has provided thus far. Blogging helps remind me of this much is true!

Illustations and data taken from www.synagis.com