Reply from Mr John(Papa), Child's Age xx - 6/7/03 - IP#: 171.75.229.xxx   parbb-c1362

Laura:...Tom gave you a wonderful reply and really nailed it as far as it goes. The nasal spray you referenced is Desmopressin(called DDAVP and also known as ADH for Anti- Diuretic Hormone. Your daughter just got under the wire(or made the cut,as they now say)as she is 6yo and would not likely be getting it a few months ago when she was 5. Important to know the drug is a management tool and not a cure. While it is reputed to be safe so long it is used, the return to wetting will likely be the case when stopped. You could luck out though, but one cannot bank on it....As I understand it, long term use beyond a couple months has not been studied unless some medical entity has done so in recent months....You did not mention in your posts the cost of the medicine to you. And also as I understand, it is most expensive and one thing to question it's value to your daughter and you with respect to the returns it will provide...My interests for the well being of your daughter tells me that given the nature of Desmopressin, she may be having false hopes that this medicine is going to "make her better". This is not in all probability the case and I would feel bad for her. It remains a temporary management med for relieving this circumstance.... This therefore takes me to TOM'S other point that he mentioned in his post. It becomes necessary to do whatever you need to make your daughter comfortable. The things that he mentioned may be what you have to consider and you will have to work these things out by using your own motherly intuit for the best way to go. Best regards and much success on your move, from an old Navy guy. Hope this helps.....mr j