Megan Nix, author of 'Remedies for Sorrow', joins Fr. John & Fr. Sean to share her journey with congenital CMV. They discuss the emotional challenges, lack of awareness surrounding the pathogen, and the importance of early intervention. The conversation also touches on Eastern theology, love, and acceptance.
Simple hygiene practices can reduce risk of CMV transmission to pregnant women.
Integrating ASL and cochlear implants helps embrace deafness as a unique trait.
Power of storytelling in medicine for healing and creating connections within healthcare.
Deep dives
The Impact of CMV Infection During Pregnancy
CMV infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the baby, leading to deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, stillbirth, and early infant death. The infection is common in the population, but if contracted during pregnancy, it can significantly affect the developing fetus. Simple hygiene measures like avoiding sharing utensils with toddlers and washing hands thoroughly can reduce the risk of transmission to pregnant women.
The Journey of Parenting a Deaf Child
The podcast discusses the emotional journey of parenting a deaf child, detailing the decision-making process around cochlear implants and learning American Sign Language (ASL). The family embraced both silence and sound, viewing deafness not as a limitation but as a unique trait. By integrating ASL and utilizing innovative technologies like cochlear implants, they found a balance between the two worlds.
The Importance of Shared Stories in Medicine
The episode highlights the significance of narrative and shared stories in medicine, emphasizing that healing often comes through hearing and telling personal stories. It challenges the conventional medical approach by advocating for a more humane and narrative-based healthcare system. By sharing personal experiences and shedding light on hidden truths like congenital CMV, the podcast reinforces the power of storytelling in addressing medical complexities and fostering deeper connections within healthcare.
Importance of Testing Newborns for CMV
Testing newborns for CMV, especially when displaying specific symptoms like failing a hearing test or having a small head size, is crucial as CMV can lead to hearing loss. Some states are now implementing testing protocols for all newborns due to the high number of asymptomatic cases that could lead to hearing difficulties by the age of three or four. Early identification through testing allows for interventions like hearing aids or sign language to prevent silent hearing loss.
Spiritual Reflections on Suffering and Grief
The podcast delves into the spiritual dimensions of suffering and grief, drawing from theological concepts like Hessead and Rahameen. The discussion highlights the profound impact of silence and inner stillness in Eastern Catholic faith traditions, emphasizing the importance of receptivity, love, and mercy in facing life's challenges. Through personal experiences and theological insights, the podcast reflects on the transformative power of grief, offering perspectives on finding deeper meaning, joy, and spiritual engagement amidst sorrows.
Fr. John & Fr. Sean are joined by special guest and author Megan Nix. Megan is the author of "Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth", a memoir about her deeply personal experience with congenital CMV. Join Megan as she shares a little bit about her journey and her hopes to spread awareness to other expecting mothers.