It's been a long time coming, but it's possible we're coming close to knocking an allergen off the list. Knock wood, pardon the pun.
We did a new RAST test recently... the first one since the flurry of testing we did upon realizing little one was having issues. He's just about to hit the 2 year mark, and testing is getting closer to being more valid, more accurate.
This one came back with some interesting results that I barely dare to believe. One in particular shocked me: he's a scale of 1 out of 5 for dairy! That's the same value he received for eggs... and G*d bless him, he eats eggs nearly every day with no issue.
So.
We are starting to give him some easy to digest dairy in the form of yogurt. Sunday. Just a little baby spoon each day. Non-flavored, high fat Greek style yogurt. And he (drum roll...)
- Has not broken out
- Has not exhibited any itching
- Has not had diarrhea or constipation
- Has no bubbles, spots, or hives on his face, backside, or elsewhere.
... this is day 3!
It's incredible to think that we might be able to add other dairy like milk or cheese to the mix. I mean, I've gotten used to keeping our son in a silo of known foods, a list so clearly defined by painstaking label reading and research. I'm almost agoraphobic about it. Almost. The rest of me is beside myself bated breath thrilled about this prospects. But it is scary. It has come to be that I sometimes measure my worth as a mother through ensuring he is well fed and free of allergens.
If it's true, it takes one level of complexity away from our lives. But then again, add another... We have to memorize the package contents again, but maybe a REAL grilled cheese might be worth all that. Maybe butter in mashed potatoes. Maybe a tall glass of chocolate milk.
Fingers crossed. Anyone out there have some tips? Anyone out there transitioning to a wider diet based on RAST testing a child?
Sadly, this hasn't panned out. Yesterday we tried a little bowl of oatmeal and within 10 minutes was sneezing and scratching to the point of distraction... by the time the allergy meds kicked in, he was screaming. Thank goodness it helped him sleep too, the little dear sweet boy. Looking closer at the RAST testing, it does appear casein is a major issue. While "milk" has a moderate level, it's casein that will get him (aren't these things the same?)
ReplyDeleteHowever, we still have hope. Some other items on the test which were low or non-responders included wheat and soy! Fingers crossed. Patience. Love. Time. (breathe)
oops, not a bowl of oatmeal, a bowl of yogurt!
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