Food Allergies – Our Experiences Part II: Erin

As difficult as a time that was, I am thankful for it, as it prepared me for when my second daughter joined us... and only 4 short months into her life, she also showed signs of a serious food allergy - signs I was ready for, and able to distinguish and act on immediately. Erin's food allergy proved to be much more serious, as her reactions were not simply skin rashes - but hives around her lips, an indication of an anaphylactic reaction. Her first reaction at 4 mos was to a teaspoon of cereal that had formula ingredients in it (she was breastfed and hadn't had milk of any kind). Skin testing showed that she was severely allergic to cow's milk.

Elimination was easy with her - we just never introduced milk! I nursed her until she was 13 mos when she self weaned, and put her right on soy milk. At 14 months, she also tested a negative on her skin test, and passed an oral challenge with flying colors.

I must say that diligence in elimination (and I mean total elimination) really paid off. In less than 2 full years, both of my girls now test negative on all food allergy tests - both blood and skin - for all foods! Relief? Absolutely. Foreign? Yes! It’s very strange to be able to just give them anything, and people still ask "Can they have this?" and with a little reluctance, still, I say "Yes... they can."

With the help of a great online community and a couple of good cookbooks, our family got through this. I know many food allergic kids have it much worse than mine did, and I feel for them - but it can be less overwhelming and manageable with an understanding pediatrician and a good support system.

Carol M.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/home/carolm