After almost a year of tests, tests, and more tests, and belly pain, belly pain, and more belly pain, and poop, poop, and more poop, we have a clue. A couple of the 4yo’s tests came back indicating that he may actually have a lactose issue. No? Really? I’ve been saying from the beginning that it’s a completely plausible scenario, even though we’ve not had any big flashing arrows indicating such an issue.
Waiting for the doctor.
I’ve told the doctors from day one that I’m lactose intolerant, and so is my 9yo. I’ve also read that in some people a lactose issue can make them constipated, not the other way around. My kid has pretty much been constipated since birth. He’s had milk products pretty much since birth because I can tolerate some things, so even while breastfeeding, my diet was not lactose free. He projectile vomited breast milk. It was all chalked up to his reflux and being a preemie.
Why was it ruled out before the stool testing? There was no distinct pattern to his reactions and foods he ate. The biopsies from both endoscopies showed no lactose issues, BUT the thing about these biopsies is they take a piece of tissue the size of an M&M or smaller, and if they don’t happen to grab a piece of tissue affected, then of course the results will be negative. Blood allergy tests showed nada. Patch testing showed nothing either. I think patch testing is a bunch of crap personally. They take the offending foods, and put a piece of it on your child’s skin and leave it under these discs for a few days then measure the reaction at 3 days then 5 days. All that tells them is if your child’s skin is sensitive to that food. It does NOT tell you if your child will have a systemic reaction to the food, in my opinion. My kid has eczema. His skin was more irritated by the tape to keep all those stupid discs on than anything else.
Aaron was OK, until he noticed we were in the butterfly room. He's terrified of them.
So, what’s the plan? We’re going to try some Benefiber to get him “going,” and I’m going to keep a food diary (again) to see if there isn’t a correlation even if it’s days down the road now that we have an idea of what we’re looking for and not just stabbing in the dark.
During the appointment yesterday, I was good. When the doctor mentioned lactose, I simply said, “Well, that’s totally plausible since big brother and I have issues with it.” I refrained from saying, “DUH! NO? Really? You think I could be a possibility?” You would have been proud at my restraint.
About Amanda
Dont you just love doctors? I spent years argueing with my kid’s pediatrician that their coughing was NOT asthma. Tried 4 different inhalers, non of them worked but a round of antibiotics cleared it up completely until the next cold. YEARS or arguing that it was actually sinus infections until after 3 years and multiple different asthma treatments they finally agreed with me. GGRRR!
I’m proud of you for your restraint! I would have said “DUH!” But then again, I’m not always overly patient when I have brought up things in the past and then bam! MAYBE it could be that?! really?!
Cheryl´s last [type] ..The one where I channel MacGyver
You showed incredible restraint! I was not so, well, polite, at our last allergy visit.
And I’m glad to hear another mom say that all the skin testing seems like it’s not worth it for kids with eczema. I mean, seriously, with DJ’s skin I feel like I could look at him the wrong way and his skin would react.
I hope the food diary helps and that you are able to use the clue to track down his GI issues!
Rose´s last [type] ..The Last 12 Hours In Sounds
I remember way back having a discussion with you about lactose. Both my kids are sensitive as am I (but I tolerate some things and monitor my symptoms as I go) I am one who can get constipated from too much dairy and may even go symptom free for months until all of a sudden I’m having issues. My oldest has eczema from dairy so don’t be surprised if that symptom clears up too once you go dairy free. Sucks but I’m so so so glad you have finally figured this out!
How frustrating!! But I’m so glad that you might be on the right track and maybe you can get his tummy troubles under control.
YAY for refraint…although it’s totally overrated.
Oh my goodness, it is something that seems so obvious and you think they would have figured that out long ago. I really hope that this is a great find that helps get things with him sorted out!
Kathleen B´s last [type] ..Cooking for a Crowd Recipes and Tips!
Im lactose intolerant now and my mom was her whole life. I seem to have a more mild case than my mom though. Ive only known it to cause constipation and diaherra not just one. I cant do milk at all but find that I can tolerate the Activia and Greek yogurts for some reason. This is how I get a little dairy in. Hope you can finally get his tummy straightened out.
Lucy´s last [type] ..Oprah Paves the Way
Jake just recently got over his fear of butterflies. “They are giant bugs with giant wings” he says. “They can fly anywhere so you can’t hide from them”
Lora´s last [type] ..for the pleasure of ages
I’m so proud of you! And I’m also glad that you are going to be able to do something about it and finally get the doctor to listen! :\
Lorie Shewbridge´s last [type] ..Friday Food Fight- Swedish Meatballs