We had more allergy testing today for the 5yo. We tested for 46 foods. We found new allergies. In addition to peanuts, we can add almonds, oranges, and lobster to our list to avoid. We also need to monitor all tree nuts, citrus, and should just avoid all shellfish. What really leaves us scratching our heads is where our child was exposed to lobster/shellfish. We don’t eat things that swim. Just goes to show how cross contaminated our foods are. Orange juice is more than likely the Thanksgiving Day pukefest culprit. There were a couple other foods that may or may not show a sensitivity. We’ll see how he does eliminating these foods, and if there’s still issues, the other foods give us a starting point for an elimination diet. Prior to this, we had no clue where to start. This is why we had them do a full panel.
Next up, me and the 10yo. The 10yo is still having allergy symptoms despite still being on meds and going through the series of allergy shots. I didn’t spend five years of my time for the poor child to still be doing the “allergy salute.” I’ve been having some issues as well, so I figure since eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is generally thought to be hereditary, it probably comes from me.
Prior to this, the only family history we had with foods was mine and the 10yo’s lactose intolerance. This has been two years in the making. Later this month, we see GI for our regular three month follow up and to discuss a rescope.
What can you take from this? If you’re going through allergy testing, don’t be discouraged. Patch and blood testing, and biopsies showed nothing except eosinophils. It wasn’t until I pushed for prick testing that we got any results. If you have a hunch something is up, keep at it until you’ve exhausted all of your options.
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This is so interesting. Do you have to have been recently exposed to something for it to show up in an allergy test? Also, I had heard from one of my client’s parents that the prick testing wasn’t the best kind of allergy test. Does it depend on the person?
I’m just interested because I was tested for a bunch of things and only came up with three true allergies, but I’m not sure it was totally accurate.
ugh. Aren’t apples and cherries tied in with almond allergies? I forget, but I think so.
I feel for the whole family, food allergies are nothing but suck.
it’s sucky that so many things are showing up problematic – but great that you’re pinpointing (no pun intended) the culprits!!
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I wish you would have written this about two years ago—Alex was tested for everything under the sun and was allergic to just about EVERYTHING, including the control!!! Go figure.
The kids darn near lives in a bubble now. It’s mostly for asthma but he is allergic to tons of foods as well. Thing is, once we got over the initial shock (and relief) we moved on, adjusted and we’re all doing fine. I’m glad you pressed on.
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We’re still not done. With the EE, we still need to have a scope done to check for eosinophils in the esophagus after we’ve eliminated foods he’s sensitive to. My biggest hope is that we’ve found the cause for and eliminated the random puking and belly aches.
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have to monitor foods so closely. I’m glad you are getting some answers, but I know it must seem so overwhelming at times. Thinking of you.
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It wouldn’t be so hard to monitor foods if the foods that are in our stores weren’t so cross contaminated. I will admit the groceries are one thing I don’t really budget because I have to buy based on dietary need. I just use coupons and buy on sale whenever I can.