This was so validating to read! My Eli has food allergies. Although they haven't been as serious (he's only allergic to peanuts, nuts, eggs, and milk and cross contamination problems have gotten a lot better over the years and we've only been in the hospital once), it was just good to get some validation that this is something that more people deal with (obviously, but ya know…) Birthday parties are so scary. And I loved when you described your Halloween – we've had the same thing happen. Friends have been so sweet about Eli's allergies. And rice krispies! Bless them!

Eli also has a harder temperament (which has gotten sooo much easier as he's gotten older) so it's made everything even trickier. It wasn't until I had my second baby that I realized how much his allergies and temperament effect my life.

Anyway, I love special needs spotlights, Miggs! I've learned so much.ReplyCancel

Anonymous,

Thanks for the suggestions! We actually did some other food tests that measure immunoglobulin A as well. I think we even went through the same lab you mentioned. Sam shows sensitivities to dairy and weirdly enough, apricots and corn. I still feed him those foods though, sparingly. C'mon! The kid's gotta eat something! Thanks for the namaste foods link. I will check it out, and namaste to you.

EmaleeReplyCancel

Linda P.–Thanks again for your unique perspective….I love hearing from someone who knows and yet is a little further down the special needs road.

Abbie–Did I know that Eli has food allergies? I'm not sure…but I can imagine how different it's been from him to A. And even though it's not as serious and he's "only" allergic to a few foods, those few foods are in quite a lot of stuff! I'm glad this gave you some validation…so important in our often thankless jobs. Although I'm guessing one day that beautiful boy of yours will know just how lucky he was to have you raise him.

Anon #1–Thanks for chiming in! Good stuff.

Emalee–I feel like I should just say hi to you too since I'm going down the list here….hi! Again, great post. 🙂

Anon #2–Thank you so much for taking the time to write that. I love doing these spotlights if for no one else but myself, but I'm really glad to hear they help other people. And I would say that's been the one thing that has been a common thread among I think, every spotlight…don't ignore the kid or their condition, engage and ask! I know that's how I feel and it seems like pretty much every mom feels the same. And just so you know, I STILL put my foot in my mouth, make assumptions and say the wrong thing regarding kids and special needs…so even with my perspective, it's not a perfect science. Hopefully most people understand that you're trying.ReplyCancel

We have battled eczema (pretty much since birth) as well…I have found epsom salt baths to be soothing (not drying like you would think)…as well as switching to a very mild soap (without any sulfates, parabens or other chemicals) by the company "California Baby" You can find it at Target, it is pricy, but for us, worth the cost and avoiding the itchy rashes and bumps.

My twins also have several food allergies (along with other problems)…although non are to the point of having to use an epi-pen, we still have to be very careful, or they get very sick, lots of hives, itching, etc.

There are 2 really great resources I have come across that may be helpful for you.

First a book "Special Needs Kids Eat Right" by Judy Converse
She talks a lot of asthma, allergies and other developmental disorders and how to use diet to help/change/heal their bodies.

Another resource we have used for the past 6 months which has been very helpful for our kids is a nutritionist named Donna Pessin. Her "Unique Healing" approach has done wonders for our son. She will also deal directly with the cause of the food allergies, and help you heal the bowel (the cause of the allergies). She is a funny lady, but her approach has been nothing short of brilliant (and simple). http://www.uniquehealing.com

We are also just finished our 4th IVIG infusion. For people with severe allergies, this can be life altering. If you are not familiar with it…I would look into it. I would be shocked if it hasn't come up in visits to the immunologist and if it hasn't, I would look for a new immunologist who has experience with IVIG.

You guys are doing a great job. I know the struggles…the kids preschool was great with their allergies…but since starting kindergarten…we have lost a lot of control…and we have starting having to really teach not only our kids, but the recess attendants and teachers about how important it is that they don't get anyone else's food.ReplyCancel

Mel, Our Little Rock Stars, and everyone else who has commented,

Thank you so much. Your comments are so awesome and helpful. It is scary to open up your life and especially to put your child out there. Thank you for your kindness.

EmaleeReplyCancel

Thank you so much for sharing this story…It's true, so many people don't understand the severity of true allergies. My son is also 2, and has peanut, soy, milk, and casein allergies. Thankfully we haven't had to use our epi-pen yet, and I hope we never will, but it is terrifying every day knowing there's a chance. Knowing something that's so common everywhere can kill your child…it's horrifying. We were at the mall the other day, and he ran up to the candy dispensers, and I couldn't believe they now put reese's pieces in there. It's a constant fear, everywhere we go. Thank you for sharing; I would never wish this on anyone else, but it's nice to be reminded that I'm not the only one dealing with it, when it often feels that way. When I tell someone he has allergies, they think it means a stomachache or something.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know, you asked for advice on the eczema, My son has had eczema since the day he was born, which is what got us to test for allergies (along with a horrible reaction to soy formula once). We've tried at least 15 different soaps/body washes, specialty eczema ones, organic ones, all kinds. The one I've found to work the best for him is a brand named "Shikai" which you can buy on amazon, or in some Meijer and Kroger stores. I discovered it in Whole Foods, but I don't think they carry it anymore. There's a few subtle scent options, but it's all natural, and very soothing to his skin. It has worked wonders for him, now there's only a couple spots on his ankle, wrist, and behind his knee. For a long time we had a prescription strength hydrocortizone mixed with aquafor, but our allergist prescribed "Triamcinolone" ointment, at 0.1%, and it's helped a lot. It's just a stronger steroid topical ointment, but it's helped a lot. Ask your allergist or even pediatrician about it. It's worked much better for him than the hydrocortizone. Good luck with everything, I wish you all the best.ReplyCancel