Here We Go!!

We have suspected food allergies with our Tom Sawyer for years but have been unable to figure out exactly what was wrong. Our pediatrician, whom we like very much, has not been helpful in this department. I have tried figuring out this issue on my own but with limited success. Last month, we got a referral to an integrative physican who is also a pediatrician. She specializes in children with complicated medical/family histories and uses alternative meds and diets. She has ran a RAST blood test and stool test. The doctor will also be taking a hair sample for a hair test at our next appointment. So far, the allergy blood test results are in and they are alarming. Tom Sawyer is very allergic to wheat, chocolate, gluten, eggs, oats and rice.  He is mild to moderately allergic to corn, soy, yeast, milk and peanuts. In addition, he has a deficiency of magnesium, vitamin D, and iron. She said he was the second most allergic child she had ever seen. To my dismay, she used the word "dangerously allergic" about some of the foods!

The first step is to work on his gut and try to get his intestinal track working better. This week I will be pulling wheat and gluten (we pulled oats a year ago) and starting to fill his body with probiotics, zinc and digestive enzymes to try to get his intestines to stop leaking. In the coming weeks, we will continue to pull all of the high allergy foods and reduce the mild allergy foods to one time a week. We will continue to work on healing his gut with supplements. This is going to be a long process and starting this in one of our craziest months of the year (three family birthdays and Easter) is really making my head spin! 

Since I always try to see the bright side ~

• We have a great doctor helping us who will see us every few weeks.
• Our insurance covers the doctor visits and most of the tests.
• We homeschool, which will make controlling his food intake easier.
• The Squirrels-Nest (an allergy sweets store) still exists and my kids' safe Easter candy is already ordered.
• My husband supports 100% the changes we will have to make (I just love him so much). I think many fathers might not be so accommodating to their diets once again being changed.
• Tom Sawyer was not allergic to fruits, meat, and veggies.
• He likes fruits, meat and veggies.
• Many food items are made with potatoes, which he can eat.
• This means his behavior, health, and learning abilities will likely improve.

We would appreciate your prayers while we make the necessary changes to our diet and figure out how to shift our finances to be able to afford the supplements and special foods. (My husband is employed at the VA Hospital and may be furloughed if the government shuts down on Friday.) Also, please pray that I will find foods that he likes and that he will make a smooth transition to a new diet. I hate seeing his little body struggle so much.

Blessings,
Dawn