Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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

8 comments:

  1. Oh Dawn I'm so sorry that Tom Sawyer has to deal with this. He has a good mom.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Jamie

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  2. What a blessing to be able to find all of this out, have the support of a good doctor, covered by insurance and most of all hubbys support! I know the whole process is tedious but I just cannot stop PTL that you have some answers. God will supply the necessary needs to get through all of this. Most important is Tom Sawyers well being and your peace of mind.
    Our dear dog ( I know he is not human but we love love love him) has allergies. Changing him from a corn/ wheat based diet to rice and oat plus good meat ( not questionable byproduct) had turned his life around. It means we prepare his meal just as if he were a member of the family. Fresh each day. But its so worth it,
    On the human side..dd has changed her diet because of migranes. We are finally seeing a change. It was slow in coming. Most important she sees and feels it and knows what foods to avoid.
    Praying as you transition into a better for your family diet.

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  3. Wow! It's going to be interesting, isn't it? I'll be praying for all of you! I know how expensive the supplements are. I'll be so interested to hear how Tom Sawyer reacts to these changes. I'd love to give you some recipes, if you'd like. We have a recipe that we make for rolls, pizza crust, danish, etc., that would work for you. Just let me know what you need!

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  4. I'm thrilled that you were able to find out the problems, and I know that the changes will be so much better for him! Thank goodness you were finally able to get some answers. I hope all goes well the next few weeks!!

    My hubby is active duty and we also might not get paid.

    Praying for you!! Remember that we're here for you!! And give Tom Sawyer a big hug!

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  5. It's so interesting to read about this. I just started researching the GAPS diet for my son. I am hoping and praying that it will be something we can do. Hope that you are able to see miraculous changes through this! :)

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  6. Hugs to you friend! (((Dawn))) I'm thankful you were able to get answers, but know that this is a lot to take on!!! I have wondered about having these tests run on mine as it would just be good to know!

    Praying for y'all as you make changes. I would love to know more about the supplements too. I am pretty sure this is in our future as well and honestly the cost is a little overwhelming.

    I wanted to share an answer to a question you asked on my blog in case you didn't see it there.

    Dawn - We have done trips starting about age 10. Some of those though have not been one on one. My dh has taken my two oldest boys on history trips with a group. My daughter and I have been on 2 trips with my mom, sister and niece. On all of those we have done some one on one - and it was with just one of our children. Hope this makes sense.

    Hugs to you!
    Leslie

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  7. You have a great list of blessing there!
    I know how hard it is to deal with those food allergies and diet changes. To have a supportive husband is priceless. My Ethan just had his yearly RAST taken last week and we are awaiting the results. Wish we had a doc like yours, tho. We don't get the full picture between our allergist and ped and it leaves me guessing a lot on my own.

    Hope your little man is doing better soon!

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  8. Hi Dawn, I know you are relieved to finally receive some answers from the doctor. My prayers are with you all.

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