My super-duper-uper-shmuper big girl
As some of you may have been aware Rachel has been showing signs of Asthma and Allergies; so our pediatrician made a referral to a specialist so we could determine what was going on. Today was that day. I knew that it would be a rough day so I had enlisted a friend to watch Benjamin so my full attention could be on Rachel. As a side note, it was kind of hard for me to leave him. Not that I don't trust my friend, it's just that I almost felt guilty for not wanting him there. I don't know how mom's can drop off their little kids at a day care...that would be so hard for me. So back to the appointment. We visited with the specialist for a little while and then she ordered some tests. First they wanted her try a machine that measures your breathing, but Rachel was a nervous about that so we have to come back in 6 months to try it again; then we will know if we need a nebulizer. Then came the skin pricks on the back. They tested her for so many things from pollen, to food. I've never seen anything like this done before and it was quite fascinating. First they mark up your back with little rows of dots, then they put the allergen next to the dots then scratch it into the skin. I was a little nervous but Rachel did great. She sat there eating her snack and watching cartoons the entire time. After the allotted time they checked her back and noticed that she only had reactions to eggs (white and the yolk). I was a little surprised. I thought for sure she would be covered in hives. The doctor came back in and discussed with me the findings and ordered several blood tests be done to determine a milk intolerance and a few other things. She said that egg allergies and asthma typically come in pairs so she gave us a prescription for Singular (which is used for mild asthma in 2 year olds-she was on it and we have found major improvements in her symptoms while she was on it). So basically every time my daughter eats anything with egg protein she is having an asthma and allergy attack-who knew that's what all the coughing and vomiting was all about. So after drawing three tubes of blood with no tears (they even gave her that cute zebra in the picture becuase she did so great), making an appointment 5 weeks and 6 months from now and leaving with a big old folder of information we are now home and I get to learn how to cook without eggs. Fun for me!! Library here I come.
As some of you may have been aware Rachel has been showing signs of Asthma and Allergies; so our pediatrician made a referral to a specialist so we could determine what was going on. Today was that day. I knew that it would be a rough day so I had enlisted a friend to watch Benjamin so my full attention could be on Rachel. As a side note, it was kind of hard for me to leave him. Not that I don't trust my friend, it's just that I almost felt guilty for not wanting him there. I don't know how mom's can drop off their little kids at a day care...that would be so hard for me. So back to the appointment. We visited with the specialist for a little while and then she ordered some tests. First they wanted her try a machine that measures your breathing, but Rachel was a nervous about that so we have to come back in 6 months to try it again; then we will know if we need a nebulizer. Then came the skin pricks on the back. They tested her for so many things from pollen, to food. I've never seen anything like this done before and it was quite fascinating. First they mark up your back with little rows of dots, then they put the allergen next to the dots then scratch it into the skin. I was a little nervous but Rachel did great. She sat there eating her snack and watching cartoons the entire time. After the allotted time they checked her back and noticed that she only had reactions to eggs (white and the yolk). I was a little surprised. I thought for sure she would be covered in hives. The doctor came back in and discussed with me the findings and ordered several blood tests be done to determine a milk intolerance and a few other things. She said that egg allergies and asthma typically come in pairs so she gave us a prescription for Singular (which is used for mild asthma in 2 year olds-she was on it and we have found major improvements in her symptoms while she was on it). So basically every time my daughter eats anything with egg protein she is having an asthma and allergy attack-who knew that's what all the coughing and vomiting was all about. So after drawing three tubes of blood with no tears (they even gave her that cute zebra in the picture becuase she did so great), making an appointment 5 weeks and 6 months from now and leaving with a big old folder of information we are now home and I get to learn how to cook without eggs. Fun for me!! Library here I come.
8 comments:
Oh no! I feel so bad for Rachel. What a good little girl! Good luck with the upcoming rough spots. I hope you can find some good recipies; I'll keep my eyes open. This must be especially hard on you. I hope all goes well. Is this something she might grow out of?
So sorry, Jenna has had problems with allergies too. . . Maybe I should go to a specialist. Wow about the doctor drawing blood with no tears! Way to go Rachel. Hang in there, I know you'll find some good recipes.
I've had those scratch tests twice. It really tickles when they're drawing on your back. Not so ticklish after that!
For egg-free cookies, I like to substitute bananas in my chocolate chip cookies.
Poor little Rachel. How brave. I found a list of ways to substitute eggs...interesting. Give them a try.
Information for using egg substitutes:
For each egg, one of the following may be substituted in recipes:
1 tsp baking powder, 1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp vinegar
1 tsp yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water
1 Tbsp apricot puree
1 1/2 Tbsp water, 1 1/2 Tbsp oil, 1 tsp baking powder
1 packet gelatin, 2 Tbsp warm water (do not mix until ready to use)
Also, what is egg substitute? (You know, that egg stuff that comes in a milk carton? You should see if they contain any egg because isn't that why they call it egg substitute? I actually think it tastes pretty good and if it is egg free, then someone has already done the work for you.
Good luck!
Yeah! I found your blog! Poor Rachel, I had that allergy test done a month ago and it is NO FUN! She sure was cute last night!
We're proud of you, Rachel. Too bad you can't have eggs any more. What will grandpa cook for you now? If we hear of any good eggless recipes, we'll send them your way.
Wow, what a day you both have had! Such things are just as draining on the mother as they are on the child. All of my girls have asthmatic reations when they get sick but they don't have alergies. It sounds like a tough road to go down. It also sounds like Rachel is a real trooper, what a blessing. I have a friend who's son had alergy testing done and it was a TERRIBLE experience so am I so glad it wasn't for you. Hang in there!
What a brave little girl and a brave mama. I'm sorry you've had such a hard time with that.
Post a Comment