Last week was BJ's nut challenge. He has been struggling with allergies for a long time now- I stopped having dairy while breastfeeding at BJ 3 months of age, and around 1 we verified a dairy allergy, and found out he had an egg and peanut allergy too (in addition to his dog allergy). We've been diligent in avoiding all of these things- and he has outgrown his dairy allergy- yay for cheese!! With allergy testing there are two ways to look for an allergy- blood IgE levels (think of them as allergy levels) and skin test. Recently, after having egg in baked goods for 6 months (after passing a "muffin" challenge), we retested his blood- (sidenote: venipuncture in a 3 year old is not fun- so thankful we only have to do that rarely!!). His IgE on egg had risen some, his IgE on nuts and dogs was 0, so we scheduled a food challenge. At the day of the food challenge, they ran a quick skin test- (putting serum with portions of the allergen on his skin and then barely scratching that area). His hive to egg was small 2 x 2 mm and his hive (or wheal) to peanut was 5 x 5 mm. Dr. Dan (who we love) decided to proceed with the nut challenge given he has NEVER had any nut exposure in his life (except breastmilk, which Dr. Dan doesn't feel contributes much). (Wow, I'm very parenthetical today :)) He had the smallest drop on a spoon of peanut butter and within 20 minutes had 3 hives developing on his face. We decided to call the challenge a "failure" for today, even though BJ felt fine, as we were worried increasing the dose would only increase his reaction. After 1.5 hours the hives went away, and we went to Bernie's Hot Dog Co. for lunch. On the way, BJ asked me to call Grammy and tell her that he could have peanut butter now. We have always emphasized his allergies, and he is great asking if this has eggs or nuts in it, "cuz it will make me sick." And because he didn't feel sick after that drop of PB, he thought he had passed :) It took me a little while to convince him he still can't have nuts :) We will return in another month to try an egg challenge. I'm crossing my fingers on that one, he is very aware of it and wants to have eggs. I just don't think the colored Easter eggs in my fridge will last that long- he won't let any of us eat them. In fact, I better check that they aren't completely rotten :)
Other cute things lately:
BJ sayings:
"I was 3 and 1/2 yesterday, I'm 4 today and tomorrow I'll be 5."
"Dear Lord, thank you for Mommy, Daddy, and my parents"
"Mom, do you have to go to work today, but you already did!"
"Have a good day Daddy, see you on the goputer" (referring to skype with Daddy when he is away)
"Mommy, you are such a good mom!"
And Anika- just her sweet smiles and wanting to be near us- the other day I was leaving for work and she crawled straight to me- she wanted to say goodbye too!!
She is loving puffs these days- so much so that if you don't sweep after feeding her them, she will crawl to them and eat them off the floor. Quick snack :)
1 comment:
love to hear the joys of your mommy existence! Thanks for updating!
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