Allergy testing

[Becky Dennis]

Following a reaction to a tiny blob of Hip Organic baby porridge on sunday with a trip to A and E, the GP yesterday is going to refer baby for allergy testing. With query an allergy to cows milk....
He said you can have a blood test or patch testing. Do any of you know which would be best to go for? Have experience of either or? The baby is 6 months so don't know how they'd pin her down for a blood test?!
Also can they grow out of this if they do have it?
I suppose i should pop over and join talk allergy...

Can't believe this is happening. I was really looking forward to maternity leave. So far its been a nightmare.
B

[AnnaB]

Hi

Yes certainly go over to the allergy site. You are living my world 4 years ago. Abi reacted to 1 spoon of baby rice mixed with formula milk. She had a full dairy allergy and was on a dairy free diet for 3 years. She then had improved blood and skin prick tests which allowed her to go into hospital for the day for a challenge where increasing amounts are fed under monitored conditions. She has now been back on dairy for over a year and seems ok, tho eczema has got worse slightly over time, but no immediate reactions. But blood tests have just shown her IgE antibodies to milk has gone up so we are watching. My son had a egg allergy which he had tested clear of and passed the food challenge by age 4. Both are waiting for trips into hospital to test for nut allergies based on the blood results.

We have to go to the childrens hospital for blood tests they are good at it. Don't waste time with numbing creams which upset eczema, cold spray and a tight grip and it soon over. My daughter is great yet my son has a needle phobia. If you'll find it hard take a close friend relative to hold baby. Good firm hold and get it done - soon forgotten.

[Becky Dennis]

Thanks Anna. Once again you're always there.
I'm sorry you have had to go through all this too. It is very draining. i am glad that things have picked up a bit for your daughter. But sorry that her levels are rising. I hope they will both be ok with the nut test....
I will follow your advice with regard to the blood test. Thanks.

If she is allergic to dairy. How do you get calcium into them? Can they just do without?
Also can you recommend any good dairy free cook books?

Thanks again for your on going support
Bx

[AnnaB]

No they cannot go without. We were refered to a dietitian. But make sure any soya has calcium added (organic won't). Also dark greens and chick peas are good and salmon and tinned fish bones are also a natural source. I will look out my info and post it on the allergy site over next few days.

Anna x

[Becky Dennis]

Thanks Anna.
It's all such a learning curve eh? Who ever thought parenting would be easy!
I'll ask about a dietician referral.
Until then i am weaning very gingerly so just hope she doesn't start loosing weight. Or react to anything else!
x b

[AnnaB]

keep a diary/log of dates new foods introduced. Just take it slow and steady. relax knowing by taking it slowly you will know what any reaction relates to. plus remember there may be no reaction. find a path to enjoy your baby. I stuck to a week days only mon to wed to start new foods in the morning, never a weekend or evening. I found if possible GP support better than dash to A & E

[Becky Dennis]

Thanks Anna. Sound advice once again
xb

[Becky Dennis]

Little Update.
We went to the hospital for what i thought would be allergy testing on tuesday... But they had booked me into the wrong clinic and it was a bloomin' dermatology appointment. ARRRRGHHHHH! What a wasted journey.
So i'm still waiting....
in the meantime i have gone dairy free in an attempt to help things along.....
Still weaning slowly. On a positive the steroids and 50/50 are really helping the baby. Wish we could stop steroids altogether though. It's been 6 weeks at twice a day.
The 3 year old is looking better but the wrists, knees, back and chest are still needing Eumovate and she's SO ITCHY. This heat doesn't help. I wish i could stop her itch for her....
b

[AnnaB]

please do make sure you are getting the correct calcium from different sources. Tinned fish WITH bones is a good one.
Anna

[Becky Dennis]

hi all

Thanks for the fish with bones tip Anna.

I've been a bit quiet because we've been waiting for some testing. We have been entered into a trial at St Thomas's for dairy free formula so before we could begin we had some prick testing on monday.

They did a blood test for which i'm waiting the results. But from the few prick tests they did we now know my baby is allergic to:
dairy
eggs
peanuts
tree nuts
sesame

feel gutted for her but i suppose at least we know. More tests next month for pollen etc i think. I am still breast feeding and have so far had no luck with getting her to take any formula. She screws her nose up! i tried it too and it made me screw my nose up. So can't blame her. She is tiny though and i am a bit worried about her weight gain. Do any of you have any tips for fattening them up when their diet is so restricted?

They haven't given me an epipen yet. they said just to avoid all nuts and they'll address the nut allergy at a later date.... So until then i keep the piriton in my bag and keep fingers crossed that we can avoid all her triggers.
x b