Saturday, August 16, 2008

Ephraim's Doctor's Appt.

Thursday Ephraim had his appointment with his pediatric GI specialist about his many food allergies. If you remember, he had some bleeding when we got back from the beach. The doctor said since he'd had a problem so recently that he would do some blood tests that he usually only does if a child fails the challenge test. So, after our appointment we went over to the lab at the hospital and had blood drawn. They will check it for antibodies to the 5 most common allergens - eggs, milk, soy, nuts, and wheat. It should take about a week to get the results.

If we get positive blood test results, then the doctor will refer us to an allergy specialist. If the results are negative, Ephraim may still have allergies (the test has a high percentage of false negatives), but we are to proceed with the challenge test. For the challenge test, I will start giving Ephraim some milk, increasing the amount each day and watching for symptoms and also checking his stool for blood. The process takes almost 2 weeks.

There is something he can drink if he fails the milk challenge test. Either way I am weaning the boy. I think feeding him a year is fair. It is time for me to eat! So, maybe in a month or so I will be able to eat... ANYTHING I WANT!

Many have asked what my first meal will be... Mexican food... and I am going to pour a whole bowl of cheese dip across my plate! Yum!

6 comments:

Maddie said...

Yummo!! I really admire you for going a year! You are much more disciplined than me. :) Enjoy your mexican food!!!

Bridenstine4 said...

I admire your selfless sacrifices you've made to do what was best for him. I didn't even try. We'll be praying for you guys in the midst of all the tests.

Brad and Shana said...

Let us know the results, but I'm with you, a year is plenty long (longer than I nursed) so go out and enjoy yourself some Mexican!! Oh, how I do love the cheese dip!!

Tamara Chastain said...

Girl a year is a long time to go with out Mexican food. I can't even go 1 week. Keep us posted on the results, I'll be praying for y'all.

amy griffith said...

amy here:

slange, you are a STUD for doing that for a year, glory!!!!
thanks for keeping us updated and enjoy some of that mexican food for me--funny, but we can't get it in costa rica!!!!

carrie said...

amazing that you went a year with all those food restrictions. i am just weaning nate too but it would have been a lot earlier if it meant no moes!