Well, we've survived it for another year. Alyssa's allergist appointment went as well as can be expected and we are all happy to be home.
We piled in the van with Nana and Papa to head to Clifton Park on Wednesday morning. I'm so thankful we've been able to stay at this location - Certified Allergy has several - as we were traveling into Troy for her visits. After gathering basic information and going over all the test results with the doctor, Alyssa is still highly allergic to all traces of cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. Unfortunately, the lab that did Alyssa's bloodwork uses a different scoring system for their RAST tests. The doctor wasn't too pleased about that. It doesn't give us as much of an understanding about what her allergies are doing. Either way though, Alyssa's numbers are in the 40-500 range. A specific allergen needs to test at less that 2 before the doctor will consider doing an in-office food challenge. Only with a number below 2 and a successful in-office food challenge is a child considered free of the allergy.
Now that Alyssa is 6, it's time to face up to the reality that she may not outgrow her allergies. Her doctor has been honest and forthcoming with us for 6 years now and we take her advice seriously. Once a child is over age 5 and still has incredibly high RAST numbers, it becomes unlikely that things will change. It was strongly recommended that Alyssa get a medical ID bracelet for times when she is away from me. They aren't often but now that she's getting older, I'm sure that will change. We're looking into this company because the bracelets are so pretty!
Alyssa, as usual, handled things quite well. We're going to start experimenting with soy cheeses so she can have a real pizza. I think that's the only thing we haven't found a good substitute for yet.
After the appointment, we celebrated the girls' good behavior with a trip to Build-A-Bear. Alyssa already has a bunny from her birthday, but she chose a fancy outfit and shoes. Lael and Lauren each chose a creature to stuff without all the accessories. Dinner out and a stroll around a mall with more that 5 stores completed the day.
The girls had some time sledding and playing on Thursday morning before we headed home. Apart from a (very) few tired tears, it was an excellent time away. The girls are did a great job and we were super proud of their behavior. Obviously, we'd rather that Alyssa didn't have any food allergies but in the grand scheme of things - it really isn't anything to complain about. She is a happy, healthy girl! And for that we are so thankful.
We piled in the van with Nana and Papa to head to Clifton Park on Wednesday morning. I'm so thankful we've been able to stay at this location - Certified Allergy has several - as we were traveling into Troy for her visits. After gathering basic information and going over all the test results with the doctor, Alyssa is still highly allergic to all traces of cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. Unfortunately, the lab that did Alyssa's bloodwork uses a different scoring system for their RAST tests. The doctor wasn't too pleased about that. It doesn't give us as much of an understanding about what her allergies are doing. Either way though, Alyssa's numbers are in the 40-500 range. A specific allergen needs to test at less that 2 before the doctor will consider doing an in-office food challenge. Only with a number below 2 and a successful in-office food challenge is a child considered free of the allergy.
Now that Alyssa is 6, it's time to face up to the reality that she may not outgrow her allergies. Her doctor has been honest and forthcoming with us for 6 years now and we take her advice seriously. Once a child is over age 5 and still has incredibly high RAST numbers, it becomes unlikely that things will change. It was strongly recommended that Alyssa get a medical ID bracelet for times when she is away from me. They aren't often but now that she's getting older, I'm sure that will change. We're looking into this company because the bracelets are so pretty!
Alyssa, as usual, handled things quite well. We're going to start experimenting with soy cheeses so she can have a real pizza. I think that's the only thing we haven't found a good substitute for yet.
After the appointment, we celebrated the girls' good behavior with a trip to Build-A-Bear. Alyssa already has a bunny from her birthday, but she chose a fancy outfit and shoes. Lael and Lauren each chose a creature to stuff without all the accessories. Dinner out and a stroll around a mall with more that 5 stores completed the day.
The girls had some time sledding and playing on Thursday morning before we headed home. Apart from a (very) few tired tears, it was an excellent time away. The girls are did a great job and we were super proud of their behavior. Obviously, we'd rather that Alyssa didn't have any food allergies but in the grand scheme of things - it really isn't anything to complain about. She is a happy, healthy girl! And for that we are so thankful.
Glad things went as well as they could have. I thought soy bothered her too? I do know whay you mean about the grand scheme of things and that she is a happy, healthy girl. Glad you are looking into the medical alert bracelets, I have always thought that was a good idea. We pray on I guess or just accept things as they are......it could be so much worse.
ReplyDelete@ Linda - No, soy has never bothered her.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you all enjoyed yourself despite the disappointing news! That Alyssa is a little trooper! Hoping the soy cheese works well for her! Thanks for the update!:)
ReplyDeleteThat is some disappointing news, but I am glad you had some fun with your girls. Thank you for sharing updates.
ReplyDelete