Just when you were getting the hang of what our family could eat, there are a new set of challenges. And even more severe.
Based on Seb's allergist's advice, I nursed Sophie exclusively for 6 months, we introduced new food one at a time, we delayed high allergens such as egg and milk. But with limited - if any - success.
The way you "challenge" someone who you suspect is allergic to a food is a) put a small amount of it on a patch of skin, if no reaction then b) place it on the lower lip, then c) on the tip of the tongue, d) eat a small amount e) eat a normal portion, and finally f) eat it in moderate doses for a week.
Well, poor wee Sophie fell at the first hurdle. Milk was up for grabs when she turned 1 and her skin patch turned bright red and bumpy within 5 minutes. So yesterday, we had her into the allergist for her own set of tests - imperfect as they are. The good news is that the fish they tested were fine and she seems ok on meat. They told us to be very careful with legumes/pulses - i.e. chickpeas, kidney beans, etc. However, she tested positive for dairy, egg whites and yolks, and soy. They didn't even bother to test for peanuts and shellfish at this moment.
I think we are going to become the vegans who eat meat. I'll be posting the Wedgley food guide in the New Year - in case, anyone is still willing to invite us for a meal or a visit.
The moderately good news - it's relative at this stage - is that 90% of infants outgrow a dairy allergy, even a severe one. But 10% don't. Also the severity of her skin reaction doesn't necessarily corrolate to severity of a reaction if any amount of dairy product were ingested. But we don't want to test that research finding. Also, Seb was allergic to eggs at this age and he outgrew that.
The allergist suggested that we "challenge" Sophie every 6 months. But it's going to be a hard time for feeding Soph and keeping her safe from crumbs (while this make us clean and tidy????) and other toddlers' finger foods. But there is hope that it will improve. (See, my outlook is improving, I could't have said that yesterday).
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