Disclaimer

Posts on this blog, are written from my experiences as a parent of a child with food allergies. I am not a medical expert. Please always consult your physician for medical advice. This blog is not a substitute for professional advice. Due to the ever changing manufacturing process and/or ingredients, please check food labels each and every time to make sure they comply with your food allergies. The Alherrgy Mom Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn very small advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But NO, we won't let that sway our opinions, all products listed, are found in our home and are regularly used by us.

Pediatric Allergists - The Great and The Bad

April 15, 2021

Pediatric Allergists - The Great and The Bad


I've heard it more than I should! I also experienced it myself. The BAD Allergist. Now, I'm not here to bash Allergists with all professions - there are the great, good, bad and horrible. 

Lucas started with eczema within hours of being born. Took us 6 months to figure out he had food allergies. My mom gave him a little ice cream and he broke out in hives around his mouth. We just happened to have our 6 month appt at the pediatrician the next day. I took pictures to document the hives and the reaction to show the doctor (Always take pictures!!!!). Our pediatrician said we needed to see an Allergist, obviously, my mind was already there before we even stepped foot in the office. He gave me a recommendation for a 'great' Allergist, a doctor that used to work at that Pediatrician's office but then found his calling for being an Allergist and started his own practice. So, I took his card on the way out and immediately called to schedule an appointment. We got in a few days later. Between the Pediatrician appointment and the Allergist's appointment, it gave me some time to talk to people. I heard that if you have one allergy, it's likely you may have more, my research confirmed that. I also did some research on the skin tests and had a rough game plan in my head.

It was appointment day. We go to the Allergist, yes, he was noted to be a pediatric Allergist. The nurse was horrible. Now, I'm not any way "that mom" who's is overly over the top with being dramatic or they gotta be super-extra-soooooooo-careful. The nurses bedside manor was lacking and if I'm feeling it, then we have a problem here. The Allergist came in, we went over the dairy reaction, explained everything and how I was breastfeeding. He said he was only going to test for dairy and nothing else since dairy was the only thing he reacted to. I requested a Top 8 panel to be tested and he refused, said to just feed him foods and see if he reacts. ** Our current Allergist, won't skin test for everything either but more on that shortly. I said he's not really eating food yet, he's getting what I'm ingesting and it's going to be hard to figure out reactions. In fact, I haven't given him any table food yet. The ice cream was a one off and he reacted to it. You can't tell a new mom with a NEW proven diagnosis of food allergies to "just do" anything when it comes to food. I was just appalled between the nurse and him. The skin test came, she jabbed it in, he's crying. Then he hands us a prescription for Epi-Pens and sends us on our way. 

I left that appointment so frustrated and scared to eat anything. I immediately, texted my neighbor. Her son has food allergies. She gave me her Allergist's info and they love him. I called that office, the receptionist was amazing, so nice! They had a last minute cancelation two days later. I jumped on it. 

We walked into that office and the atmosphere was just better. I could feel it. The Allergist came into the room, immediately started to play games with Lucas. Lucas was laughing and giggling. He gained Lucas' trust and got on his level before he did anything. The nurse, equally was just a great! I spoke to the Allergist about our previous Allergist appointment. He said, he will definitely do a Top 8 panel, I was so relieved but other foods, we will have try and see if he reacts. There can be false positives with any test. I nodded my head in agreement. His panel came back positive for Dairy, Egg, mildly for Soy and Peanut. So I needed to cut that all out of my diet if I was going to continue to breastfeed. I wanted to call up the other Allergist and go off on him but I didn't. I'm happy we got a second opinion!!!!! The nurse came in, did the skin test. She was gentle, explained everything as she was doing it. Lucas didn't even cry. Not one tear! After the results, she rubbed on some hydrocortisone cream to this back to relieve the itching and reactions. The first office didn't do this. I just knew, this was going to be our Allergist! 

We Challenged Soy and Peanut before he was 11 months old because his reaction was mild. He can eat them no problem. He can have baked egg now- that was around 2 years old. We tried cooked egg a year later and he went into Anaphylaxis at the office, so we went back to baked egg. He grew out of dairy, as well, around 2 years old. But since then, he's now allergic to Tree Nuts and Peas. 

The moral of the story is. Go with your gut. A second opinion NEVER hurts! ALWAYS ask for referrals from friends and family, they know how the offices work and have had first hand experiences. I made the rookie mistake of asking a doctor for a referral for another doctor. Of course, they will always refer their friends or previous coworker. 

If you're local to Southeast PA or don't mind a drive - I HIGHLY recommend Allergy and Asthma Specialists they have 8 offices in the area. 




Remember, I'm here if you need an ear. 


With love and support,
Megan 


Book Reviews

April 14, 2021

Book Reviews from Amazon

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
15 global ratings

Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2020
This book is a creative and cute way to educate children, parents, and caregivers about the importance of food allergies. With the growing number of children living with food allergies, this is a key tool to have in daycare facilities and preschools to promote awareness and safety, and help kids feel included despite their restrictions. I can't wait to follow Lucas in the future on other journeys with his allergies!

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021
Really cute book! Great for young kiddos with food allergies! Does a great job explaining why your child may sit in a high chair vs with friends at lunch time!

Took one star off because the book arrived quite bent from being sent in and envelope vs a box.

Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2020
This is a great story to help your child understand that it is okay to have a food allergy. Plus it is a great tool to help educate guardians and teachers about food allergies.

Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2021
Easy for kids to understand, and socially relevant for children with and without allergies. A well done book for every child’s library!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020
Such a perfect book for this topic. Every household and school should have a copy. Food allergies are so common nowadays and this helps to educate all. Do yourself a favor and order one.

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2020
This is a wonderful must-have book for little ones who have allergies and also for those who don't, it would help them understand why some children in their daycare or other everyday situations are being treated "Differently". This book is well written and holds children's interest, the illustrations are extremely well done and kids think they are "Cute".

Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2021
This is such a great introduction to food allergies. As a mom to three kids with food allergies it’s great to see this topic addressed for children in a colorful, fun, and inviting book.

Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2020
well written and needed

Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2020
A must have! Holds the child’s attention and covers allergy life very well!

Accolades




Quick, Easy and Allergy Friendly Granola

April 12, 2021

 Quick, Easy and Allergy Friendly Granola


Ingredients:

1/2 cup Coconut Oil (or Canola Oil)
1/2 cup Honey
1/2 teaspoonful Cinnamon
3 Cups of Rolled Oats
Ground Flax Seed
Brown Sugar (optional)
Chia Seeds
Dried Fruit (optional)

Directions:

In a large bowl, add Coconut Oil, honey, cinnamon and stir together with fork. 

Then, add rolled oats and mix well. 

After that, add in the Chia seeds, Brown Sugar and Flax Seeds and mix well. You can add as much or as little as you want. Granola is very forgiving!

Transfer Granola to a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Stirring about half-way through. 

Granola is done when you see it getting slightly toasted on top. Granola will be moist when it first comes out of the oven but it will dry as it begins to cool. At this point, you can add dried fruit, if you want. Once cooled COMPLETELY, store in airtight container at room temperature. 

Serve with milk, yogurt, or over ice cream or eat plain as a crunchy snack! Remember to tag @the_alherrgy_mom or #thealherrgymom 
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