Allergy Update

The allergist agreed to test Gavin for fish and shellfish, as well as re-testing the beef and milk.

Bad News: Unfortunately he is allergic to both fish and shellfish, tuna in particular. I couldn't believe how huge the hive was for tuna. So at this point he isn't allowed to eat any seafood and may never be able to eat it. Normally when a child is diagnosed with this allergy, they never outgrow it and the body's response to exposure is anaphylactic in nature. Seafood and nut allergies are particularly lethal. This means he will need to carry Epipens the rest of his life unless the Lord takes the allergy away. The beef skin test was positive as well, though it didn't seem as severe as in the past. That may have been because it looked better than all the seafood welts!

Good News: The milk skin test was negative! I told the allergist it was a miracle. His response? "I don't believe it." (with a slightly skeptical tone of voice, though not mean) He recognized there was no hive, but for some reason he doesn't think it is accurate. He did suggest we go back in three months to skin test again and if he passes again, then do a food challenge. Jason and I are hopeful that he has outgrown this allergy. This would allow many more food options, as well as cut down on contamination risks.

Although the results were not all we had hoped for, we are thankful we have this information. If we had not tested for shellfish and had introduced it at some time (or he was accidentally exposed through contamination), the results could have been fatal. In spite of the possible removal of the dairy allergy, it has now been confirmed that we HAVE to be in a country where they can deal with an anaphylactic reaction. We also know it would probably not be a good idea to go where seafood is a large part of the daily diet. We desired direction, and I feel the Lord did give it to us.

So now we need to learn all the ins and outs of dealing with a seafood allergy. It may seem simple - just avoid it and don't eat at Red Lobster. Unfortunately, it's more involved than that. I've done a little reading, but I still need to do more. A few things I've learned are that Worcestershire sauce has seafood in it, that all fried foods in restaurants must be avoided (b/c of contamination from fish sticks, fried shrimp, etc.), Chinese buffets are a no-no, and that even hot dogs can have seafood in them. But just like dealing with the beef and dairy allergies, it will soon become a way of life.

Thank you for your prayers and we continue to need/desire them as we anticipate his dairy challenge the first week of June.