Allergy Update

We have good news and bad news to report on this front.

On the 21st the teens in our church organized and served a delicious meal to the entire church family. During it, Peyton developed a red rash all around his mouth. We think we have narrowed it down to two possible causes - tree nuts or possibly seafood (we think he had Ceasar dressing on his salad). So we may be dealing with another child with food allergies.

The good news is that Gavin's RAST again came back negative for milk. Because of this, the allergist is allowing us to challenge him after only waiting six months rather than the customary wait of one year. It is scheduled for January 8th. We are hopeful for good results, but since he has failed two challenges (spring of '07 and summer of '08) despite his blood testing negative, we are cautiously optimistic.

Please pray for everyone involved in the challenge. For me to have wisdom in what to say and do to prepare Gavin. For the nurse practitioner who will administer the challenge. For the dr. who will make decisions based on the lack of or presence of symptoms. For Gavin to be brave enough to try milk again after failing in July and to take the possible outcome of failing as well as possible (he is only 5 1/2 after all!).

Dealing with food allergies requires optimism tempered with pessimism. You have to be hopeful for the best and prepared for the worst. You need a plan for both positive and negative results. And as odd as this may sound, if a chid does pass, the transition itself may be difficult. Imagine avoiding a food for five years because it can kill you. You carry your own snacks and food and Epipens are always with you. Now all of a sudden you can eat it. Besides possibly not even liking it, imagine the nervousness you might have when you first put it in your mouth and swallow. A little unnerving, don't you think? At Gavin's beef challenge the n.p. told me that some older children have an extremely difficult time with challenges, particularly if they've ever gotten severely sick on the food or had to use an Epipen for a reaction. Some even get physically ill and automatically fail the challenge because of it.

We know the joys of passing since Gavin passed his beef challenge in April. It has made dinner preparations that much easier now that we have one less allergen to deal with. Thankfully he likes any and all beef products he has tried which has been a blessing. So now we're praying for another passing result, knowing the answer may be yes, may be no, and may be wait. Please pray with us and for us.