Allergy Testing
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Support
Forum Name: Reflux and Allergy Support
Forum Description: Struggling with a refluxy baby? Looking for tips to deal with allergies? Share your experiences here.
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14208
Printed Date: 01 June 2024 at 7:45pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Allergy Testing
Posted By: Mama2two
Subject: Allergy Testing
Date Posted: 05 February 2008 at 9:27am
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Ok so you would think i would have a clue about all of this being that so many of Sam's cousins have food allergys, but it seems I don't!
We always figured Sam might have food allergies just because 3 out of 6 cousins do and they run so strongly in DH's family, but the proof came on Sunday when she stole a Mother earth muesli bar (Anzac I think) from her little friend Alex. She swelled up like a little balloon and her face, chest, arms, hands etc were covered in hives in a matter of minutes! I have no idea what the reaction was actually too though as the list of ingredients was huge, and there was heaps of stuff she hadn't had before. Could have been as simple as egg though. Anyway, after that big ramble, what should my next step be? My GP has already made noises about scratch tests once she is old enough, but is there anything I should be doing (apart from keeping her on a restricted diet) in the meantime? I don't want to find out the hard way that she has severe allergys!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Replies:
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 05 February 2008 at 11:39am
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Hmmmmm i was just talking to the gp about his half and hour ago, my theory that Spencer would only be allergic to cows milk has been shattered by a reaction to strawberries. She said that the don't normally test on under 2s as they can't get enough blood for the blood test and because the skin prick test is not very nice to do.
As you have severe allergies in your family they may want to do these things earlier. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 05 February 2008 at 12:29pm
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Josh last week just had a blood test and 2 lots of skin prick tests done. It was hard but we did 1 on each day over a few days. I would go to your gp and ask them when they think you should have it done. Josh is 2 weeks off being 1 and it was fine to do it then. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 07 February 2008 at 12:51pm
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In my experience, skin prick testing is far less invasive than blood tests. My girls have all had it done numerous times and not once have any of them cried (even Mercedes the sook) as it's literally only a tiny scratch into the top layer of skin. -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 07 February 2008 at 1:34pm
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Alize didnt even cry with his blood test either and his vein was pumping out the blood. We have the scratch test coming up but after talking to Aunty Emma I am sure he will be fine. I mean Mercedes not crying has gotta say something I think you are doing all you can Mum2sam and just continue as is, while avoiding all high risk foods like the plague! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 07 February 2008 at 7:39pm
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Thanks Girls.
I have now become a label Nazi! I swear it took me ages at the supermarket today. I make all my own baby food for her anyway, but now I am worried as she was having cruskits and arrowroot biscuits. She tried a gingernut (that was given to her after I said not too!!!) and her face broke out in a rash in all the places it touched, so they are a no go as well. I think she can stick to home made and fresh fruits, veges & meat. That will make me much happier :) Oh, and she seems ok with bread & Jam/marmite (not together  )so that is a big bonus!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 07 February 2008 at 9:56pm
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Aw that's not great news about her reactions, Sterryn. That sux for ya. Well, welcome to the Food-Label-Nazi's, we're not really that scary a bunch! I'd say you're definantly on the right track with making all her foods yourself for now. Also, I found Only Organics brand great for when I wanted a jar of baby food - their whole range isn't allergy-friendly but half of them are it seems, and if you contact the company (they have a website), they can send you a handy list of which ones are free of which allergens. Keep the labels of anything she's reacted to if you can, as you might see a pattern of common ingredients. And hey, the RAST test (blood test) is made a whole lot easier if you ask to be sent an emla patch to put on beforehand - leaves bubs so numb on the site that they really do only feel a little prick. Ella had 2 needles put in for hers, and the difference between the site where the emla had worked and the other one was huge. I wouldn't say Sam's too young for one - we were told they become more reliable after the child is a year old, but after our results came back were also told that they're not so reliable anyway, more that they give you an indication of what's what. ------------- Andie |
Posted By: Spudling
Date Posted: 09 February 2008 at 8:51pm
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oh sweetheart, poor wee Sam, AND you, it must have scared you half to death.
I have heard of using hair strands to test for allergies, I have no idea how effective or reliable they are but do know of a few grown ups that have had this done at the local heathshop here. Oh and PS, what wrong with marmite and jam I ask, that was my fav combination when I was a kiddy sad but true. Mind you, DD likes to have honey, peanut butter and vegemite all on one sandwich ------------- http://tickers.families.com"> 
http://tickers.families.com"> 
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Posted By: Mama2two
Date Posted: 09 February 2008 at 8:56pm
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Jam & Marmite together! Is that another NZ thing? I don't get it - BLAHG ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: bri
Date Posted: 10 February 2008 at 12:54pm
| Hi there, we've been going down a similar road with our bub too (though he's only 4 months, so fortunately not much to eliminate!). Our allergy specialist sent us to get a RAST test, which is the blood test, and fortunately the results were all negative, so it looks like perhaps we're facing intolerances instead. Have you thought about getting a referral to an immunologist? |