Cupcakes For My Cupcake : Making Allergy Friendly Alternatives for Parties and Events

This is the season for baked goodies, parties and lots of entertaining. This past week alone my daughter's class had three birthday "celebrations" and has called on me to provide the cake for the class Christmas party. While I am always excited to do new things, I am slightly apprehensive to meet the demand of a cake with an allergy free conversion big enough to feed 50. To kind of lessen my concern, I decided to "practice" for the cake with one of the celebrations we had this week. Below are the pics; they are apple muffins that I decorated with frosting. All the below are egg free, nut free, dairy free, gluten free, but they do contain soy. The butter alternative I used for the frosting and the muffins makes a soy free alternative - we do not use it because it contains peas. My daughter has a soy sensitivity, but soy lecithin has not caused issues for her. Enjoy the pics; the recipe will be up later this weekend.

Dedicated Gluten Free: Udi's Coupon

I had such a hard time finding a good bread that actually tasted like bread  when I first began the Gluten free lifestyle. After several lesser tasting options, I have fallen in love with Udi's Bread.

I cannot sing enough praises about Udi's Products! They are amazing.

I was first introduced to them by my sister in law, who sent me a case of Udi's Granola. When the case arrived on my doorstep I was excited, but somewhat uncertain of what to expect. There was a lovely handwritten note in my box from the individual who sent the package to me, my sister won the case in a contest, and I thought the note was a wonderful "extra". When considering that Udi's is a pretty large company, I hoped the attention to detail was an indicator they may be the same when creating food for people with gluten concerns. Clearly, that "hunch" was right... when I finally did have a bowl of their granola, I was amazed! It is hands down the best granola I've ever eaten-- and I LOVE granola, so I have tried a lot!!

A few months later when I ran across their bread in the store I had no choice but to purchase it, sure enough.. it was phenomenal!

If you are interested in trying Udis, or if you are a dedicated purchaser of Udi's take advantage of the $1/ 1 Udi's product here. This is a great savings, for a great product!

Thanks Money Saving Mom 

Enjoy Life Allergy Free : A Good Product, A Good Coupon

When we first began our Allergy free days, I was miserable trying to find new options for us to indulge in. Finally, through trial and error, I have a pretty good assortment of products that are great alternatives to mainstream foods.

One of the companies I use often is 'Enjoy Life'. What I love most about this company is they do not use anything that my kids are allergic to - ever, that's right... ever! No cross contamination concerns, no second thoughts, no worries of there being a reaction because of careless processing. They are a fully dedicated allergy friendly facility.

I encourage you to to read their website, or their packaging for their processing information. They are dedicated to maintaining an environment that is: gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, tree-nut free, soy free, egg free and casein-free. The ingredients they use are healthy and I personally find them to be delicious. My kids rave about every product they make.

The company makes bagels, cereal, snack bars, granola, trail mix, candy bars, chocolate chips, and cookies. They have expanded their line drastically even in the past five years and are constantly updating their products, reviewing and improving recipes and introducing new items or flavors to their line.

One of my favorite options is their snickerdoodle cookies. I am a "cookie hound", I love cookies, I eat them more than I should admit and am a firm believer that a good cookie can clear up the most dreadful day. I can honestly say their snickerdoodle cookie is the BEST snickerdoodle I've ever had. Period!

Should you have milk allergy concerns, I encourage you to try the Chocolate Chips, if you need them for baking, or snacking ... they are divine!

Pick up a savings by printing their coupon here.

You can find the selection under the "My Favorites" section on the right-hand side of my blog. While you're there, sign up for Swagbucks, via the box below and start earning Amazon.com Gift Cards, or other valuable prizes - thereby making your purchases that much less!

Please Don't Feed The Animals: Helping Outsiders Understand Your Childs Food Allergies

When my oldest daughter received a solid diagnosis of the various food allergies, I had no idea how daunting the task of keeping others from giving her food was going to be. Oddly enough, no matter how involved you are as a parent, sometimes you just don't realize all the "hidden dangers" until they become a true danger.

Every once in a while, without much concern, most parents gladly turn their children over to trusted family or friends for a fun-filled day. For us, we would hand our kids over with a book-sized list of what to and what NOT to feed our children - then we worried, waited and hoped nothing would happen. Its was far from relaxing, or fun-filled for anyone. Over the years we have made changes to allow for a more relaxing time for everyone, caretakers included. This post includes some of those tips. 

First and foremost, when dropping your children with someone that will be watching them make sure you explain in detail what they are allergic to, list everything! I like to carry this list separate and hand it directly to my child's care taker. On the list, in full detail, explain what an allergic reaction looks like. If your child gets hives, turns red, or scratches their eyes profusely write it down.

**Make sure on the list you include medicine doses if any are needed. Also include doses for any anti-histamines you use in the event of an allergic reaction, as well as your phone numbers!!

Secondly, purchase or make a bracelet (see links in highlighted print below) or sticker here for your child. There are all kinds of possibilities: they come in styles from frilly or jewelry like , to practical like this. Our daughter wears a water proof bracelet that has a metal medical stamp on it. It's adjustable in size and easy for her to put on and take off - thereby allowing her to be in control!

If you are able to, I suggest you buy a couple variations. This will give your child a choice and you'll be sure to have "extras" on hand in the event that you misplace one. Trust me, it's inevitable that you'll be looking for the bracelet at some point when you are running out the door late, a second one is always a nice option to fall back on!

Pack food for your child for "snack time". I bring a snack that is for my girls only. I mark their name on it and place it in their personal bags for them to access when it is time to eat. They know that the food they are eating is different, but most of the time that isn't a concern. The majority of the time, my children  are more concerned with the fact that they can participate in the "event" not so much partake of the actual food.

Review with your child if they are old enough, what foods they can and cannot have, ahead of time.  (see my previous post on teaching tips here) When you are headed to the care takers, remind them of how it is important they not eat or handle certain foods.

There is no way to explain how difficult it is to leave your child with another individual if they are a kid with allergies. I understand the insecurity, all too well. I hope the ideas above help make the transition easier and allow you to find some solutions to possible problems you may run into.

Try This Not That: Alternatives for Eczema Treaments, Help for Dry Skin Part 2

In my last post I reviewed some possible alternative treatments for Eczema and dry skin. We will continue to look at other options in this post.

With regard to topical ointments: it’s difficult to find things that work as fast, or as efficient as a steroid. What is great about steroids is their efficiency, they do an amazing job clearing up skin that is having an allergic reaction. What is not so great about them is the harmful side effects that can be immediate, or long term.

My girls like to feel as though I’m doing something to help them when they are struggling with the itchys. Most kids do. That is why band aids are the first thing a child wants when they have a boo-boo that isn’t visible. Children like the action of someone fixing a problem in a tangible or visible way. This is where our topical ointments come in, at least in my family. I’ve tried everything there is to try on the shelf at mass retailers and drugstores. While there are some that have been great, there are other creams, or ointments that I wouldn’t suggest anyone try.

Oddly enough two of my favorite "steroid ointment alternative" products can be found in your kitchen!

I absolutely LOVE olive oil for everyones skin: Something I’ve done for my girls since nearly a few weeks of age is to use olive oil rather than baby oil. It still calms the skin but also nourishes in a way that I think is a far better.

I try to (carefully) use it in the bath when possible with my girls. Two capfuls with a full tub of water will allow for softer more soothed skin. Obviously my suggestion is to make sure you clean the tub immediately after the bath to avoid accidents for the next in line at the shower!

The second product that I love is vitamin E. A capsule, or if you can find a health food store that sells variations, a cream that is pure does a wonderful job for healing eczema. The capsules are the best if you have small patches that need attention. Break a capsule with the end of a pin, or needle (sterilized) and squeeze the gel onto a cotton swab for easy application to the area.

The third product I love is something that I use for EVERYTHING! I am smitten with this product and I believe everyone should have at least one bottle in their homes. The company California Baby sells a product called Diaper Area Wash, this stuff is amazing. Its primary intended use is for diaper cleanings as an alternative to baby wipes. It works well for diaper changes, as well as bug bite itchys, burns, cuts, scrapes and eczema. The two things I love most about it are:

1. I don’t have to touch my daughters eczema to apply something that gives instant relief.
2. I use it for more than one thing, so if there are times that she doesn’t have eczema, it’s not sitting on my shelf unused, taking up space.

The smell is amazing, and it doesn’t take much for an effect. All of my girls swear by this product. Each of them love the fact that it is a fun spray and they like that it helps immediately! This is one of the things I suggest you get to take with you in the event of a road-trip, or day out. You’ll be glad you did!

Some other alternatives to steroids are aloe, and calendula. I know that for my middle daughter calendula is a wonderful thing. We use the California Baby calendula based creams, and their pure Calendula cream too. My oldest complains that the calendula cream doesn’t work so well for her. Since everyone is different I will mention the option. Hopefully it’s a product that will provide relief for you. You can find calendula creams on the internet (see the "My Favorites" box) and at your local health food store.

Aloe is a wonderful soothing alternative, but I will offer this caution: If you have allergies to trees/pollen/environmental allergies in general -- be careful with aloe. While research is not consistent, I have seen reports that state Aloe can cause, or worsen allergies. 


I understand very well the struggles with eczema. While the above mentioned alternatives may not work for everyone, I suggest you try them. Once you use them regularly they will likely provide some relief, and that will at bare minimum cut down on the need for steroid applications. Over the course of my natural alternative posts there will be other options that will address eczema. It's a battle that seems to never end in our home. On the days we have control over the eczema there is better sleep, better attitudes, and happier people in our home! I hope that the above suggestions allow for the same in your home!!

As always, check with your Dr. before trying any new treatment that they may not have prescribed!

Try This Not That: Alternatives for Eczema Treaments, Help for Dry Skin Part 1

One of the first signs my three daughters show of allergies is eczema. When my oldest started having trouble with eczema both the Pediatrician and I thought it was cradle cap. Once it “hung around” for a while, and her body's dry skin became more and more dry it was apparent that this was eczema. There are several reasons for eczema to occur. Please understand, I’m not suggesting that if you have a child, or you yourself suffer from eczema that you have an allergy issue.

However, this post isn’t allergy specific, so you can use the tips below to find some relief!

It’s common that the Dr. will send an eczema patient home with a topical cream, usually if not always they are steroid based ointments. While, as I’ve said in my previous post, I believe that there are some times that there is a need for a medicine; it’s not a belief of mine that eczema is always one of these cases. I have seen severe eczema with my oldest daughter, my middle daughter has a pretty strong case of it, where her skin cracks and my youngest has rough skin from time to time. I do realize there are cases where the only thing that will work is steroids. If you are in that boat, I extend my sympathy. If you are not, or even if you are you can hopefully find use of the alternatives I list here.

One thing I have noticed that helps my girls is changing the products that I use for bath time. The month after my daughter was diagnosed with allergies, I changed the products we use in our home for cleaning, bath time, and laundry. I cannot emphasize the difference it made in my children's allergies when I transferred to green products. I had an idea that it would help, but I never expected it to be such a dynamic part of their healing. I use products for bath and massage time by California Baby, they are in my recommendation box on the right of my blog homepage, under "My Favorites". Their products are amazing! They are slightly pricier than the mainstream products you’ll find in the mass retailers, but you use far less than other brands. I find their products last longer, make a big difference in the quality of my girls skin and most of all they are gentle, allergy friendly and comforting to my kids.

Method also makes a wonderful nearly all green bath line, they are not quite as gentle for my older daughter but they are remarkable for my younger girls. California Baby and Method are both gluten free product lines. California Baby steers clear of the Major 8, while Method generally keeps away from common irritants. Always read the label, yes, even on toiletries!

I have found a lot of times when my oldest has an allergic reaction, she has a severe outbreak with her eczema. During those times I try to throw her in a bath:

One bath time trick I use is an Epsom salt bath. A friend of mine suggested this a while back. I am amazed at the change that takes place in ten minutes of a bath with salts.  I purchase the store brand and mix according to the label -- do NOT use any other kind of salt! Epsom salt has special ingredients to treat the skin, healing it in a way that table, rock, or sea salt cannot. My girls absolutely adore a good “salt bath”. From a parents standpoint-- it’s easier to clean than the oats (see below) so you will likely fall in love with them too. The price on Epsom salts is hard to beat, therefore, I suggest you try this alternative first.

My second bath time trick is oats and warm water. It is an incredibly soothing experience. You’ll find that the oats take away the swelling, the itching, and the redness all at once. I always use the off brand at the store closest to me. They have several versions and there is generally a very clear label that it is for eczema. The oat baths are great, because the child can stay in it as long as they like.

A less expensive alternative to the store bought oat bath pack is making your own. If you purchase rolled, or steel cut oats just toss them in the blender and blend until they become fine and almost powder-like.

There are some reports that say you should not bathe your child nightly if they have eczema - the less time in the water the better. Other reports say that nightly baths with lots of cream is best. My experience is: it depends on the child! I have one who I think could live in the water and her skin be healthier because of it, my other daughter should really be in a tub no more than twice a week, because we begin to have severe problems with eczema. My girls that cannot bathe allot I have found love a shower just as much, and it is gentle enough to increase the amount of times a week they are bathed.

When bath time is complete I “cream them up”. Again, I use California baby products for this. Without completely drying their skin after bath time, I slather them in cream, then place long pants, long sleeve shirts and a good pair of socks on them. It makes everyone all cozy and ready for bed.

As always, check with your Dr. before trying any new treatment that they may not have prescribed!

Try This, Not That : A Cheat Sheet to Alternative Treatments for Allergies

Those that know me, will attest that I am notorious for not liking medicinal treatments. Period. Regardless of the reason, there are few things that I will "accept" a drug for, when I can use an Alternative Treatment instead.
My point is simple: I believe firmly that the less chemical enhanced, chemical based substances we put into our bodies and into the environment in which we live- the healthier we will be in the long run, and the better we will feel at the end of the day. This includes medicines, cosmetics, food, household cleaners, and even the containers we store our foods in.

 That isn't to say I haven't given my daughters more than enough anti-histamines that are over the counter, or prescription based drugs in their short lives. I feel that these medicines are useful, and can certainly help and save lives. I equally feel that there are other options, that if you can catch an allergic reaction in time, can be as effective without the side effects.

Throughout my blogging, I will be doing an assortment of pages that are "Try This Not That" - the goal being to introduce you to alternatives that are not medicine or chemical based. They are sometimes a product you may know well, and that most everyone has heard of. Other times it will be an item that you may not know you can use for allergies, or an alternative that you have never heard of.

 My ultimate goal is to glean from you, as you share your alternatives, and you to have a "tool box" to pull from when searching for the best help for your allergy experience. Feel free to bring your concerns to me, and see if I have an alternative I use. I want to make this part of my blog a discussion section. I hope you enjoy it! I am certainly looking forward to the upcoming posts I'll be writing and sharing!

Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes in a Crock Pot

As I was preparing for my daughters class "Thanksgiving Feast", I ran across an incredible website. On the website there was an amazing crock pot mashed potatoes recipe. I was delighted to review the recipe and see there are places you can substitute to make it even more allergy friendly. I think most people with food allergies would love the opportunity to have a Thanksgiving meal as close to "mainstream" as possible. When you combine the "normalcy" of this recipe, along with the ease, I consider it a win-win! Between the potatoes, and the cornbread recipe, in the second part of her post I have linked below the "hard parts" (read: converting recipes to fit allergy needs) of the meal for Thanksgiving could be far less daunting! I hope you enjoy the recipe, and the Blog. I am sure you will find some new recipes that you haven't yet tried and enjoy the "new" website!

I encourage you to read the post that goes with the recipe link below- she offers some incredible tips for making sure you get the best turn out on the potatoes as possible! Plus,don't forget there is also a great cornbread recipe in her post! Enjoy!!

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

(Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Egg-Free.  Adaptions for Dairy-Free)
This recipe has been in my recipe-folder, handwritten for too many years to count.  However, there are numerous recipes floating around the internet that are very similar.

Ingredients:
5 pounds yukon or red potatoes, cut into chunks
6 cloves minced garlic, or more to taste
2 cubes gluten-free vegetable or chicken bouillon cubes
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (For Dairy-Free version: use Follow Your Heart Cream Cheese Alternative or Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese)
3/4 cup plain Greek-Style yogurt OR Sour Cream (For Dairy-Free version: use Dairy-free yogurt alternative or Follow Your Heart Sour Cream Alternative or Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1.  Place potatoes, garlic, and bouillon cubes in a large pot of lightly salted water and bring to a simmer.  Cook until potatoes are tender but firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving water.  If you left the skins on during simmering, peel once cool enough to handle (or leave on, to add texture and flavor to your dish).

2.  Put potatoes through a potato ricer or use a masher.  Then mix with the cream cheese (or Dairy-Free alternative) and yogurt or sour cream (or Dairy-Free alternative), adding reserved water as needed until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.

3.  Transfer the potato mixture to a slow cooker, cover with a dish towel, then place lid over the dish towel (to prevent the moisture from dripping off lid and falling into the potatoes).  Cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Please note: the above is copied and pasted from the website: http://cookitallergyfree.com

for the recipe follow this link: 

http://cookitallergyfree.com/blog/2010/11/part-3-crock-pot-mashed-potatoes-and-gluten-free-cornbread/

Making It Official: Getting A Diagnosis Part 4

In my last post I covered what the actual testing with a scratch test entails. In this post I will advise what you can expect after the test.

When the test is complete the nurse comes back and uses a measuring device to determine the radius of the “test stick”, it's likely that it will be swollen slightly, this allows the Dr. to gauge what the ‘norm’ is for a non-reaction vs. a reaction, the nurse then measures every other stick site. This takes only a few minutes, they write it down in the appropriate box for evaluation from the Allergist.

Then, at least in our office the most wonderful thing happens! (Prior to me saying this, please Please, PLEASE understand that I do NOT like medicine! I prefer, and believe strongly in alternative treatments- but this is the one time when I have no guilt, or concerns about using medicines.) The nurse pulls out a steroid topical (or if you prefer, they’ll likely replace it with an anti-itch ointment) ointment and slathers my daughters back. I can physically see the nervousness drain from her face, and she is finally at peace. It is the part I focus on when she’s crying for me to scratch her back ten minutes prior. My advice: don’t argue with the nurse, if they are offering the steroid, let them use it because it is the only thing that will stop the itching AND the swelling that takes place.
　
Once the tests have been documented, the Dr. will come back and consult with you on what allergies are occurring. Oftentimes, they will give you follow up information, such as where to find food unexpectedly lurking, and other names for some ingredients that you may have tested positive for. IF there is a positive result, depending on the severity, and the allergen they may suggest a prescription, one of which could be an Epi-Pen prescription. Get these filled IMMEDIATELY!

If you have been given an Epi-Pen, there is no time to waste, and you can’t afford to “pass go” .. go straight to your pharmacy and wait, but don’t go home without that pen.

It literally is the difference between life and death. I’ve seen it, and I can tell you that the time it takes to go from zero to mach-ten on the allergy scale is not nearly as long as you’d think-- and it can happen in a matter of minutes. Epi-Pens save lives! There is the likelihood that if you tested positive they will want to see you within a year again for more testing, and to see what if any changes have occurred.

If you have tested positive, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and honestly lost in how to best "tackle" the issue of changing your lifestyle- in both areas of Environmental and Food allergies. Please know this is normal, and try to remember that you received what you came to the Dr. for. It was a winning situation in the end- you had concerns of allergies, because of symptoms you had, you took tests, and you got a result that says you're allergic- and you are leaving the office with an idea of what you need to change in your life. That is a successful visit! Take slow, easy steps, and realize that this is going to make life better in the long run! Its a change of life, not a diet, or "vacation" -- allergies are a lifestyle, and you are making a lifestyle change. Be proud that you found a place to give you a diagnosis, and be confident that you'll find support you need to make it easier to adjust.

For info on how to get some of the stickers above click here: 

Making It Official: Getting A Diagnosis Part 3

Once in the Dr. office they review info, reviewing any symptoms you are noticing, that have prompted you to make the appointment.

My one suggestion to help the Dr better understand what is going on, is to keep a journal. In an Environmental Allergy Journal you'll want to record all the activites you were doing prior to, as well as, when you noticed the symptoms. It would be good to include the food you've eaten for the day, because some food allergies manifest themselves in the same manner as an environmental allergy. If you think you have food allergies, keep a journal of all the food you eat, and the symptoms you experienced after. Both journals should have the time of  the activity/ food consumption, and the time you noticed the reaction as well as the date. If possible, include pictures for the Dr. to see exactly what you are experiencing physically.

After this, the Dr. or nurse will return with a tray full of  little “pins” in it. The pins are not actually anything that breaks the skin, and causes bleeding. The pin pricks the skin only enough to place a serum that contains the suspected allergen on the testing area so the skin can either react, or not.

At this point, if you are a parent, you need to be ready for two things:

1.) Your child is going to cry, they do not like having their back or arm poked at and they will expect you to make it stop. If you can mentally understand that you are doing what is best for your child it will go a LONG way in the actual appointment. as far as making it slightly easier for you. Either way, there will be a feeling of guilt. Every parent I know, every caretaker I‘ve seen that has ever taken their child in for a skin scratch test, leaves the Drs office, regardless of results, feeling guilty. Just know, that it is one of those things that needs to be done for their safety, and it is one of the ways we parents have to take care of our child.. No one wants to “torture” their child, but this is one of those times when it really feels like that is what you’re doing. In reality, it isn’t -- go against your "gut-feeling" on this one, because it is hard to watch them scratch test your child, but at this point, it’s the best way to get your child help.

2.) If they have allergies, and possibly even if they don’t, a person who gets these tests done itches! There is no way to sugar coat it-- you itch, everywhere! You want to find a corner of a wall, or find a backscratcher, and eventually it becomes a little annoying because you CANNOT scratch the tests. Be prepared to distract your child, and be prepared to hold your child at length, otherwise they'll lay on the floor, or against the wall to "scratch" those itching spots, and the test will be ruined. The process takes about half an hour, you'll not want to repeat it, and you will want to be prepared to distract your children.

When my girls go these are some of the things I do to make it easier:
1.) I bring a TON of toys -
I buy small new toys from the $1 section at Target, or the Dollar Store.
If buying toys is not an option one thing I have done is to "put away" some of their favorites, until the appointment a few days or week in advance, it'll be new again to them, if it's been a while since they last played with it.

2.) I let them have their Leapster (gaming device)
tip: if you need a video game device, or games for the device you have for your little ones, there are some incredibly good deals on your local Craigslist. Should you decide to buy new you may want to run an internet check for coupons they sometimes can cost is too much. It is a great distraction for our girls, and I love being able to find good deals on games online, and through coupon sites--some of which I have links to)

When the Nurse places the serum on the skin, you generally wait 20 minutes, I’ve waited up to 40 -- we all prefer 20! When they do the scratches, they mark what allergen they have placed at that part of your testing area. Some offices graph it out, like a checker board, others give a series of numbers, with the scratch next to it. Either way, you will have a good amount of writing on your testing area, and an equal amount of scratches. During the wait time, you’ll likely see blotches that become hives, that look red and swollen- similar to a "bad bug bite". That is both a good and a bad thing. It's bad because you likely have an allergy issue on your hands, but good because at least you’re getting answers. Make sure if you or your child experiences difficulty breathing, begin wheezing, vomitting, or experience "flu-like" symptoms of diarrhea, or a fever to call your nurse or Dr into the room immediately- these are all signs of anaphylaxis.



Making It Official: Getting a Diagnosis Part 2

In my last post I covered how to best find an allergist and how to get set up with an appointment at the Allergist of your choice. In these next two posts I want to familiarize you with what your allergist appointment may be like.

The basic, physical steps of an allergist appointment may be well known by you, or you may have no idea what to expect. I had no idea what we were going to experience, and that anxiety alone was difficult, nevermind the combination of that concern, and my childs problems she was experiencing- I just wanted answers, on how to help her, and what to expect as we are trying to figure things out. I hope this gives you a better idea of what the appointment will entail, and can ease any concerns.

Our first allergist appointment was a great stepping stone toward finding an answer to the questions we had. I will tell you the allergist we went to, is not the one we stayed with, however we were able to get our preliminary questions answered, major tests done, and walked out of the office that day with a list of items my child could not eat. Finally, we had a beginning, basic plan and map to make it work.
That day was incredibly overwhelming, but looking back, it was a wonderful thing- all at the same time.

Allergists are fairly standard in their means for diagnosis of allergies, it’s been my experience (and through research I can say confidently) most allergists do the same types of tests when determining what allergies a person has. Typically they use either a scratch test, or a blood test, sometimes they will determine allergies by combining both, and re-assessing the results of each test when the results of all the tests have returned.  

The first Allergist we saw required us to use a cream to numb my daughters arm before doing her “scratch test”. Two days before the appointment, I had the prescription called in, I picked it up, and came home to slather my daughters forearm in the ointment. Once that task was done, I used plastic wrap, per the Dr's orders, to cover her arms, so she couldn’t get to the cream. The cream had to be on the skin for two hours prior to them doing the testing. I’ll warn you: no 14month old child, no matter how well behaved, really wants or feels the need for plastic saran wrap on her arm, be advised -- you’ll need two adults! My lesson was learned, the hard way!

Some offices, like my current Allergist I use today, do not use arm testing, and rely on back scratch tests. In my opinion, these tests are better because the surface area is larger and easier to access thereby allowing a broader spectrum of allergens to be tested for in one visit. Also, as children cannot reach their back there is less fighting while waiting for the serum to work, and the result to develop. My current office also does not use a numbing agent prior, they use a cream after the test. Again, each office is different, but the "itchy's" you'll likely get from the test, will be taken care of before you leave the office. 

If blood work is what your Dr. chooses to test with, it is a simple lab procedure, just like any other blood draw. They will write the prescription, you'll have the labs and wait for the Dr. to receive the results.

Nearly every visit I've made with my daughter, they have done both back scratches and blood work. The theory being that when there is a high positive result on a skin test, the Dr. wants to verify the result with  blood work. If the result is a high positive on both, there is little, if any doubt that there is a true allergy. Once the labs are back, your doctors office will call you to advise of the results, or to schedule an appointment to review the new (if needed) plan of action to work with allergies you have.

Please see my next post where I will review exactly how a "Scratch Test" is done. I will include tips on being prepared for the appointment, and how to make it an easier visit.

Making It Official: Getting a Diagnosis Part 1

When we began the process of my daughters allergies I had no idea what was involved in obtaining an “official diagnosis”. I knew there was clearly something not quite right in the way her body related to the food she consumed, but I didn’t know that finding an allergist, going to the first couple of appointments and really “securing” a good  relationship with my Allergist could be so overwhelming.

Over the next few days I‘ll give you tips, as well as a step by step process you will likely follow for getting a diagnosis, I hope it helps you know what to expect, and offers ideas for making it a smooth ride!

Once the Pediatrician realized that we likely had allergy concerns, and possibly sensitivity issues my daughter needed addressed, the time came to find a specialist who could help us. Our pediatrician, like most, was a great resource for finding an Allergist who both worked with our insurance company and was in our area.

My first suggestion is to start at your Family Dr. Office, if the allergy concern you have is for your child, look to your Pediatrician for help. If you or a friend/family member is suffering, and you believe it is allergy related contact your Drs office for advice on finding a good specialist in your area.

My second suggestion is if you carry insurance, and do not need a referral from your Dr. to visit a specialist, this may be able to be done by phone - simply call and ask for a suggestion of an allergist that works closely with your Dr. office. This will do two things:

1) It will allow the time of allergy suffering to be substantially less. Most Allergist offices take some time to see a new patient, you could wait weeks for your first appointment. By having an appointment rather than calling your Family Dr it becomes at least one day longer for you to meet with your Allergist. A ten minute phone call can alleviate the time and the financial burden! (Read: No Co-Pay for another Drs. phone number!!)

2) By making sure your Allergist works closely with your Primary Physicians office there will be no concerns that all your records are transferred, which is necessary. When allergies are involved, they can effect every area of your physical well being, and cause problems you wouldn't think were allergy related! It's important that your Primary Physician knows what each report says, in order for that to occur, there needs to be good communication between the two offices. If there is a good Allergist who has established a strong working relationship with your Primary Dr. it makes transferring information easier, and gives you more support!

This Is An Egg: Teaching Children with Allergies Part 2

In my last post I emphasized how important it is that you teach your child about their allergies. When I first began, that process seemed unattainable. How do you teach a 14month old that she can no longer have her beloved cup of milk because it could literally kill her? I was overwhelmed to say the least, but more than determined to make it effotless for my child to adjust, and adapt in a world that she typically would be "left out" when dealing with the allergies she has. I don't claim to have perfected this art, but I found some tips that worked for us. Below are some of my suggestions for relaying and educating allergy concerns to your children they are personally tested by me, and have proven incredibly effective.

When she was younger we worked daily with foods I had in the house, I would pull cans, bottles, boxes, produce -- anything I could find in the house that she could have a reaction to. I would tell her what it was, and explain what it does to her.

When we grocery shopped, I would review the items that were not for her in the store, and explain why.

When we visited friends, I gently but pro-actively reminded her to remember which cup she had, because she couldn't afford to mistake her cuppy with the cuppy of someone else who has "cows-milk". Obviously, I watched her actions, but from a distance, in a way that would help her boost her confidence in the area of  "protecting herself"

I love kitchen sets with play food-- plastic, cardboard, material it doesn't matter; use these toys as teaching elements. How often do your preschoolers fix you a plate? My girls do all the time and when I get the joy of having a plate of food brought to me, I thank them and ask who it is for. If it is for them I look to see if they put eggs (or other allergens) on their plate, if they did I tell them "Now, you can only eat the eggs for pretend, but those are the very best kind-aren't you lucky, because they can be ANY egg you want!"

Another option if you don't have a kitchen set: look through magazines and let your child pick out foods, let them cut and then glue foods to a paper plate, or just point at the food to tell you what their "plate" will have, explain whether or not they can have the food.

 Teach them exactly what certain foods and allergies do to them. When they have allergic reactions, explain what it is and if you know the culprit advise them what made them sick.

Most importantly: Don't underestimate your children, young or old, it is encouraging to you and them to know you're enabling them to be their own advocate!

This is an Egg: Teaching Children with Allergies Part 1

First, let me emphasize this is a topic I am incredibly passionate about- you should educate your children with food allergies, but even more they need you to train them in this area, as early as possible.

My oldest was not yet two when we had been to the Allergist, and received positive results on back scratches, and blood work. I began that day teaching her she couldn't drink cows milk, eat eggs, peas, and the daunting list of allergens she had. By age two my oldest was very diligent in asking grandparents, when she got a cup, "Is this cows milk?". When she had dinner, "Does this have eggs in it? ". She knew the allergies she did have, by name, that fell into the "Major 8" category.

I am amazed how new parents, and old parents alike, approach the "household chemicals" issue with zeal-- we put lids where lids normally don't go, latch it up, lock it up, batten it down, place it in an area we need a commercial-grade ladder to reach; and after all those measures, just in case there is any question whether our child will approach a poisonous substance, we slap bizarre-looking green-man-stickers on our beautiful shelves, and any bottle in our house! All in our quest to protect our kids. With that in mind, it equally amazes me how few 4-8 year olds really know their allergies.

PLEASE, if your child suffers from allergies, approach it with the same fervor, it can be just as dangerous, and toxic.

In Part 2 I cover some tips on how to teach children about allergies, proves to be beneficial to you as a parent, caretaker, or loved one in a childs life who is battling allergies!

Common Day to Day signs: It’s not the Weather and It's not in Your Head, It’s Allergies

When my little girl was a mere six months, I began wondering how people with allergies survive. My friend who had allergies, had a daughter not much older than mine, who was at that point exhibiting symptoms that she may also have allergies. I remember thinking “Oh, I’m so glad it’s not me!” I also remember thinking “ok, I get you don’t want your kid to puke, but if she does, that isn’t the end of the world-- it really is no big deal” WRONG! It is a huge deal, and I later came to find out-- it's a BIG FAT WHOPPING end-of- the-world-deal if you have a child that exhibits signs which delay growth, or even cause anaphylaxis. It is a nightmare when it involves your child's well-being, and social growth.

My daughter, even after the drug reaction, but before the second ambulance ride to the hospital, had allergic symptoms, (which I'll list below in bold for easy finding) all along and I was totally unaware. You know there are those fair headed children who have a pink look to them all the time-- I have a few of those-- I was one of them! What I didn’t know is that cute chapped cheek look, and that dry skin, or "cradle cap" that won't go away and the spit-up can all be indicators that you may be dealing with allergies. I didn’t realize that irregularity, vomiting, and diarrhea can all indicate that there is an underlying allergy. I knew snotty noses come all the time with kids, and I knew babies have croupy sounds -- but I didn’t know that when they continue for more than two weeks, that it could be allergy related. Those symptoms are common in kids that are allergy free, that is why it is difficult to find a balance, and get a diagnosis.

All the above symptoms together, or on their own can be an indicator that your child is struggling with FOOD allergies.

This is where I thought it got tricky. It’s obvious if you take a four year old out into the grass, she plays, comes in all hivey, and snotty she likely has pollen / grass allergies. That to me, was a "no-brainer". What I didn’t know is that my baby who was eating peas, and loving it, but then was an incredibly fussy, gassy, pink cheeked, dry skinned baby was highly allergic to peas. Her body didn’t get a rash for a few months, it just looked like someone had kissed her cheeks a little too much. It wasn’t until she had peas for months on end that we finally noticed a few minor blotches that came up (hives). I figured it was a “contact allergy” gave a dose of benedryl one time, and moved on. I didn’t “note it”, and I honestly thought the problem was that she had sensitive skin, after all, her cheeks were always chapped. Then the day came when I fed her peas, fish, and milk (See my previous post). THAT was clear, there was an allergy. I called my dear friend and then my Dr. and eventually 911. I never fed her peas again. To this day, she cannot have beans, peas or any other legume (or dairy/fish either). She tests off the scale at the allergist for them.

Had I realized what the symptoms of an allergy CAN be -- not what they USUALLY are-- I would have possibly been ahead of the game, and not had the experience we did.

*For more information on signs of allergies in infancy see my post "Madness and Mayhem: What Allergies can Look Like in Infancy"

Madness and Mayhem: What Allergies can Look Like in Infancy

There are so many blogs in the world that are dedicated to helping out with the “Major 8”, while I appreciate and have made use of them, please be aware that this is not that kind of  blog. While I will cover the "Major 8", it is not the sole allergy I deal with. We have in excess of fifteen food allergies, intollerances, and sensitivities in my family of five, and out of the 4 individuals with allergies, only 3 share 2 common allergies. If you want madness and mayhem for dinner - my table is the place for it. I know overwhelming in the allergy world, in some respects, far better than most, and thankfully not as tragically as some.
It has been said there is reason to believe that allergies do not "fully develop" during infancy, simply because their little digestive systems are not mature, therefore, a lot of food is difficult to tolerate. Typically, if you test prior to 12mos of age, you are more likely to have false positives. Please know, I am not suggesting that if your child experiences the below symptoms (in bold) they have definite allergies.

I am sharing my story to educate you. If you have a similar story with your baby, I want you to know that considering allergies to be the culprit is a perfectly understandable concern, and I am encouraging you to speak with your Pediatrician regarding your concerns. There are numerous links between colic and allergies in later life. For those of us parents who have experienced colic, I can say we would do anything that we could to help our child feel better, to include limiting/changing diet. I hope this gives insight to you, if you find yourself in this stage of life.

When we first began the allergy life I had no idea what was occurring. I had nights on end with an upset, unhappy, screaming baby that would cry for hours, she was in pain, and there was no help for her. I’d sit and sometimes cry with her, but oftentimes I'd wonder what was going on and why couldn’t I figure out the way to help her. My daughter had colic. She had it for six and a half months, and we had crying stints that would last up to 15 hours. The Pediatrician agreed that it was colic, and there was nothing that could be done out of the normal routines of washing machine sittings, vacuum runnings (we went through three vacuums, by the way), car rides, swaddling, stretching the baby over our knees, as our legs were bent to add pressure to her belly, and those "famous" over the counter drops.

After several weeks of this, she began to have reflux. Like any "good mother", I took my baby to the Dr. hoping for help. Help is what we got. We were given a prescription for an antacid, and home we went. I had high hopes this was the “cure all” and the previous ten weeks of crying would come to an end, and our peaceful nursing sessions could resume to what they were in the hospital. Little did I know this was our introduction to the allergy ridden world we live in today.

My daughter had (in hindsight, and with the knowledge I have now) an unmistakable drug allergy that caused her to be unresponsive for several minutes, and eventually hospitalized for three days. It gave her father and I our first grey hairs, and a deep desire to find out what was going on with her. Once every “preliminary test” had been ran, and she became the normal child she was prior, the Dr's determined that it was an allergic reaction. While it's rare for babies to have such reactions, and we had never had previous drug allergies, we were content with this explanation and hoped that we could find a way around the colic, but we would be doing it in a non-medicinal way. I happily dealt with spit up, and a conscience, unhappy-but-alive baby. At this point she was a formula fed baby because thanks to her allergy related antics mommys body quit milk production. We began the basic formula suggested by our pediatrician and became even more aware of how much of a “spitty-baby” she was. I changed outfits for her nearly 6-8 times a day, until she was about a year old, and just figured it would eventually change as her digestive tract matured.

Fast forward to 13 months of age, I made a delightful, healthy balanced dish of peas, fish, peaches, and milk for my growing girl. My daughter took three bites one of peas, two of fish, and swelled up like a balloon, with bright pink cheeks, the redness eventually spread to her body, she later had difficulty breathing, and was wheezing. At that point I realized that we were in for a bumpy ride, it was to the hospital in an Ambulance, our second one. It carried us further down the Allergy laden road of life. My daughter was on the cusp of Anaphylaxis, and I had no inkling of what that meant to our lifestyle changes we would make.

*For more information on what allergies can look like in Children over 12 months, see my blog post "Common Day to Day signs: It’s not the Weather and It's not in Your Head, It’s Allergies"

Shopping Woes: There is hope and I have one suggestion

In the beginning of our allergy transition I had no idea what I would find to cook for my daughter. She had just began eating solids when we had clear concerns of allergies-- very severe allergies, at that. We were a healthy, organic (as much as possible) food family. In my home there were to ALWAYS be more veggies, than meat, and more whole grains than empty carbs, and I would never, under any circumstances feed her junk food. My daughter is no longer a baby - she has had some junk food in her life, and she loves broccoli, and her favorite drink is water -- but she has severe allergies to some basic staples for protein in the area of veggies, and meat. She has egg, chicken (previously- happy to say no longer!) and pea allergies. When you combine those allergies with a few of the "major 8", it makes it difficult to find a balanced and tasty meal. Early on I decided to find a basic recipe that I could change, and work with through the years, if needed because of other allergies, or just to allow for  a different "feel" at dinner. In my family it's known as "Rice and Sausage" you can find it here.

Throughout the years, I have become the biggest fan of this dish. My children, husband, friends and random people I pass the recipe to always rave- but my LOVE for the recipe simply stems from the need that most us moms have: To lovingly provide and care for our children, and husbands, especially at the dinner table.

My biggest suggestion is: come up with one basic recipe that you can change, add, or take away from, and still feel the pleasure of feeding your family a somewhat balanced and tasty meal.
There is hope, it may come one meal at a time, one week at a time, but it is there.

Introductions

As the mother of three children with food allergies, and as a Gluten Intolerant person myself, I know the importance of finding food that is both healthy (meaning safe to eat), and easy. That is a hard combination to strike. I’ve had months where there were three basic recipes, plus cereal, and a few snacks that we ate while I attempted to work out all the “kinks” of our new found allergies.

When I began this journey, I had no previous experience in the area of allergies other than the occasional difficult battle with spring hay fever. I can tell you I was lost the first time I went into a supermarket and realized that label reading was no longer confined to “healthy food” (whole, organic, and unprocessed) but now it included a good bit of the normal products we consumed as well. That day I was in tears.

Today, I rejoice when I have friends come to me with questions or seeking advice; not because it is a good thing they are in the position of needing the help; but rather because I know that I can help them in a way that I had no assistance. That support system is so necessary for the fight with food allergies. That support system is something I longed for, and didn’t have a lot of when I battled the test results that said we would have to turn our eating habits upside down. That support system is what I hope to share here, through recipes, advice, links and personal stories.

I am not a Dr. or medical professional, I do not have “technical” advice, and you should know that all the views on my blog are just that- my personal view.

I claim NO professional experience. Just “mom experience”- tips that have helped our family, and ways that we have made changes  with results of us seeing a difference. I hope that you are able to glean from our trial and error process so you have a smoother transition.

Here's To: allergy free days ahead, allergy free food on the table and allergy free friends in abundance!