Michi8
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Because of that he has not been helpful in finding a multi vitamin without iodine, and blames me for not getting better because I am not taking a multi vitamin as he advised.
Sorry if this is going off-topic...
Budew, is there a reason to take a multivitamin? Can you not take the necessary vitamins/minerals separately?
Michelle
(who also can't take multivitamins, because of allergies/sensitivities
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But I currently am a substitute. There is no district allergy training program, and so far as I know, there is no district policy as far as subs are concerned. As yet I have never been sent to a nut-free classroom to substitute. If the school or classroom I happen to be sent to tomorrow were peanut-free, I am sure they would not tell me before arrival, giving me the opportunity to bring in what they would consider a "safe" lunch. And I'm sure there is nothing in the school that I can eat if they tell me my lunch is not suitable, nor can I work all day without eating. I'm sure they'd fire me if I told them I was leaving the premises to eat my lunch someplace safe.
So I'm conflicted.
With our "nut aware" policy, the substitutes are supposed to be informed of the policy before they come into the school. Whether this happens in practice I don't know. I do wonder, though, how much going "nut aware" has to do with the per-allergic-child-funding the school receives (for additional classroom aides) rather than with protecting the children.
As an aside, one of the teachers (she is my son's teacher this year) is celiac. She discourages outside treats for birthdays in the class. Instead, once a month she prepares a gluten free (and obviously nut free!) cake to celebrate that month's birthdays. My son commented on how tasty the cake is. It really is nice to see her educating the kids on gluten intolerance.
Michelle
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Interesting....is this common to have the allergy to the other things associated with it? If he's allergic to peanuts and all tree nuts, which fruits should I be concerned about?
It's not uncommon to cross react to foods. There are the foods that cross react with birch pollen (alder pollen is closely related too,) there are foods that cross react with ragweed pollen, and those that cross react with grasses. I really wouldn't be concerned about any cross reactions with fruit until you come upon it. Do check out this info on the allergenicity of foods, it is helpful in determining how & when to introduce foods to babies and toddlers: Open Original Shared Link
Michelle
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Many people never develop anaphylactic reactions to allergenic foods that they are sensitive to. It's best not to continue exposing him to it, but it means that you don't have to be as paranoid about, for example, someone in the same room eating peanuts, so long as he doesn't eat any. I don't have any suggestions of substitutes, other than looking into different types of food - maybe hummus?
Anaphylaxis is still a rather "rare" reaction to allergens. Allergies seem to be on the rise, but I don't know if true anaphylactic reactions are, or if allergist are treating allergies with more caution now and prescribing epipens "just in case" reactions become severe.
I knew I wasn't anaphylactic to peanuts, my parents never bothered to have me officially tested as a kid and my school could have cared less about allergies (I had to fend for myself to avoid reactions, and so knew how to carefully avoid allergens.) It wasn't until I did some testing as an adult that the allergist insisted I carry an epipen. I thought it was overkill...my allergies never did get worse...and I eventually outgrew the peanut allergy. It used to be thought that outgrowing peanut allery was rare, but, from what I've read, it's actually quite common (in the case of non-anaphylactic allergies.)
My kids' elementary school is now "nut aware," and I think it's a cop out. We've gone from being careful on a class by class basis (used to be no nuts or nut products were allowed in a classroom with an allergic child) to outright banning nut products from the school. Personally, I believe that it causes complacency...that there is an assumption that the school is now completely safe. However, for children who are truly anaphylactic, the risks are higher because the risk of cc is still there. How many kids have their lunches prepared in a home where nut products are everywhere? How many kids eat peanut butter for breakfast and have it on their hands/clothes and are bringing peanut residue into the school unknowingly? If a child then does have a reaction, how does the source get traced? And how does the allergic child learn to watch out for themselves? There will come a time when their school or workplace is not "nut aware," will that child know to suddenly start watching for risks of exposure?
Finally, what about the kids with other severe allergies? So, the nut allergies are supposedly taken care of. But milk & egg proteins are in everything. There are celiac kids in our school...we don't see gluten being banned. There's got to be a better solution.
Michelle
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My husband posed an interesting question that I didn't know the answer to, but was hoping somebody here would !
Isn't caramel color supposed to be avoided as it could possibly have glutens/dairy in it? He mentioned that oftentimes soda contains caramel color and was wondering if he should avoid it. I don't drink soda myself except on an extremely rare occasion (blech) so avoiding it is no problem for me!
I'm not sure...according to one manufacturer (D D Williamson,) their caramel colour is derived from corn. They have a letter to customers re: gluten free diets here: Open Original Shared Link
Michelle
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Hi I was wondering if anyone has had a negative reaction to quinoa pasta. I have been really careful following the gluten free diet, and last night, and still today I've been really sick. The typical pre-dianosis symptoms of gas, the big D, really nauses. I've narrowed it down to three options...either the quinoa pasta, or a Starbucks carmel apple cider, (which according to many sources is safe), or a tummy virus. Any comments regarding the pasta?
No comments on the pasta, but do wonder about the Caramel Apple Cider. Do you have any problems with dairy (lactose or casein intolerance)? Carmel is made with milk/cream.
Michelle
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Ok so @ my hubby's job they r now making him share a computer with someone else (her in the am him at night). She eats at her desk (glutaneous evilness). He's gonna get a keyboard cover (tmw b4 work!), but what about the mouse? I haven found a mouse cover. Could he purell his hands (he already does semi obsessively) or lysol it or something? What would work do u think? Thanx
What about having his own mouse? It's easy enough to switch. He could unplug it and put it away (or take it home) at the end of his shift.
Michelle
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DD will be tested this Thursday, but for now I'm getting concerned about variety in her diet. She's almost 1 and I feel I should be adding protein to her diet. However she has reacted to both chicken and beef. With fish, eggs and peanuts being high allergens I'm afraid to even try introducing them this young. Any ideas on how to get protein in her?
Since she's not quite 1, the bulk of her nutrition (including protein) should still be coming from breastmilk or formula, so I wouldn't worry about having to get high protein solids into her...eating foods is still a learning process at this point. Milk and cheeses should be added after the age of one. If you are worried about allergies, then hold off on egg and fish until after one year (note that the MMR shot has egg in it. If you are choosing to innoculate, you may want to try egg before that shot...or put the shot off until later.) Peanuts, tree nuts, chocolate and seeds should not be introduced until after 2yo...or ideally after 3yo for peanuts & tree nuts.
Michelle
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You could try almond butter because you did not list almonds in the list and my friend (also a celaic) who is allergic to all nuts, can eat almonds, they are supposed to ebe hypoallergenic but i am not sure it probably varries from person to person
No such thing as a hypoallergenic food, let alone nuts.
Almonds and hazelnuts (filberts) are quite closely related in terms of allergy...and, as well, those nuts are related to allergy to tree fruit, which can be related to birch tree pollen allergy. I am severly allergic to birch tree pollen, and so have a cross reaction with all those foods...I can eat all of them cooked (including the nuts) but not raw. Lucky me. Michelle
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My 2 year old is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, hazelnut, pistachio and sunflower, but I never would've known had he not been tested. He had been eating peanut butter on crackers, toast, sandwiches, etc. for at least 6 months without any noticeable symptoms and having it almost every day as it was one of the few things I could count on that he would eat and that would pack on some calories for him. He tested moderate high on almost every nut though in his blood work.
Does everyone have symptoms or are some just not noticeable than others?
Do you all carry epipens? Our allergy doctor said he doesn't have anaphalactic levels to any of his allergies and the epipen was not brought up at all. Should I revisit this with him? I've had him off nuts for 5 days now, but have not been reading labels close enough to see if he could still be getting traces somewhere.
Has anyone symptoms gotten worse over time?
Do you read labels for these and avoid things that might have traces of nuts in them?
Are there any peanut butter substitutes when he's allergic to all of this?
Thanks!
I had peanut allergy since early childhood. My reaction was always itchy lips, mouth, tongue, throat and ears. I never developed an anaphylactic response, and eventually outgrew the allergy as an adult (though sometimes I still get a slight reaction to peanuts...I suspect I'm more sensitive to raw peanut than roasted/cooked. My peanut reaction is the same as my other food allergy reactions...my allergist calls it "oral allergy syndrome." A friend's child had peanut allergy since infanthood. They avoided all peanut and nut products, and then re-tested at 8 years old. He outgrew the allergy already, and now eats peanuts to keep the allergy at bay.
Pea Butter is one substitute for peanut butter. I don't like it myself (neither do my kids!) but some kids find it a fine alternative. There are other nut butters as well, but I wouldn't introduce any more new nuts to your 2 year old yet. I'd give it another year at least.
Michelle
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i recently was diagnosed with celiac disease and have been waiting for a biopsy appt for sometime. my blood tests were positive and my osteoperosis got worse in the last year. i'm tired of waiting and have decided to start the gluten free diet-into my 2nd day. do other people feel the biopsy is necessary. do other canadians feel the biopsy should be done before the diet is started or not. have others gone on the diet without a biopsy. thanks for any input. beth.
You don't need a biopsy to go gluten free, but if you are intending on following through on the biopsy, it may be best to not go gluten free until after the biopsy is done. You do have the positive blood tests...you need to talk to you GI to see if there really is a need for doing the biopsy.
I'm waiting for my own biopsy at the end of November (I've been waiting since early August!) But I had negative blood tests, so I feel I need to the gastroscopy and biopsy to confirm, and to rule out any other health issues. My colonoscopy isn't happening until March! Waiting so long is a real hassle.
Michelle
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Michelle,
No one suspected my son as having Celiac just based on his symptoms (this was with my original ped gi). He had the distended belly, dark circles, and constipation. Due to my own ignorance at the time, I never mentioned that my dad has Celiac because I knew he had D, I didn't know that constipation was also a symptom. He had been constipated since he was 1 year old and none of the doctors thought Celiac. Once I mentioned my dad (finally
) they tested him just to rule it out. Doc said his antibodies were through the roof. Interesting how the doctors don't want to test unless there is a family history and what is the percentage of Celiacs that go undianosed? Anyway, I know with my insurance I have the right to request a specialist and the primary doc. has to give me a referral to see one. Have you been to a GI yet?Nicole
No, we haven't been to a paed. GI yet. We were referred to a paediatrician at the children's hospital by our family dr...her reasoning was that it would take too long to get into see a GI directly (the waiting list is quite long) and we needed to help the C right now...so we would start with the paed, and then get referred if we really need to. Problem is that the paed doesn't think it's more than a slow metabolism, and that he'll be constipated for his whole life (meaning he'll need Miralax forever). I, of course, think otherwise, but we'll keep pursuing it! The Miralax was causing some D , so we were told to lower the dose of Miralax. Well, that just resulted in C issues again...my son says he'd rather have D than C! At this point, we've eliminated dairy to see if it helps...we're about 1 week in, and see no improvement yet (just a lot of complaining about not being able to eat cheese!) I think that it's not dairy, but it's good to rule it out.
Michelle
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It's possible that you are not consuming enough fat for your body. The human body does need some calories from fat for proper brain and nerve function.
Michelle
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I thought it was Merck, but I could be wrong. My info is also a year old--that's the last time I did the research.
Your info is a bit more recent than mine...I last looked into it about 2-3 years ago. I'm hoping you're right.
Michelle
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I can't see that it could be a contact allergy - if it was any sort of detergent, why haven't I had it before (I've not changed detergent) and I get it when I'm wearing dry cleaned clothes as well as home cleaned clothes
You can become sensitive to any product/food/chemical/fibre at any time. It happened to me...Tide was fine for me for many years, and then I started to react to it. Don't know if they changed their formula, or if there was something in my body that changed (problem cropped up after my third pregnancy). Dry cleaning chemicals are very harsh for anybody, as well as being carcinogenic.
Good luck in figuring it out.
Michelle
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Well....she said on the phone she is confident based on my numerous CT's Er visits, and past med history there is nothing else going on and that shes using it as a baseline, incase I have to have something done later, there is something to compare progress or progression on...
I suppose that would be a valid reason for wanting to do it, but can she not track your progress and diet compliance with the blood tests instead? If you really don't want to do it, then she can't make you.
I would do some research to back up your desire for not doing the EGD and discuss it thoroughly with her...if you can suggest other valid methods of tracking progress, then you may be able to change her mind.Michelle
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I'm not saying not to get any vaccines. I am saying that if you want to innoculate your child against measles, mumps, and/or rubella, it is far safer to do so with separate vaccines (as opposed to the MMR), ESPECIALLY if there is any risk that your child may have celiac.
Apparently (according to Capital Health) MMR manufacturers are no longer making separate vaccines (at least in Canada.) I chose not to innoculate my daughter (no vaccines at all), with the plan that she could get just the Rubella vaccine if she hadn't already naturally contracted it by the time she was a teenager. I would be really happy to know if it is still being offered separately, and which company is producing it!
Michelle
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Perhaps your doctor is wanting to rule out any other GI issues in addition to your having celiac disease? You need to ask your doctor for clarification.
Michelle
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I'm having trouble tracking down what is causing my hives, which appear in cluster of 3 or 4, usually on or around my hips, knees or buttocks (I've had them for the past 3 or 4 months). How long does it take to develop hives if it's from something you ingest? I'm pretty sure it's not something I'm touching, as I've not changed cleaning products etc
Thanks!
I would expect hives from ingested food to show up all over, but you never know. Since you're seeing it on those specific spots, I would rule out contact allergy first...especially since it seems to be in areas where you would have greater contact with your clothes (pressure points from where clothes rub, bend and stretch.)
Some potential causes:
1) laundry detergent or fabric softener (have you developed a new sensitivity to old products, or have those products changed an ingredient?)
2) fibers or chemicals in the clothes (lycra, dyes, wool, synthetics, chemicals such as formaldehyde)
3) metal embelishments like studs on jeans or zippers (reactions to nickel or potassium dichloride in metal can cause a reaction at the source or just away from it). Nickel in one's diet can exacerbate this as well.
4) soaps or lotions (the pressure points in your clothes could be irritating an area sensitive to ingredients in those products.)
Michelle
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I didn't start to show with my first pregnancy until between 3-4 months. I showed earlier with my next pregnancies, partly because I started at a lower weight than with the first, and just because you tend to show a little earlier with subsequent pregnancies.
It's hard to wait to show at the beginning, because you want to be able to wear the preg. clothes and for the world to know. Then, by the end, you get sick and tired of having to wear those clothes, and just want to have that baby in your arms!
Pregnancy is such an amazing time...Enjoy!
Michelle
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I agree with you that baby 411 isn't my style of parenting. I was given the book for hosting a shower. I do read the Dr. Sears books and it was in the Dr. Sears sleep book where I read that the only allergen that could affect a baby through breast milk is wheat/gluten. I'm not doubting that peanuts/milk/soy and other things go through the milk, but from what I have read if the baby will end up being allergic to peanuts/milk/soy and the mom eats those things while breastfeeding, the baby won't get sick.
Earlier you claimed you read it in "Baby 411" and said that the only allergen that gets into breastmilk is wheat. Can you point out where in Dr. Sears books you're getting this info?
However if the baby has celiac and the mom eats gluten the baby will get sick. You said below that your friend's second baby got sick when he first had peanuts, but not when she was breastfeeding. That was the only point I was trying to make, that the baby wouldn't get sick from breastfed peanuts.Dr Sears has written about allergens (milk especially) getting into breastmilk. The significance of allergens in breastmilk is that it presents the first exposure. Giving the food orally is the second exposure. It takes two exposures to develop allergy: one for sensitization, and then the allergy presents itself on the second exposure. I can use my son's penicillin allergy as an example as well. It wasn't through breastmilk, but crossed the placenta...he was first exposed during birth (I had penicillin during surgery) and then when he was given his first penicillin for ear infection, he had an immediate reaction. The doctor was very surprised it happened that way. When I had asked what to look for for allergy, she had told me, "oh, babies won't react with their first dose!"
Michelle
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I also read this in "Baby 411" on Sunday. Baby 411 also said that restricting peanuts when breastfeeding does not reduce the risk of the baby developing a peanut allergy. They again say that you only need to avoid foods that you are allergic to. They do say if your baby has sensitive skin to not use lotions that contain peanuts.
I don't know much about "Baby 411" since it wasn't around when I had my babies. I will take a peek at the book at the store, but given the reviews I read, it sounds as if the advice is quite one-sided and some of the practices they advocate are opposite to my style of parenting. If you are looking for a good resource book, "The Baby Book" by Dr. William Sears is a good all-around book for baby care. I found the style was very supportive of many choices in parenting, and gave good, balanced information. It's got good info on breastfeeding, calming baby, observing for allergy issues, etc. Dr. Sears also has good books on pregnancy and birth. Dr Sears also has website with tons of good info: Open Original Shared Link
Michelle
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I talked to a geneticist a fww weeks ago and asked her about the peanut thing. She said it is a myth that mom should avoid peanuts when pregnant. She said the only reason a pregnant mom should avoid peanuts is if she herself has a peanut allergy, not if there is a risk for one. I also read this in "Baby 411" on Sunday. Baby 411 also said that restricting peanuts when breastfeeding does not reduce the risk of the baby developing a peanut allergy. They again say that you only need to avoid foods that you are allergic to. They do say if your baby has sensitive skin to not use lotions that contain peanuts.
Studies on peanut proteins in breastmilk found exactly that: peanut proteins in breastmilk. Open Original Shared Link This is one of many sources I found during my search, and was big news the year after I had my second son. I already new that I needed to watch what I ate during breastfeeding when I had my first son 2 years before that.
Of course avoiding peanut products during pregnancy & breastfeeding for me was easy since I was allergic. A friend of mine wasn't so lucky. She had no problems with eating peanuts with her first child, and ate peanuts constantly during her second pregnancy and during breastfeeding of her second child. He ended up with a severe peanut reaction to his first food introduction to peanuts. Perhaps the studies are wrong, and her ingestion of peanuts played no role in it, but wouldn't it make sense, if there is a family history of allergies, to be careful about your own diet and what you feed your child to reduce the risk of developing specific allergies?
Michelle
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Just wanted to add in a little different perspective. My son was born with celiac and my daughter's was triggered after her open heart surgery. We didn't figure it out with my son until he was 3, but at the same time my daughter was having issues so they kinda co-diagnosed each other and I went gluten-free while nursing her and her symptoms improved. We tried multiple formulas and NOTHING could be tolerated by either of them. I fully intended to breast feed, but my daughter's health meant I had to pump, and I did so for 17 mos. There were many times that my supply ran dangerously low, so we would try to supplement with formula. Even the elemental and hypallergenic ones made her very sick. At 16 mos. she was finally able to tolerate Neocate and is still on that. Just make sure the baby can tolerate formula if your wife decides not to breastfeed. I would have pumped for Megan either way, but I really didn't have a choice. I think that is fairly common in celiac babies. My son didn't have her heart problems, but the very few formulas we tried him on made him very ill. I just gave up on the formulas and nursed him until he was 20 mos. It was easier with him becuase he could nurse and my supply wasn't an issue. Hope some of this helps!
This is where a milk bank may have helped...when mom is struggling to provide pumped milk for a sick baby, and artificial baby milk (formula) is inappropriate or not tolerated.
I had the benefit of using donated milk when my eldest was first born. We didn't want to introduce formula because of the potential for allergies, but his weight had dropped too much and my milk wasn't coming in yet due to my c-section (delays milk by a few days.) I was very fortunate that, once the milk was in my supply was more than adequate and my son regained his lost weight quickly. But it was good to know that the milk bank was available (in Vancouver, BC)...and especially good to know that the babies that really needed it (premies, infants with serious health problems, allergies, intolerances, etc) could get donated milk to help them heal, rather than relying on supplementing mom's milk with artificial baby milk.
There really needs to be more milk banks in North America (milk banks are currently located here: Open Original Shared Link). However, the milk banks are struggling to stay open and available as they are...and are always in need of donations of milk from healthy moms and in need of funding.
Michelle
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) they tested him just to rule it out. Doc said his antibodies were through the roof. Interesting how the doctors don't want to test unless there is a family history and what is the percentage of Celiacs that go undianosed? Anyway, I know with my insurance I have the right to request a specialist and the primary doc. has to give me a referral to see one. Have you been to a GI yet?
Temperature Chart
in Related Issues & Disorders
Posted
Perhaps try taking your basal temperature...it is a more accurate view of your body temp, because during the day your temp can shift based on activity levels. You'll need a basal thermometer (it gives more accurate readings). To get an accurate basal temp you need to take your temperature upon waking before you get out of bed. It is important that you get a minimum 4 hours of uniterrupted sleep before taking your temp as well.
If I recall correctly, my basal temp was often below 97F. It's been a long time since I've bothered taking my basal temp, because after having kids I rarely got 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Michelle