milk and soy allergys

Jennifer - posted on 11/25/2008

I just read your post and was wondering how the allergist appointment went. I have a 4yr son that we pretty much knew there was going to be something on the dairy allergy before he was born, I could not have an dairy during the pregnancy, and then after he was born I could not have any dairy while nursing. When it came time to introduce dairy, we had a really rough time because the pedatrician did not believe me. We to went to the hospital with blood in his stool, and then found out that soy did the same. We have been using rice milk and other rice products since, and have not had one problem. Rice milk is slightly more expensive, (cheapest place to buy is Wal-Mart) but it pays off not to have anymore issues. The is so many alternatives now, that it makes life easier on us, Also a GREAT cook book is called Special recipies for special kids. It gives all the alternatives to use in everyday style meals. Good luck in your adventure through allergies, and hopefully you are able to get the needed resources early on.

Suzanne - posted on 11/25/2008

My boy had been battling eczema from about 3 weeks old and the doc told me this could be a sign of an allergy or just sensitive skin. Since my dad and I have sensitive skin I just went with that. Well, at 3 months he got a hold of a child's bottle at daycare and took a sip of real milk. He went into anaphylactic shock and swelled up like a balloon; luckily it happened 2 minutes before I got there so I was able to rush him to the hospital which was 3 blocks away. The allergist did a prick test the next day and found out it was milk and eggs. Then to confirm those results we had blood work done. Since then he has been a happy and healthy kid!

Tammy - posted on 11/21/2008

I will tell you that my now 6 year old daughter has had to battle allergies her entire life. She has a soy allergy--we were repeatedly told that it was rare so much so that the allergist insisted I continue eating soy--I stopped nursing her at 16 months. I don't remember the exact reason why we just did....she didn't get any blood serum screen/ allergy skin testing until 3 years old. If you test earlier there is always the possibility of a false result. This is because they still have immunities from birth that frequently test them as not having the allergy rather than having it. Abby's blood serum test revealed allergy to soy protein only. I then reintroduced things back into her diet and she seemed to do ok. As for eczema break outs I have come to the realization that whenever anything changes her normal environments--like going to grandma's, just before teething, seasonal weather changes (summer to fall worst then winter to spring). Her body has a difficult time with those changes. This fall has been the same she looks awful and we treat the symptoms in the fall because there is no reason why she is breaking out...but you can see it clear as sunlight. I have four daughters and will tell you that the one I nursed past 2 years is the only one without eczema or food problems. Our second born was nursed for 20 months and has sometimes had eczema. My first born has no food allergies but gets eczema every spring and everytime she gets a cold she was nursed for 13 months, and my 3rd born for 16 months and has a terrible time with both eczema and food. My best advice is to continue nursing through this no matter what it really is the best thing you can do for an allergy prone child. I hope this helps.

Tricia - posted on 11/20/2008

I read your last post and I have to agree with Shontell--skin allergie testing and the blood tests test for a lactose allergy they can't test for the protein allergy --which is what causes the blood in the stool. First your child makes mucus as a protective barrier and then the blood comes when the mucus is no longer protective. Both of my sons have the protein allergy to soy and dairy. Both have been on Neocate and my oldest is now on Elecare Jr. I would "FIGHT" with the insurance company to get it paid for--an allergist will not help-- you should see a pediatric gastrointernologist. My older child's is now covered not as a prescription but more as a medical necessity--like a walker--"durable equipment". The key is that the majority of your child's nutrition comes from the formula not the "why".

Heather - posted on 11/13/2008

Well Ladies.. I don't mean to brag but LUKE'S TESTS CAME BACK NEGATIVE!!! It means there is hope for us all!!!! I am SO happy.. its wierd though, like I forgot how to eat like a normal person! I can't get too excited yet, it probably means that it was really a SENSITIVITY instead of a true allergy, at least that what I got from the allergist. But he gave me the ok to introduce dairy and then after a week or so, if hes doing well of course, soy. Then I can even try him on a normal formula. I am still happy to help any way i can as far as what to eat (hint-Oreos are safe:) !! I HIGHLY reccommend seeing an allergist if anyone hasn't taking thier los already! Thanks so much guys! And krista, message me directly if you have any questions i may be able to help with.

Patty - posted on 11/13/2008

My son had allergy testing at 6 months after a sever allergic reaction (hives, vomiting, wheezing). I would see an allergist for some formal tests. I love his pediatriacian, but totally trust the allergist when it comes to formula and diet. I am also breast feeding snd look to them for advice on my diet as well. Good luck

Krista - posted on 11/13/2008

My ped recommended rice milk. I have also heard that dairy is one of the hardest things for our bodies to digest and that soy in boys acts like estrogen. Who knew? I certainly didn't until my 3 month old started having invisable blood in his stool. He was very fussy when he was filling his diaper and we couldnt figure out why. I just started a restrictive diet no dairy and no soy. I would appreciate some suggestions since you have already been dealing with this issue. Thanks.

Jennifer - posted on 10/27/2008

There are some good cheeses out there that contain very little milk protein. They're called Veggie Slices and I find them in the produce department. I know it's difficult to remove all milk and I was constantly tempted occasionally to just let them eat it. The longer you can go without giving her any milk, I think betters the chances of growing out of the allergy sooner. Good luck!

Candace - posted on 10/27/2008

My son is 15 months and they just conducted the allergy testing. I'm unsure if they do it prior to that......but it will really give you some answers. My son is allergic to soy, wheat, and milk......the allergy testing tells you how severe the allergy using a scale system. Since my son's wheat allergy is not as severe (it's a 2 on the scale) we can give him some wheat with no reaction. I would definitley ask about it......I think it would really help. I have been giving him a little bit of cheese everyday with no reaction......but like you, I'm scared to increase the amount. Good luck!

Tammy - posted on 10/24/2008

I have BF 3 healthy non-allergic babies, and 1 who had awful reactions/allergies. I will say had we listened to the first allergist, and put her on soy formula...she probably wouldn't be here--he said an actual soy allergy was extremely rare!!! Abby is 6 now and has had numerous blood tests that show a severe allergy to soy protein. When she was a baby she seemed reactive to all types of proteins (dairy, meat, and even wheat). When I weaned her, around 18 months old, she seemed to get worse. By the time she was 4 we had the food allergy stuff under control, until she would get a cold (normal sinus, runny nose stuff, fevers etc.) I seem to have the most problems with family members, who quite frankly don't get the concept of being allergic to something so seriously it could kill you. Abby hasn't had to use her epi-pen, but the dr. we have now says that as she gets older her reactions will become more severe. We used to be able to use benadryl to control her hives, now we have to use Atarax (it's stronger than benadryl, but avoids using steroids), so at some point I am certain when we make mistakes, her only option will be the epi-pen. Once we figured out around age 4 Abby had an allergy to amoxicillian/penicillian--which still doesn't show up on blood work--she outgrew her "reaction" to everything, except soy. At that point we saw a dietician and that made a bigger difference. I drank rice milk while nursing, sometimes I just took additional vitamin supplements and drank extra water. Water seemed to have the best effect of helping remove the "allergy" causing agent from your body, so if you make a mistake ASAP drink water, it also takes about 3-4 hours to affect (maybe it should be infect) your milk. I think drs. don't know what to do around here because so many of our mothers didn't breastfeed and they pretty much figured most of us wouldn't. I thankful for everyday that I didn't give up on nursing my baby. I hope this helps :)

Heather - posted on 10/24/2008

Thanks so much for the advice, i called insurance and they said they only cover formula if he was born with a metabolism problem or something.. Maybe this allergist will help me go to bat and get it covered! I see know why the dr said the testing isnt effective at his age though with what you said about your son's tests. I have a feeling that Luke is more sensitive to soy then milk too. I guess we will see!

Shontel - posted on 10/24/2008

That is crazy, all of those teeth and still breast feeding! Ouch! I understand how you feel about the cost. We were lucky, our insurance covers the cost of his formula, because it is a medical necessity for him, and less expensive to pay for the formula, then to have him in and out of the hospital/doctor's office. We were first sent to a gastrointestinal doctor, who is the one who prescribed his formula. Then, he sent us for all ergy testing right before he was an year old to see if we could reintroduce cow's milk. He said that the problem with these protein sensitivities, is that they do not always show up on the allergy tests, statistics are like 1 in 5 will show up on the allergy tests. As my son's allergy tests came back with him just allergic to soy, and that was even just on the prick test. My allergist said that he will eventually grow out of it, because he is just "sensitive" and not going to go into anaphalactic shock, and to just hang in there and not to even try introducing meats or anything until he is atleast 18 months old. So, depending on your insurance and your sheer determination, they may cover the formula for you. Hang in there!

Heather - posted on 10/23/2008

Thanks so much for the information! Its nice to know your not alone! I am breastfeeding him now on a very restricted diet and keep in mind, he has 6 TEETH! So obviously I am wanting to give up but just cant afford the special formula. I feel like my drs really dont know enough about this. I made an appt for him to see an allergist on Nov 13, so I will keep you posted (no pun intended:) I guess the whole thing with the blood is that the lining of the instetines is what cannot tolerate the protiens found in the cows milk and in soy, so sometimes the reaction of the linings is to bleed. From some of the things i have read, the protiens in goats milk are closer to breastmilk and more easily digested then that of cows milk. What kind of reaction do they look for with the prick test? He dosn't get hives or anything.. I am not sure what would happen, i assume it would take a while for a patch of excema to appear. I guess I am really trying to be optimistic that they find no allergies and that his reaction as a newborn was some sensitivity he has grown out of .. I know how hard it is for me to go out to eat or even at a family gathering to find food that is "safe" and i hate to think he will have to go through it his whole life, I am sure you guys know what i mean. Thanks again for being there! Please let me know if you have any questions i might be able to help with! I know you have been at this longer then me but i am a quick learner when it comes to finding food! One thing, for the future (or even now for the mommies) is an alternitive to peanut butter. Sunflower seed butter is AMAZING! I dont think i will EVER go back!

Shontel - posted on 10/23/2008

Hello!

My son is 14-1/2 months old, and I have been battling with milk and soy allergies since he was 12 weeks old, well, that is when we found out what it was. He did not have the blood in the stools, or eczema, but was extremely fussy and threw-up/diarrhea a lot. I feel for you, I know exactly what you are going through! My son was around 11 months' old when they did allergy testing, but I'm pretty sure they can do allergy testing whenever, they just draw blood, andthen do a skin prick test after that to confirm. The hardest part is finding enough skin to prick. My soon has been on Neocate, with is a dairy/soy-free formula that the doctor prescribes, is very expensive. I did not try goat's milk, as my son is allergic to the protein, not the lactose, and therefore, is also allergic to goat's milk. I tried re-introducing cow's milk when he was 1 year old and it was miserable. he was extremely fussing, gaged constantly, and had constant hiccups. His blood tests came back negative for allergy, but skin test was positive for soy, and he is considered cow's milk protein intolerant. It is very difficult to get his day care to understand they can not feed him meats/dairy/soy. Which as you know is in everything! I hope this helps, and if you have any questions, I'm here anytime!

Jenifer - posted on 10/23/2008

I have a 18mo old son and he has already had allergy tests done when he was 10 months, called a prick test, they prick there back and add a very small amount of the allergen and see if there is a reaction, there are more extensive test that can be done with blood work, that he will have around 2. They might even start allergy shots, when he goes at 2. He is allergic to milk, soy, nuts, eggs, and some veggies.Im just thankful he is not allergic to wheat! I have never heard of having blood in the stools because of allergies. But my son does have eczema, it got lots better after we knew what he was allergic to and could avoid it. We use Renew lotion my Melaleuca, it works very well(believe me I have tried almost everything) My allergist said to stay away from goats milk, it has some of the same proteins found in cows milk. We use Rice Milk, it costs more than cows milk, around $8.00 a gallon, I have found it for around $6.00 a gallon. My son (18 months) is still on special formula (Allumentum by Simalac) also expensive! About $28 a can! Because me and my allergist felt he was not getting enough viatamins, and fat for brain development, I will prob stop giving it to him soon, he is developing very well. Good luck, hope this helps!!