Sadly, I’m not talking about my boobs (which are real, and well, if you know me, that’s never been an issue to warrant said headline).
No, no, “They’re Real” refers to MAM’s food allergies. Now your thinking, “Um, duh, you found out a year ago, Michelle.” And yes, we did find out a year ago this month. I was much more overwhelmed about them a year ago than I am today.
But I am sad today because, well, it’s been a year and they haven’t gone away.
It’s been a year, and with our doc’s permission, we embarked on a egg trial this month.
And Monday night, I found out we failed miserably. No, we didn’t get results of a blood test. We didn’t even get that far. Instead, we got gobs of discharge from her ear. We got a sad, crying little girl Tuesday morning. We got verification that yes, it is an ear infection, caused by congestion. Congestion that you can’t really see because it lives in her sinus cavity until it pools and festers and then starts oozing out her ear (thanks, ear tubes, better out than in!). And since it’s not cough/cold season, she hasn’t been in close quarters with anyone’s who’s been ill and she has no environmental allergies, the damn chickens are to blame.
So no more eggs. And she’s so miserable, I don’t really EVER want to give her an allergen trial again. Ever. So I am packing her “snack box” for school next week, writing out her medical form, thinking about the best way to handle special events at school that will keep her healthy. And the best way to avoid labeling myself “crazy food allergy mom”. I don’t want to be that mom. But I have a funny feeling I will evolve into such.
Mom guilt is alive and well in my heart–why did we do an egg trial anyway? So that it’s easier for me? So that I have one more option to feed her for breakfast and lunch? Because I’d love to bake even just a smidgen and have it taste good? Because I’d like to go out for breakfast sometime?
Logically, I know that eggs would be a good addition to her diet–if they don’t knock her socks off and lay her out on the couch for three days. But wow–it will be a good year, if not longer before we try another allergen again.
Oh, I’m so sorry! I KNOW about those food trials – bad results totally suck.
I’m assuming you know this, but I’ll mention it just in case … you CAN combine water/oil/baking soda to make an egg substitute for baking (it really doesn’t taste bad baked) … and hubby just found a liquid egg substitute that our kiddo can have (we haven’t tried it yet so I can’t give you a product review).
And don’t worry about being crazy allergy mom. As you well know, it’s just something we deal with. I know that when I’m calm and explain things fully to new people, things go very well. And kiddo’s school has been FABULOUS with his numerous allergies – they really go out of their way to take care of him. I’m sure you’ll find the same thing when school starts. 🙂
Oh no…that’s too bad Michelle. I’m sorry.
And you become Crazy Allergy Mom if you have to…better that than have her be miserable and sick from a reaction!
Oh, Sweetie, you can’t be crazy food allergy mom because MAM’s allergies are real, hence You Are Not Crazy!
Oh that stinks! My cousin was allergic to milk and eggs (he is 25 now and I think grew out of it).
Don’t worry about being the crazy food allergy mom, your child’s health is more important that some parents rolled eyes (my mom was a teacher and happy to accomodate)!
On the other hand can I suggest a book called Sinfully Vegan? Awesome, awesome dessert book. All vegan recipies so no eggs. Another is called Down to Earth but that is food and desserts. I was vegan for quite some time and enjoyed these lots!
ICLW!
oh no! poor girl!! ohh food allergies can be so frustrating!
here from ICLW
As I teacher in an elementary school, I am familiar with the “crazy allergy mom”. And you know what? It’s exactly your job to be that mom!! I would MUCH rather work with a parent who is “overly” concerned about their child than not concerned enough. Do what you need to do!
So sorry to hear that the trial didn’t go well.
(ICLW) I’m sorry you’re having trouble with her allergies. And you’re not crazy–allergies are real (as you’ve figured out) and other people (who don’t have a connection to someone with allergies) need to start realizing that too.
Coming over from ICLW…
Sorry about the allergies. Don’t worry about being labeled crazy. It’s your precious child. 🙂
I’m so sorry the food trial didn’t end well. I’m a first grade teacher who deals with “crazy allergy moms” all the time, and I know those moms aren’t crazy–they’re just being good moms. Schools want children to be safe and I’m sure your daughter’s will do what they have to do to keep her well. I had students with milk, eggs, nuts, and soy allergies this year. For birthdays, some of my students bring a special snack from home. Others have one stored in the freezer at school. For class parties, we had a list of treats that everyone could eat. One of the most popular treats at our holiday party was a florist foam cone covered with fresh strawberries (on toothpicks) so it looked like a tree with a non-dairy topping “snow” around the base.
Me again! Would you be willing to have this post put up on the Bridges blog? I think it would be perfect for the allergy section of that site, and Mel (the editor) just needs your permission to use it. Let me know if this is something you’d be comfortable with. 🙂
(Popping in from Bridges…)
Food allergies can be so crazy. Sorry it’s so difficult. One of my nephews is allergic to dairy and soy, his brother is allergic to eggs. The one is starting to grow out of the dairy allergy, but very slowly. So far the other allergies are staying strong.
It’s so frustrating, especially when it’s products that are so common.
Ugh, that sounds awful! My oldest had terrible ear infections, so I can so relate with that.
My youngest gets them badly too. She must have a high tolerance for pain though because we either catch them on accident or by the time she complains the drs say her ear drum is about to burst.
I hope your daughter feels better soon. Thankfully we don’t have food allergies, just regular allergies year round + asthma.
I'm sorry to hear the trial didn't go well 🙁 My little guy is allergic to eggs, tree nuts & fish – the world can be a scary place when we get new results, until we figure out how to deal and live in the world.
I've had some great results with egg-free baking – I make my own energ-G egg replacer – mind you I do enjoy baking in any case. I hope to post some more recipes etc on my blog soon – I'll pop in & share the link if I get that far.
Many kids do grow out of egg allergy (my SIL outgrew it about 16 yo, but most outgrow it younger). It's not so much fun but it is possible to live well.
I'm sending you big big hugs, from another mom who is there …