Update on our GI visit yesterday - does this make sense?

[momtoandrewandthomas]

Hi everyone.  We took Thomas to the GI for a follow-up yesterday and she confirmed the MSPI based on his TED with excellent tolerance over the last month.  She also agreed (finally) that he is reacting to even very small amounts of hidden soy and dairy based on my very (sometimes grossly) detailed food diary !!!!

However, she suggested we wean him off the Prevacid (15 mg a day since he was 13 months) and I agree with that.  I would love to get him off that.  The part that I don't necessarily agree with was doing a re-trial of soy and dairy in another 8 months.  What is the point if he continues to react with these following symptoms to 1/2 a cheez-it: 

This normally lasts 3-4 days:  sneezing, itching face and nose, increased reddness of eczema on his face and chin, sticky green poop with indigested bits of food and irritability.

I guess if he continues to exhibit these symptoms until that point I see no point in stressing his system to the max (we just did one when he turned 2 and it was HELL). 

My dietician friend said that usually if they have not matured by 2 it is usually by 5 or 8 years if at all.  I am just wondering if anyone has any insights or thoughts?


Jen

[Spectra]

What is TED?

[Mydreamcametrue]

Total Elimination Diet.

I would deft try to wean off the meds.  Great call.

Does he just have an intolerance or an actual allergy?

Was he ever tested.  I think you said he was. 

Personally I would NOT rock the boat.  In 8 months if you tried dairy and/or soy and he may seem fine at first and then problems later, you know.

I would keep the dairy/soy free diet as long as you can.

Are you in the US? 

[momtoandrewandthomas]

Yes we are Wendy.  I am in the same place you are.  I don't even want to try again until he is 5 (upon advice from a dietician friend).  That way he will have more time to mature and I will know more about what he is feeling (I currently have a 5 year old and he tells it all and more about everything). 

I am excited to try getting him off the meds because they are expensive.  I am a bit nervous too because I take them myself and I can't get off at all.  The stress of dealing with Thomas since he was a baby has done a number on my own digestive system.  I really want to try the probiotics on myself.  I think I may soon.

Thanks for all your help.

He is not "clinically allergic", although he demonstrates allergic symptoms with even small amounts of hidden dairy or soy.  He was tested at 13 months for all foods and none were positive.  I take my older son to the same allergist for outdoor seasonal and eczema and I really trust him.  He said it just doesn't matter and the only real way to tell is diet trial.  I know from the past month that he does not tolerate even small amounts without stress to his gut and I don't want him to be in pain.

This is the best he has been in a long time and I am thrilled to have my happy boy back.  Rocking the boat, in my opionin is stupid.  He always gains and is ahead of all motor and develpmental milestones (I am an early intervention Physical therapist).  I have no concerns now in those areas, so why change a good thing?

[em_here]

Huge hugs to you, tbh I would follow your gut, why bother stressing his system when you dont want to, its your call and I totally understand where u r coming from. I am refusing to trial dairy again with abbi until she is at least two now, although the dietician was saying just a couple of months dairy free, TOTALLY know where u r coming from xxxx

[momtoandrewandthomas]

Thanks Emma Lou.  You guys really understand!! 

[Eden&Connor'sMom]

My DS is intolerant, so I'm not sure if this can help, but if your DS is allergic, can you give him an antihistamine to stop his body from producing the histamines that cause the reaction?

[momtoandrewandthomas]

I have tried courses of Zyrtec and/or Claritin whenever I thought he was having outdoor allergic symptoms.  I noticed a lot of fatigue more than anything; however, it was when we really did not know what was going on with him soooo you may be right.  I was considering taking him back to the allergist soon for a follow up since my other son goes next month anyway.  We have not seen him for over a year.  Thanks for bringing that back to my attention!