Our Milk/Soy Free Journey -PICS added

[Mydreamcametrue]

Officially I have DH on my side to eliminate all dairy and soy (hidden is all we were doing anyhow) from Tyler's diet.

I would like to keep track of our progress here (hope it is okay )

12-7-2008
 Started Milk/Soy Free Diet

12-8-2008

Today he has been an angel.  Gosh, I think he maybe cried and fussed 10 minutes. 
Breakfast - Eggs, Turkey Bacon
Snack - Ritz crackers, graham crackers
Lunch - 1 plain hamburger pattie, madarin oranges
Snack - Banana, Apple, crackers
Dinner - Spegetti (made with Prego - safe), 2 cresent rolls (Pillsbury, which are safe, brocolli
Bedtime Treat - 2 Homemade Peanut butter cookies (safe)

Water, juice and Rice Milk.

*Note:  He did have sugar and fruit combined today within 4 hours of each other, which we were told to avoid by the Food Intolerance test.  He seemed fine though.

--------  Bed at 7:00 with no problems.
---------- Rash is still on face

Let's see what time he wakes tom morning.

[Spectra]

Ooo I hope he does well tomorrow for you!

[Vicku]

Good luck hun!

[Mydreamcametrue]

Well he woke up 4:00 this morning and would not go back to sleep   He is deft. ready for 1 nap a day.

Breakfast he ate:  2 eggs with ham, 1 mini pancake (all made safe)
Snack:  Ritz crackers
Lunch:  1 safe hotdog, fruit
Rice milk, water and juice

He has been fussy today, but I am almost certain that was from a sucker he got from the bank. 

The rash on his face, arms and legs are still there, but do not feel nearly as rough.

I am giving it a full 2 weeks!

Wendy

[Mydreamcametrue]

Well he woke early from his nap, Zach woke him up or I think.  Anyhow, he was unbearable ever since :-0 

His face looks awful.  He ate safe sepegetti, cresent rolls and a few vegetables for dinner.

I just wonder if maybe it is just something else.  Maybe he has a bad allergy to dust mites or something.  He is always rolling around on the carpet. 

[binxyboo]

I would stick with it for a while...you know sometimes things look worse before they get better...

HUGS

[Mydreamcametrue]

Here are some pics from today.  I know I am not going to see instant results, but I would have suspected some improvement within 3 days, just a little.

[Alison_3]

So glad DH is on board.  That should make things a bit easier knowing he's behind you.  I'll be here following along and I agree, stick with it and I hope you see improvements ASAP. 
 

[Mydreamcametrue]

I am going to stick with it.  If I don't see any change, I am just going to say the heck with everything and try Plan B. 

Plan B is....  FEED him lots and lots and whatever.  Our Ped. seems to think he needs more to eat and is fussy because he is so hungry and his skin is just KP - Kerotosis Pilaris. 

We go for our 15 month check-up on Friday and I don't think he has gained any weight since he was 12 months. 

He was always in the 90% for weight and had dropped to 50% and told me I was not feeding him enough.

So we shall see.

[*Natasha*]

Wendy have you thought that the rash could be an allergic reaction to soap?
My DH and DD1 get these rashes too as soon as i eliminated soap in bath and washing powder it has been great no problems.

[binxyboo]

Hmmmm, not all that sure about what your paed said. For a start, he was TINY when he was born, so he hasn't always been on the 90%, he just had tremendous gain in the early months. And Riley has gained about 10lbs in the past 2.5 years total, if that!

What were you feeding him that led her to make that comment?

[Mydreamcametrue]

Natasha:  I have thought about that and have changed to Cetaphil soap and All Clear detergent. 

Hi Michelle:  He had always been such a bigger boy, well soon after he was born.  He is now 15 months and is 23 pounds. 

- I think at that point, at 12 months.  I was avoiding dairy, soy and wheat.  I tried it then for 2 weeks and saw no improvement.  That is when she told me "The kid is hungry, feed him"  "There is nothing you can do for this "rash", it is a classic case of KP, nothing you feed him will change that".

So that is when I switched to Lactaid Whole Milk.  He then woke up covered front to back in poop.  At the same time though, Zach had just gotten over a stomach bug.  So I thought maybe it was that.  We tried again and the same thing happened.

I mean does it look like an allergy rash or should I just not really worry. 

[binxyboo]

I have no idea...I would stick to what you are doing for at least 2 weeks, if not more, then see where you are at. Riley still gets rough patches when he eats too much dairy, he is handling it better now he is older though.

This stuff can drive you nuts if you think about it too much!

I mean, do you think he is hungry? I presume you let him eat his fill of safe foods.

[Alison_3]

It's so hard to know what to do...I gave Charlie yogurt the other day for the first time in weeks and his face is a mess and he was up a few times during the night, plus yucky diapers. 

I agree about giving it two weeks and go from there.  You're doing a great job!

[Mydreamcametrue]

  Thanks. 

Yeah it just makes you wonder because when he was at my sisters for the weekend (about 2 weeks ago), she fed him anything and everything.  Pizza, Cheese toast, french fries, hot dogs, pancakes, eggs.

She said he was an angel, slept great, did not wake up at all in the middle of the night, never ever fussed. 

Sometimes I wonder if it is just me   Maybe I should not really worry and do what she did and see how it goes.  Maybe I am just trying to hard to find a reason he is so fussy and not really focusing on him and putting my mind on playing and enjoying him.

[binxyboo]

Hugs, this whole thing is frustrating.

I thought Tyler had a reaction when you got him home? Is that unusual for him that the reaction be delayed? He does seem to go through periods where he seems fine and you seem so happy about it all....any ideas what is going on at those times that makes it different? Maybe he wasn't fussy there because he was in a different environment...he probably got lots of attention that, as a Mom, it is sometimes hard to do all the time, because as well as taking care of the kids, you are trying to run the household etc. If she just had him for the weekend, it would be easier to just dedicate more time to him kwim? But the physical reaction symptoms, are they often delayed?

I think it is so hard at this age. I am constantly questioning whether or not Kate is having a reflux flare-up, whether it's just general teething issues, just having an off-day or whatnot.

I don't know...I don't like the look of that rash. I would be trying the elimination diet too, if it were me.

[Mydreamcametrue]

Hey Michelle:  Tyler did great at my sisters, but when he got home his face looked really bad.  Then it started to clear up, because I removed all dairy and soy. The next week, we went to my mom's and that is where he had the reaction to vienna sausage's.  His face looked AWFUL and they are MSP free. 

I just don't know anymore....   

[Jimbob]

Wendy if it helps it took around 2 weeks before wwe saw any improvement in James's skin after removing dairy and probably about 4 weeks before you could see a major difference. It is hard but I have to say I don't think it is because Tyler is hungry either, obviously I could be wrong though. It is hard when you are trying to figure it all out especialy when you are getting mixed opinions from medical professionals.

Kelly

[Naomismom]

I am in the same boat going off dairy and soy.     Don't Ritz crackers have butter in them?  It might be worth going 100% DF/SF (even cutting out veg oil and butter) for a week or two just so you can know once and for all.

[Mydreamcametrue]

Ritz crackers are safe.  They only list Wheat as an allergen and soy liecthin (which is supposed to be okay).
 
Okay so BAD news.  I gave up today   I know... But with all the mixed messages I am getting from our doctors, I figured I would try Plan B until we see the allergist again on Jan. 9th.

So today he did have about 1/2 yogurt and some hidden dairy.  That is it. 
He seems VERY happy right now and no signs of a reaction.  I know it may be delayed, but... 

We also go for his 15 mos. check-up Friday and will dicuss things with the Ped. then.

I am still going to record everything here though, just to see If I notice a pattern or anything.

I know... I should have not gave up and will not see instant results, but the just wants to eat. 

[Mashi]

Wendy, just a thought with those pics and you mentioning that you thought it would be clear by now - my paed told us that it could take MONTHS for some babies, it depends on how much damage has been done from the food, or how serious the allergy or was for instance.  He said that we shouldn't even have HOPES that my DS's rash will clear for at least 2 months, which he said is half as long as he's been exposed to the food for (ie/ he was 4 months old at the time). Anything sooner than that and we should be thrilled.

I hope that doesn't make you feel down or anything, but just wanting to tell you not to get too down on it because it could just take a while to clear up. If it's not getting any worse than that's surely a great sign?

[Mydreamcametrue]

I will see how he is in the morning.  Last night after being milk/soy free for 3 days, his rash was looking worse. 

This morning he woke and it looked fine.  As the morning went on, it looked more and more red. 

It may truly be just KP, but I would have thought the dermatologist would have said that.  She felt it was exzema. 

I will see what the Ped says on Friday and how he does until then. 

[Mashi]

Wendy is it possible that his eczema is just eczema, and that it's not being caused by the milk/soy?  Eczema isn't always allergy related, it can just be a condition on it's own - do you think that's a possibility?  Or if it is caused from something that it is a detergent, a cologne or perfume one of you are wearing, a toy he's rubbing on his face, etc?

[em_here]

Wendy, just seen this and wanted to add some hugs and support xxxxxxx

[Mydreamcametrue]

  Thank you Emma

- So yes it is deft. possible it could just be KP or eczema.  I know he had tons of issues with regular milk based formula's as a baby and always have seem to have problems with milk products. 

BUT...  So far no reaction from the yogurt I gave him yesterday.  Normal poop, no gas at all. 

He woke up this morning and his skin looked perfectly clear :-0  Really...  Then as the morning has went on, it has gotten redder, but not as dry as it has been. 

Also it is December and it has been almost 70 degrees here the past 2 days.  The humididty is high and I read that KP is better in higher humididty.

So who knows....

All we can do is try and see.

[scarlettsmom]

Hi Wendy - just sending some (((hugs))) you're a great mama trying to figure this out!  I'm also interested in watching your progress because we'll be in the same boat soon when we start solids...

 

[Mydreamcametrue]

I am following along with you also. 

So Tyler's system may have outgrown the milk/soy problem.  He has had no gas at all. 

Not counting on anything though, but today has been a PERFECT day with him.  No crying, fussing, nothing...

He has ate 2 really good solid meals that really filled him up. 

[scarlettsmom]

Wow - that's aweesome!!  May it long continue!  (...gives me lots of hope too) 

[Jimbob]

Wendy, I realy hope it continues. You must be so pleased to see him happy and content today.

Kelly

[Alison_3]

I hope it continues.  I was so happy to read this!   

[Mydreamcametrue]

Well Day 2 of adding whole milk in and going with Plan B.

:-0  HE HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER.  No joke.  We had the BEST day we have had in a very long time.  Weird....

He took a great afternoon nap, he helped me clean today, he ate great. 

SO......  the other thing that I have done is not given him eggs.  Maybe that was the problem.  He has been eating egg yolks since 7/8 months and egg whites since 11 months old.

- Today he had 1/2 yogurt and a total of 4oz. of whole milk. 

- He did wake up at 4:00 this morning and would not go back to sleep.  He has been waking up though for about a month. 

I hope he sleeps longer tonight.

[Jimbob]

Fingers crossed for a nice long sleep.

Kelly

[Alison_3]

Great news that he was so happy!  Yuck on the early wakings.  Hopefully it's just a phase or the one nap transition.  How's the one nap going? 

[Spectra]

Yay, that's awesome!

[Mydreamcametrue]

Well he woke up at 5:00 this morning, so not to bad. 

He is now down for his nap. 

He is still having a quick catnap in the morning, just to get him through.

We had his 15 month check-up and the Ped. we saw today, said she deft. though his skin was the KP.  I guess like with anything, everyone tells you something different.

So I am adding more and more whole milk to his rice milk and offering more yogurt and so far he is doing excellent!!!  He has not pooped though, so I am really hoping he does not get constipated.  If he does though, I know we can treat that.

[maisy]

wendy , I am glad you have had a great few days with your boy!

It is so hard feeling like you are going round and round in circles, you are awesome for trying so hard to find something to help him

x x x x

[Mydreamcametrue]

Thank you Lee Ann

So the rest of the day has been great.  Just blows me away because Tyler seems happier now. 

Maybe like I said before.  I was stressing way to much about why he was so fussy and my mind was always on that.  Now not worrying about everything little thing that he eats, he and I are both more relaxed.

It is 8:30 and he is down for the night.  We road around and looked at Christmas lights tonight and he did excellent.  :-0  Normally he is so fussy in the car.

[MLK]

I hope you don't mind me adding some experience on going milk free. It's not only the calcium I found I had to supplement, it was also riboflavin. I had riboflavin deficiency when I gave up milk even though I was taking a supplement with the RDI!

[Jimbob]

I am so happy for you Wendy. It has come at a great time aswell with being so close to christmas now. I really hope it carries on and you can all really enjoy christmas together.

Kelly

[Mydreamcametrue]

Interesting about the riboflavin, I bet others have not consireded that.

GUESS WHAT:  He woke up at 6:00 this morning

[Alison_3]

 
So happy!!!
What a wonderful Christmas gift for you and your family!
 

[scarlettsmom]

Excellent news Wendy!!    I am so thrilled for you and your little guy....!!!

[Jimbob]

That is great news. IIt just sems to be getting better and better for you. I am so pleased.

Kelly

[Mydreamcametrue]

Poor boy is having a reaction from his shots   He has been running a fever of 103.00 and comes down with Tylenol and Motrin and then back up to 103 in 3 hours.

Still doing great on milk though, we are on all Whole Milk now.

[Spectra]

What shots were those?

[Mydreamcametrue]

His MMR shot, first flu shot and a third shot that he has had before.

[Spectra]

Ahhh.  Hudson just his today!  We stayed there for 30min longer to make sure he didn't have a bad reaction due to the egg, but he was fine.  When did you boy get his shots?

[Jimbob]

James had a high temp following his second MMR. He also ended up with hives from head to toe, luckily piriton sorted that out. I hope Tyler is back to his new happy self soon.

Kelly

PS so glad the mmilk is going so well.

[Mydreamcametrue]

Thanks Kelly, ME TOO!!!

Mel, He had his shot on Friday, the fever started the next day and has lasted for 72 hours now.  I took him to the doctor and they seem to think he came down with a virus. 

I still think it was from either the flu or the MMR shot.  I am not going to take him back for his 2nd flu shot. 

SO:  Milk is still going good, pooping normal, everything.  Well of course unless all of this is from milk, but I don't think so.