Seeking Other Mom's Who Have Food Allergic Children

Hi

I am a mom of 3 children ages 2, 6 and 11. My two oldest have food allergies and asthma. My 11 yr old is allergic to milk, eggs and nuts along with 2 med. allergies. My 6 yr old was diagnosed with same food allergies when he was 2 and he's now only allergic to nuts but his asthma is worse than his older brother. (He was nearly hospitalized 2 wks ago during a visit to the ER)
My sister has a 4 yr old son that is very small and thin for his age. He is a very hyper child (I believe he has ADHD) and seems to have difficulty gaining weight. He has been to numerous dr. visits to Boston to see if anything can be wrong with him. So far he has only 1 food allergy to eggs. Other than that doctors have found nothing. He has seen this nutritionist and gave my sister advice as to how to get him to gain weight. Its not easy since he rather play than sit to eat. If you could--please email me with the doctor you are currently taking your son for his allergies. I am not happy with my current allergist and would love for us to keep in contact to give each other advice. As a mom I get frustrated with the lack of concerns in school about my boys food allergies. I now home school my 6 yr old and he seems to be healthier but he will be attending 1st grade in the fall so I am mainly concerned over his asthma. When your son starts school, make sure you have a recent photo and as much info in writing about his allergies. Also, ask his teacher if and when a substitute is in the class, that this person is informed about his medical condition. Last year, when my son was in class he was unable to tell the sub. teacher that he was unable to breathe and he was bent over making a noise in which she thought he was fooling around--a teacher from next door noticed him and he was finally sent to the nurses office--very scary Well, I pray that your son has less food allergies as he gets older.
C. F.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi Ann marie,

My son is 22 mos and has around 15 food allergies (that we are aware of). We have seen a nutritionist at childrens hospital and to add fat she recommended using spectrum palm oil as a spread as well as canola/olive oils. He also drinks Elecare, but it is probably the same as Neocate?? She also recommended making things that can absorb a lot of oils like fries. I also use sunflower butter (no nuts in product or on the facility). He eats Ricera yogurt as well (no dairy, soy).

Good luck

Hi A.,

I just saw your most recent update but must not have seen the original post. I have a friend whose child had even more allergies that your son - as if that's even possible! I think it was 50-60 foods! She has had fabulous results with Reliv nutritional product! Let me know if you would like to talk to her - I can set up a phone call. I know quite a few others who have done the same thing - their kids not only gain weight, they can shed or reduce the allergies! Her name is Stephanie and she is wonderful - has done tons of research!

D.

Wow! What a lot you have to deal with. I work with young children with special needs and have seen a number of children healed of food allergies with special diets - these diets are very difficult but for some people, they heal the gut so it is able to process foods it was previously allergic or sensitive to. These diets include "Body Ecology Diet" by Donna Gates or the "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" diet...the diets are hard, but so is what you are doing now!
M.

Join the Food Allergy Network -- http://www.foodallergy.org/ if you are not already a member. My son had 5 allergies when he was just a year old and I thought that was bad. I am not sure what he can and cannot have so I can't make any suggestions! Let me know so I can help!

I found this on a web site

Metro-West Allergy & Asthma Support Group (Framingham) – www.asthmaandallergies.org/Support.html

I hope it is helpful. S. A.

Hi A.,
My son also has multiple food allergys(Nuts,Milk,egg,Soy) I found a website that has differant recipies for differant food allergys. http://www.kathysrecipebox.com . Hope that helps.
K.

Hello. My son (4) has very few allergies comparatively, but I can tell you it is hard to keep weight on him. He is allergic to dairy, egg, peanut & tree nut (that we are aware of). He also has seasonal allergies.
He has had anaph. reactions, and knows how they feel, so getting him to try new safe foods is very hard. He is fearful of a reaction. Which could be a good thing I guess.
Do they think your son may grow out of some of the allergies??? Who's your dr? Will they retest him at 5 yr? What r the 8 foods he can have?

Hi A. B,
I too have a 3 year old with multiple food allergies. He is not allergic to 40 foods but probably about 15 and possibly many more that we have not tested. He also has a very limited diet and is on Neocate JR formula. It has been a struggle to maintain his weight with so few options. Luckily he is a decent eater and does not get tired of the same foods each day. Can your son eat any meat? We have had good luck with organic meat, no nitrite hot dogs, and no nitrite cold cuts. Also, oils can add some fat to the diet. Our biggest challenge lately was that our renewal of the Neocate JR was denied by our insurance company. After a intense 3 month battle we finally won and should be all set for another year. Anyway, I completely understand your situation. The stress, strain and frustration that it adds to everyday life is overwhelming at times. Food seems to be involved in so many activities. Hopefully , he will outgrow some of the allergies, giving him more options to eat and more opportunities to gain and maintain his weight.

It was nice to hear from someone who shares this experience, Thank you!
C. S

My 3 year old has food allergies too but, not 40! Wow...I can't imagine that! My son has 4 allergies to egg, milk, wheat and peanuts...that is so hard nevermind 40...I don't have any tips except my son used to drink a pediasure type of drink called Bright Beginnings which was soy based...I would be happy to talk with you about allergies...it is frustrating...let me know...my email is ____@____.com

I have two sons. Ages 3 and 1. Both have many food allergies. My 1 year old has the most. I have many allergy cookbooks. Most days it feels like all I do is cook or think about what to feed them next. I always have to plan.

I shop at specialty stores for most of our food. I would love to chat. It is helpful to talk to others who have to deal with food allergies.

Hi. I have a highly allergic daughter as well (approximately 20 know allergenic foods). I know how overwhelming it can be and you just want the best for your child. The best thing you can do for your child is really understand what is going on with him. I encourage you to do as much reading and research on allergies as you can. Become as educated as you can on the subject because you are your childs best advocate. And remember that not all allergist are created equally. Also, there are also so many helpful allergy cookbooks available. Perhaps your nutritionist/allergist has recommended a rotation diet. This can be really beneficial and can incorporate some of the foods that he has a mild response to. I know it can be really hard - remember you're not alone. You're doing a great job!

My little guy has allergies not that many but he does have them. I would suggest you go to a nutrionist and also the book calles self help cookbook is wonderful