Flu Shot DENIAL

Since Henry is allergic to eggs and egg is one of the components in the flu shot, we had to go and get skin tested with the batch that they would be potentially giving him. Well, his little sensitive skin reacted which meant he COULD get the shot. But, it would have to be done in a series of 7 intramuscular shots with 15 minutes in between each one. AND then 30 minutes after the last one to make sure he wasn't reacting. That's about 3 hours worth of sitting in the office with an active toddler getting stuck over and over again. It really seemed more like torture to him than good, so I consulted the allergist and decided against it. He said that if I watch Henry very closely for signs of the flu and get him in the office within 48 hours, then he could get Tamiflu on board and hopefully lessen the impact of the flu. Brad and I have both had our flu shots and I will be taking every precaution to keep him well this winter. I am having a little bit of guilt now, but know that I made the right decision for Henry. I seriously think he would have a major doctor/shot phobia if I made him go through that. And, he is NOT asthmatic so he is not in a high risk category.

So, wish us luck this winter!

Allergy Update

I wanted to give an update on Henry's newly diagnosed food allergies. Several weeks ago at H's 12 month checkup he was diagnosed with egg, milk, and beef allergies. This was determined by a blood test ordered by his pediatrician. While we trusted the word of the ped, he is not a specialist and really had no advice for me other than a website to reference for my MANY MANY questions.

Brad and I discussed our options and talked to other parents and were referred to Dr. Thomas Harper. He is, in a word, AWESOME. He's an allergist that specializes in pediatrics and is clearly in tune with the special needs of a toddler. Kind of goofy acting and just able to connect with Henry. We saw him on Friday and had a battery of skin tests as well as blood tests done. This was no "day at the park" mind you, but neccessary in order for us to figure out the best way to feed our growing boy. I go back for a conference with Dr. H on April 25 and will get definitive answers and some much needed guidance on our lifestyle change.

Now, let me say that I am aware that ALLERGIES are the business that this doc is in, so his take on this whole deal may be to the exteme. Food allergies seem to be so much more common these days and I attribute it (partly) to the EXTREMELY ANTICEPTIC world in which we live. I will not have Henry living in some "bubble" and turn him into a weirdo vegan, but I do want to get solid, professional advice and then make my own decisions on what to feed my family. The more diligent I am about keeping certain foods out of his diet, the sooner he will grow out of these allergies. I am really starting to become a pro at reading food labels, packing healthy lunches, and preparing good healthy dinners for Henry.

So, that's where we are with all of that! I'll keep you posted!

12 Month Checkup

We went to the pediatrician on Wednesday for Henry's 12 Month Checkup and got a whole lot more information than we bargained for. We got the results back from his allergy blood test and he is allergic to MILK, EGGS, and BEEF. I've had my freak out moment, but now am ready to tackle this head on. Been doing lots of research and we have an appt with a pediatric allergist in 2 weeks. Hopefully he'll be able to do more tests and give me more direction on lifestyle and eating changes.



Now on to the positive! Henry's Stats:

• Weight: 24 lbs 8.5oz (75%)
  
• Height: 30.5 inches (75%)
  

He is right on target with everything and had a great checkup otherwise! Still not walking, but showing more interest everyday.