Friday, August 04, 2006

Trusting our Gut

So we got the allergy tests back and of course they are all negative. I know we should be all elated and stuff, but I can honestly say I feel no different than I did before we did the testing. I know that RAST tests are rarely accurate, especially when performing them on a child Emma's age. Still, we did them just in case (and because our doctor suggested it).

Does this convince me she's not allergic to anything? Nope. I don't care if I sound like a Hypochondriac or not -- I KNOW her tummy does not like certain foods and for that reason, we're going to steer clear of a few things. Milk, eggs and peanuts will have to wait for now, and we're avoiding acidic, citrus fruits because they seem to irritate her acid reflux. I'm also skipping the chocolate on her birthday. That was one thing she definitely couldn't tolerate when I was nursing, and I don't want her to suffer on her big day.

HOWEVER, we are moving forward with meats and other veggies. I'm also going to continue to slowly introduce foods into her diet, but not the 7-day procedure we used before. I'll probably do more like 3 days, just to make sure.

I have to admit that Jeff and I were a little hesitant to tell everyone about the test results because it's amazing how many people think they know the answer to Emma's issues when they really have no idea what we've gone through. Trust me, we've thought of and tried everything. I know people are just trying to help, but how come they always end up making us feel like we're overreacting? Maybe it's our own insecurity as parents... I don't know.

Anyway, thanks to my new blogging friend Lori , I was encouraged to share with ya'll and stand firm on what my instincts are telling me. After all, that's how we found Emma's thrush and reflux and eventually, her milk intolerance/allergy. It was hard being a first-time mom and convincing people "something wasn't right," but in the end, the best decision was trusting my gut.

That doesn't mean I don't believe Emma will grow out of all of this. And, sure, maybe the RAST test indicates that. But there's no reason why we need to rush into anything if Jeff and I aren't comfortable yet. We may get brave and try soy yogurt in a few weeks, but for now, I want to get some meat (protein) in her.

Was that a rant or what? Let's make this a bit lighter with some photos. I'm going to post quite a few so a few family members can get what they call their "Emma fix" while we're gone a vacation this coming week. Hopefully this holds ya'll over!!!


Cheese!

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Sooooo Big!
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MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAH!

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Lovin' her "dady"...
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Yeah for me!
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Mix it up DJ Emma!
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10 comments:

Glass Half Full said...

The photos are beautiful!! The so big one is cute and you little girl smile is precious.

Again, trust your instincts and always be alert!! You will find answers soon enough. Hang in there!!!

Anonymous said...

You guys are doing a GREAT job by trusting your instincts. That little girl is the happiest she could be. Keep up the great work.

By the way we loved babysitting the other night; call us anytime! :)

Love you guys. Have a safe trip!

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

I know most people are well-meaning when trying to throw out so many "answers" to your problem, and I do hope a good suggestion comes along that helps figure out what's going on... she is adorable!

Always go with YOUR mommy instinct first above anything else (including the doctor!)

Amy said...

I am a RN and I can tell you that it's so important to read and be an advocate for your child. We had alleriges with my oldest and reflux with my youngest. I need to read more in your blog to see how things are going. Hang in there. Just when you think you have it figured out . . . It gets frustrating. Blessings Amy

Anonymous said...

You're right to trust your gut. Our Adam has several food allergies, and the first time around, one was missed (or it developed later). Everyone's opinions drove me nuts! Our daughter also has a disease that causes some nasty intestinal issues...another thing that everyone else seems to have the answers to...except us! :) YOU are the parents, and YOU know that little girl better than anyone! I hope things work out for you guys. Have a great vacation...I'm so jealous that all my 'blog' friends can actually go more than 1/2 an hour away from home right now! :)

Anonymous said...

Well you know I back you up 100% as we used to receive all the helpful advice too, grrr. I was kinda wishing the tests would show something concrete, not that I'm hoping Emma always has allergies, I just know how frustrating it is trying to guess at this stuff. But it sounds like you are really in tune and able to pick up on the problem foods.

And thanks for the photos, not sure if it'll hold me over while your on vacation but it helps none the less. Have a great time! Give my love to Emma and Jeff! xoxo

Anonymous said...

I have three children. With the first, I followed the "book" & the pediatricians rules/advice to a "T". With the second, I loosened up & realized "hey, this is MY child". With the third, I had the mentality "who really cares & who gives a flyin' flip what others think????" (I wish I would have known/done all that with my first one.) You go girl! I commend you for doing what YOU know is right. YOU are the mom (& of course, your hubby too:). I am so sick & tired of everyone having their unwanted opinions & feeling the need to express them. Keep your opinions to yourself!?!? And my favorite quote of all time "oh, I'm sorry, is this YOUR baby???". Made that one up myself. LOL! Your daughter is beautiful. I will be back to visit your blog again, but I won't vent so much! LOL! :)

Jen said...

Absolutely trust yourself! Even though I totally believe my peditrician is worth his weight in gold, I have pushed because I knew something "wasn't right" And a good doc will listen to mom.

I know several kiddos with super-severe allergies and here's BIG prayers that will not be the case with Miss Emma :-)

Butterfly Mama said...

What a beautiful girl! Good job to Mom and Dad to trust your instincts. That has been hard for us as first time parents too.

Allie said...

Mommy always knows best! My mom always said that to me as a child and now always tells me that when I am looking for encouragement as a parent. There are times that I felt that I was some hypocondriac always searching for something wrong with my son, but you know what? Every time my instinct has lead me to validity.

It took a year of pleas, multiple doctor's visits and finally a doctor that listened to test my son for reflux. I still feel guilty after a year (he is almost 2 now) that he went through a year of dealing with severe reflux without the simple help of Zantec and Prevacid.

The lesson that I have learned is that I know my child best as do all other Moms. Keep your chin up as your daughter is beautiful and so very much loved by Mommy and Daddy!