Allergy Update

Nolan tested negative for Celiac disease.  Yea!!  However, the doctor referred us to an allergist today at Dallas Medical City.  We were lucky enough to get in today.  Quick synopsis:  We spent about 3 hours at Dr. W's office.  It was very educational.  They first did a complete history and interview. Then, the doctor examined him and looked over his latex reaction.  After examining him, he said, "I am going to have one of my team members take the kids into another room to play because we have a lot to talk about."  My heart sank.  I began the worrying process.  He started by educating us on all allergies.  Then, he discussed what his concerns were for Nolan.  We were told what to avoid and that we would become very acquainted with Whole Foods.  He had one of his educators come in and teach us several things such as: asthma signs to look for, allergy signs to look for, how to use the EpiPen we were given along with a DVD to take home, and 5 yellow credit cards that list all the ingredients he cannot have.  There is a card for milk, wheat, soy, peanut, and egg.  Each card has about 20-30 items to avoid on it.  We were also given instructions on how to bathe him and treat his eczema.  We were given three prescriptions and told to avoid all of these foods for a month.  Then, we will go back and meet with him.  We may be able to begin re-introducing some of the foods (wheat, egg).  However, milk will not be re-introduced until he is at least 4 and that will be a Food Challenge in the office.  He will be closely monitored by medical professionals as spends several hours taking sips of milk every few hours.  Anyway, there is a TON more information, but my brain is overloaded right now.  I promised an update, so I just wanted to give everyone  a quick rundown.  I tried to go to Sprouts tonight and had a bit of a mini-meltdown as I picked up every label to read.  Almost everything I picked up had something on one of the yellow cards.  We may live on fruits and veggies around here for awhile.  Thank goodness Nolan loves fruit and he is getting most of his nutrients from Alimentum right now.  Thank you for all of your support during this new era in our lives!!