Testing 1,2
Well, we called Kayla's Pediatrician this morning to follow up our ER visit from last night. He was not overly concerned and did not feel a need to see her (which I agreed with). He sent us to a lab to do a blood test (although he actually wasn't forcing the issue it was more of a "you can do this if you'd like", which I don't quite understand). We are looking for results in 2 categories:
1. Allergy to pecans, walnuts, cashews and pistachio's
2. Allergy to egg whites, milk (cow), soybeans, fish (cod), peanuts and wheat
Group 2 seems like such a broad category! But whatever. I guess we'll wait to see the results of the tests. Upon further questioning the nurse at Kayla's pediatrician (so not the Dr) I asked if we would do follow up tests if it turns out she gets a positive on one of the groups. The nurse said "no", we would just have to avoid the foods in that category if it turns out to be positive!! So.... yeah. I'm hoping that should one come back positive that she is wrong. I know she is not allergic to all of the things on either list, and I really don't want to have to avoid them all for the rest of her life (or for the next few years, or whatever) if she isn't allergic to it. And plus, it could also give a false positive. So.... I'm really hoping and praying that they come back negative. As many of you know, I love to eat nuts, and the thought of not being able to have them in our house, not being able to feed them to Kayla, worrying about Kayla in school and being paranoid that something will happen to her, knowing that she'll never be able to eat "birthday treats" kids bring in.... I know I'm getting WAY ahead of myself... but I feel sadden by the prospect of it all. I know it's probably irrational... selfish even. I just want the best for her. Clearly, if eating a certain food is going to cause her to react like she did yesterday then I want to avoid that at all costs. I guess I'm more afraid that we'll have to change our lifestyle... which I'm willing (clearly) to do for her safety, I'm just not wanting to do, and especially not wanting to do it if it's unnecessary (like she isn’t really allergic to it).
We were told that the results would probably be back early next week.... so please keep us in your prayers. In some ways, it would be nice to know what caused her reaction. If they both come back negative, then we're at a loss for what caused things. But if it comes back positive in either group, that will involved changes and the need for more questions to be answered.... and I'm not really prepared yet for that.