Monday, August 31, 2009

Allergies Are Stupid (Part 2)

Yeah. The title *still* pretty much sums it up. (To read from the beginning, see here.)

We are a little over two weeks into eating properly for our allergies. This means eliminating soy(me only), brewer's yeast, baker's yeast (Ethan only), tomato (Aaron only), corn, and peanuts (Ethan only). We have to rotate (meaning eat only once or twice a week) chicken, egg, milk, oats, potatoes, rice, wheat, soy (Aaron and Ethan), tomato (Ethan only), banana, baker's yeast (me and Aaron), orange (Aaron only), peanuts (me only), and pork.

Needless to say, I am learning a whole new way to cook. I have made pancakes with many different kinds of flour: rice, Kamut, spelt, sorghum, barley, and buckwheat. (I'm getting tired of pancakes, which is something I never thought I'd say.)

When I was last at the allergist's office, I asked him about the possibility of Jerry having allergies since a) the boys have much worse allergies than me and b) he has daily headaches, drainage, and fatigue. The doctor indicated that those are indeed classic symptoms so we scheduled Jerry to be tested. The results are rocking my world. He reacted to almost everything they tested him on! He has to eliminate baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, orange, peanut, soy, tomato, and wheat. He has to rotate, beef, corn, gluten, oats, pork, and strawberry. Needless to say, he will be joining the boys in their LDA treatments starting with their next treatment. I didn't have to worry about beef or gluten before, so that is a bit more work. Especially the gluten. Spelt and Kamut act the most like wheat of any of the grains I've tried so far, and he cannot really eat them. But I will figure it out!

Thursday is the boy's first treatment. That means Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are very strict food days for us. The ONLY things we can eat those days are: lamb, rabbit, venison, fish, sweet potatoes, parsnips, rutabagas, tapioca or cassava root, turnips, cooked carrots, celery and cabbage, rhubarb, pure baking soda, plain sea salt, and filtered water. No oils or normal breakfast foods or bread type foods. In addition, for those days we have to use special soap and shampoo, no toothpaste (baking soda only), and no other thing can pass between the lips (other drinks, vitamins, medicines...) It is going to be a bit hard. I am doing the diet with the rest of my family to show my support, even though I don't need any treatment. On the positive side, I should lose some weight! :)

8 comments:

M said...

I don't know how you do it....

Johanna said...

I've thought the same thing about all you've been through with Savanah's eyes, Meagan! I think when your child is suffering, you do what you have to do for their sake and just make it work. I've actually been amazed at how much can be done without what seem like "key" ingredients. Perhaps as I get into a routine with school, I may have more time to post some of them. I've had some flops, to be sure! But, for the most part, we're still eating quite well!

Unknown said...

Oh my Johanna. That sounds like so much work. You are such a good Mommy!

If we ever start up the recipe wars again, I'm sure your recipes would be very interesting in the way of introducing new ingredients to everyone. I've cooked with spelt before, but have never heard of Kamut or sorghum.

Joanna said...

Holy. Cow. That's all I can think of to say right now.

Johanna said...

You haven't been very verbose lately, Jo! How did your first day of school go yesterday?

Marie, I don't know how I would do recipe wars, because we wouldn't be able to eat most of what you all put up! I was actually thinking of that recently.

Rosales Ramblings said...

I will be praying for you the end of this year. You certainly have a challenge in front of you, but I know you will meet it head on and do great! Let me know how things go. Once we get settled here, I really do need to check into that doctor. I must admit, ignorance is bliss!!

Rosales Ramblings said...

Okay, so I just read my comment and it shows the state of my brain...dead! I will be sure to pray for you the end of this year, but what I really wanted to say is that I'll pray for you the end of this WEEK!

Anonymous said...

I hear you on the gluten allergy. My mom has Celiac disease plus won't eat most other things besides bread, meat and potatoes, and cooking for her is a royal pain. I don't envy you! I hope it all starts going better for your family.