Milk Challenge

[Lou C]

Hi everyone, Lots of questions tonight I'm afraid!!! I think I may be becoming Neurotic!!!!!
Zachary is going to the paediatrician at the childrens clinic on Wednesday and is supposed to be having a milk challenge done. Can anyone tell me what to expect? I'm a little concerned also as the clinic we go to isn't actually at the hospital, but at a local centre, I'm worrying in case they don't have adrenaline etc. there just in case. How do I approach the subject of an Epipen, I mentioned it to the asthma nurse that I had read somewhere that if coexistant asthma then an Epipen shouldbe issued, she said that it's only if they have had a aniphalactic reaction, how the hell do you know whether they'll have one till it's possibly too late. Certainly on the one occassion when he ingested some dairy (on holiday he had 2 spoonfuls of veg which must have been tossed in butter:- very minimal amount!!) he had hives around his mouth and chin, and I suspect in his mouth (I couldn't get in to look) Does anyone know of any "official" article on the net that I could print off/refer to, so I don't look neurotic!!
My GP has also written to the paediatrician about my suspicians about a gluten intolerance, do you think they will take bloods on Wednesday or offer me another appointment? Something else to worry about, I'm afraid I'm not very good at holding children still while people hurt them.

[bella]

Hi Lou. I am no help whatsoever on The Milk Challenge. I have never heard of it!! All i can say is you are his mum and you know best. If you aren't sure of anything they are going do then ask. Yes they are the "experts" but you know Zachary better than anyone eles. Good luck and dont be afraid to question what they are doing and if you aren't sure its the right thing, or the medical equipment isn't there, then stop them. Like I said though I know nothing about the milk challenge. Good luck again.

[ellsie]

Chill Lou C! Don't panic. With the list of symptoms you have they will have an epipen! Two of my daughters had a milk challenge. First they put a few drops of milk on the skin and wait for a reaction around 15 mins. Then if all is well they put a drop on the tongue and wait another 15 mins. Next is quarter t-spoon milk, half a t-spoon milk right up to a yoghurt. They will not carry on if there is a problem and they will explain it all to you before they start. I am guessing this is to diagnose the allergy . I would react to milk on my skin and from what you say your child may well do the same. They are always prepared for a problem and ask them how they will deal with it to put your mind at rest before they start. Hope it goes well.:)

[Lou C]

Thanks Ellsie, he has reacted previously to milk on his skin but not sure how long this took to come up?
I'm not really a panicky parent, pretty level really, I was a nursery nurse for several years and was always the one to be relied on not to panic. I think it's just the unknown!

[matt]

was going to do a internet search but question seems to have been answered. totally understandable reaction from you but relax. they are checking for a potential bad reaction so they will be geared up to deal with the worst. all doctors have adrenalin handy.

re when to give, well the pen will say. don't forget that it's not instant death!! the throat slowly swells up and prevents easy breathing then closes. so you have plenty of time to react. then even once the throat totally closed it takes 4 minutes for the brain cells to begin to die. traumatic but quite a long time to react. don't forget the throat will take several minutes to close it's not instant.
but they are ready and will watch.

gluten test takes some days so another appointment. don't forget if you haven't been eating it then the chances are it'll be a false negative result.

[cnc]

Lou, you know my opinion about the epi-pen, and if he reacts to it on his skin, then you should have one.

Best of luck :) and don't worry.

[tigerlily]

I approached our GP about an Epipen for Eden's Nut Allergy. Have you tried you GP? I mean it's not as though they are expensive (EPIPEN JUNIOR costs ~ 28) so I can't see any objections really. I find it VERY important and would NOT rest until you have one for him.

On the subject of Gluten, if he is currently eating Gluten, and has done so for the past 8 weeks, they may do it then and there.

Good Luck and keep us posted.


Vanessa.

[ellsie]

Just noticed you are in Leeds. Our first test was done in St James Hospital there when we lived on Street Lane.

[Lou C]

Small World Ellsie!!!! I think if they were doing it at Jimmy's I wouldn't be worrying so much, but it's at the "child health integrated clinic" with a couple of paediatricians (none of which are allergy specialists) the dietician, and the asthma nurse etc. It's based in St Georges Centre, (they have ante natal clinics for low risk, minor injuries unit etc there,) so don't know how well equipped they are.
Plus the fact that they have given me no information whatsoever on what they are going to do. It doesn't instil confidence does it?

Matt, he is on a Gluten rich diet, weetabix, pasta etc. I cut it out for about 10 days, then reintroduced it, that was about 8 weeks ago, so should show up.

Thanks Everyone for the info and advice, at least now I know what to expect I won't fret quite as much.....I'll let you know how we get on!
Lou xx

[matt]

good luck and try to not let yourself get stressed. easier said than done i know.

[Lou C]

Well I got there and no-one even mentioned a Milk Challenge and neither did I! The consultant asked how things are, so I told him about the possible problem with Wheat and/or Gluten. I expressed my concerns about the risk of anaphylaxis and he said he thought it was unlikely to be a problem and that he only knows of children who have it for nut allergy rather than milk allergy.
I looked at the Anaphylaxis website last night and under the GPs info it gave 4 risk factors of which if one is present an epipen should be considered, Zach has 3 of the 4. I mentioned this to him and he said he will consult with the Allergy specialists. He has decided to do the RAST for milk and the Coeliac blood screen, he also wrote something else down, but I can't remember what that was. I asked if the RAST would pick up any problem with wheat (as it didn't seemt that he was gonna check for that) so I think he has put down for that too. He said that the allergy specialist would probably want to see RAST results when considering the risk of Anaphylaxis.
He said I had done everything I should have done and seemed to take me seriously.
They tried for blood today but couldn't get a vein, he tried 3 times which is the limit the dr would try, so we have to go back next week, they have given me the cream etc so that we can go in as soon as we get there. I also took a stool sample and they are going to check that.
So a small step in the right direction. Fingers crossed for next week.

[Copper]

It is a good job that you did some research last night. I can't help feeling that it should not be up to the patient to trawl the net for info. Will things ever change!?

At least you have not been labelled as a neurotic mother which is something. Good luck next week.

[poog]

Well done you. Hope it goes well for you next week.

P
x

[goose]

Fingers crossd Lou, hope it goes well ;)

[matt]

good to hear treating you sensibly. keep it up and keep us informed.

[Lou C]

Went back this morning for another attempt for some blood, had him creamed up ready, feet, hands, arms.........a different consultant managed 1st time in his foot....phew.......the blood was flowing very slowly though, seemed to take ages just to get a couple of ml......... I can ring for results in 2 weeks, the stool sample was negative for whatever they tested?? Infections I think?? Glad that's over with, just to wait now. Next appointment 12 July.

[ellsie]

Well done! seems a little progress for you both and it's always easier when they take it seriously.:D