Max - Allergy Update

Last year when Max celebrated his first birthday, we discovered he had an egg allergy.  His pediatrician had him tested for egg whites, and his levels were extremely high, so Max was referred to an allergist.  His allergist then had him tested for all of the common allergens.  Max tested positive for both egg white and egg yolk, as well as peanuts.  This felt like a mother's worst nightmare!  This was certainly going to change the way we ate some foods, and it would certainly change the way would eat at restaurants.  I was fortunate to find some pretty good blogs and websites about food allergies and I think we have adjusted well to living with these allergies.

So in May when Max was two we had bloodwork done and met with the allergist again - good news and bad news.  The bad news is that Max still tests positive for egg white, egg yolk and peanuts.  The good news though is that all of the levels have decreased!  The allergist feels Max will almost definitely grow out of the egg allergies and maybe the peanut.  The peanut one is more unlikely, but it is still possible.  We will go back in a year.

When we go back next May, Max will most likely go through Challenge Tests, provided that the levels continue to decrease.  A Challenge Test is when Max will eat a little peanut butter and see if there is any reaction.  If there is a reaction, then the test is over and it is obvious that Max still is allergic.  If there is no reaction, then Max will eat more peanut butter and again see if there is a reaction.  This Challenge Test could potentially take most of the day!

While we have learned to live with this, my fear is when Max is older and at school and he swaps lunch with another student, and it happens to be peanut butter and jelly.  Of course there are rules in place at schools, but mistakes happen.  I hope Max's levels continue to decrease and this will not have to be a worry for this mama!