Food Allergy Support

Discussion Boards => Main Discussion Board => Topic started by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 08:06:24 AM

Title: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 08:06:24 AM
Let me start off by saying  :bye:


January 31st, My 7 year old son presented with Hives. I figured it was from this new cereal he'd had for the first time (frosted toast crunch). I was so freaked out that i took him to the doctor that morning. The hives weren't going away. He was able to predict where the next one would be, it was nuts.

On February 6th, my kiddo complained about throat squeezing, and tickling. He was still having the hives daily at this point. Every time the benadryl would wear off the hives would pop up.

I started him on zyrtec also.

I took him back to the pediatrician. She was very concerned. She RX'd him an epipen, an inhaler, and some oral steroid. She also recommended we take him to the allergist.


So i took him to the allergist. They did a panel of tons of environmental and the top8 allergens. This was the result.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/trbo_wgn/67b07430.jpg)

It really didn't show anything conclusive.

Well i posted this on another forum, and she (she's on here, she referred me!  :bye: ) connected that two of the trees are legume trees. That set off a wildfire of lightbulbs.

Backstory:

January 30th, I had him cut the ends off of green beans, and we had refried beans with dinner.

January 31st, onset of hives, 5 minutes after eating frosted toast crunch.

We went to a Superbowl party, he had some hummus. (he woke up at 3am with hives)

Monday 2/6 he had fresh green beans in his lunch. He told me he had hives at school. That night he had hives.

Tuesday 2/7 we had the french toast with cinnamon for dinner.

That (tuesday) night was the first night that his throat had been tickling/squeezing (his words) up.

He's been having green beans at least 2-3 times a week since the beginning of january.

Make sense?

Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: YouKnowWho on February 15, 2012, 08:28:56 AM
Has he had green beans prior with no issues?  Am I correct in understanding that no food alleriges were detected?  (I am not discounting test results, I have a child that reacts to everything on tests with only a few confirmed allergies and another child who reacts to little on tests but has numerous confirmed allergies including many legumes).  Have you been keeping a food diary complete with reactions?

Any changes in meds or any meds prior?  (I ask because my drug allergies can cause periodic hives for weeks after because meds can have a longer half life in your body than food).

Has he have ever had unexplained hives with illnesses or no particular reason?  I have a food allergic kiddo who has the fun of having full body hives with no traceable reason.  Part of his atopic history. 

Are you in a part of the country that is having a mild winter.  I am in the southeast and our pollen counts are already rising.  Oh joy. 

Have you recently moved, acquired pets, had a pet visit, changed laundry detergent, soap or shampoo?
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: SilverLining on February 15, 2012, 08:36:42 AM
QuoteHe was able to predict where the next one would be, it was nuts.

I used to say it felt like there were bugs under my skin.  It's how I could predict where a hive would develop.

~~~

Sorry, I can't help with test results.. I'm sure others will be here to help though.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 08:37:24 AM
Quote from: YouKnowWho on February 15, 2012, 08:28:56 AM
Has he had green beans prior with no issues?


Yes, every few months, but we've upped our intake of them 100% since the new year.


Am I correct in understanding that no food alleriges were detected? You would be correct. They didn't test for green beans or any other legume (besides PB)  (I am not discounting test results, I have a child that reacts to everything on tests with only a few confirmed allergies and another child who reacts to little on tests but has numerous confirmed allergies including many legumes).  Have you been keeping a food diary complete with reactions? Yep. I just started a few days ago (since monday)

Any changes in meds or any meds prior?  We started on benadryl 1/31. That was the only thing he'd been given in forever. (I ask because my drug allergies can cause periodic hives for weeks after because meds can have a longer half life in your body than food).

Has he have ever had unexplained hives with illnesses or no particular reason? 

Not that i'm aware of. He's pretty much a healthy kid. I never would of expected to see him in the allergists office, at all.



I have a food allergic kiddo who has the fun of having full body hives with no traceable reason.  Part of his atopic history. 

Are you in a part of the country that is having a mild winter.  I am in the southeast and our pollen counts are already rising.  Oh joy.  I'm in AZ.

Have you recently moved, acquired pets, had a pet visit, changed laundry detergent, soap or shampoo?

Our dog we've had for almost a year. We've been in the same house for 7 years, and no change in anything. :(

I answered you in the bold! :)
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: YouKnowWho on February 15, 2012, 09:03:25 AM
Okay - more questions.

Has the dog shampoo changed?  Been recently boarded and possibly wiped down with something or bathed?

The reactions - are they happening after what you think might be the offending food?  (Make sure with the food diary that you are writing down brands and ingredient lists)

Bathroom questions - is he having any tummy issues (unexplained pain, diahreah, constipation, vomiting)  All the things that a 7yo is either proud to share or will look at you like you have a third head LOL

I ask because it seems like gluten also figures into this - did they run a blood test for Celiac? 

And because hives can most definitely be indicative of food allergies and his reactions seem to be sudden onset - did they prescribe an Epi-pen.  If your child is in school, make sure they understand that he has some inconclusive allergy issues and that he has an Epipen.  If you aren't already doing so, you may want to make sure that you are providing all food for him to cut down on possible reactions and be able to trace any future reactions.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 09:19:01 AM
Quote from: YouKnowWho on February 15, 2012, 09:03:25 AM
Okay - more questions.

Has the dog shampoo changed? The dog gets bathed every 2 months. He  just went in the 9th. Been recently boarded and possibly wiped down with something or bathed? Not that i'm aware of

The reactions - are they happening after what you think might be the offending food? I'm not sure, to be honest. I'm not with him all day, so i just have to take his word for it. (Make sure with the food diary that you are writing down brands and ingredient lists) Brands, i didn't even think of that, i'll start to add it.

Bathroom questions - is he having any tummy issues (unexplained pain, diahreah, constipation, vomiting)  All the things that a 7yo is either proud to share or will look at you like you have a third head LOL He hasn't complained of anything!

I ask because it seems like gluten also figures into this - did they run a blood test for Celiac?  They didn't.

And because hives can most definitely be indicative of food allergies and his reactions seem to be sudden onset - did they prescribe an Epi-pen. Yes. The pediatrician RX'd one, and then allergist did also (we have 2 right now)   If your child is in school, make sure they understand that he has some inconclusive allergy issues and that he has an Epipen. Oh yes, they're well aware. If you aren't already doing so, you may want to make sure that you are providing all food for him to cut down on possible reactions and be able to trace any future reactions. Yep. I pack some mean lunches ;) ;)

again, answered in bold! :)
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 09:36:06 AM
Sounds like you're being pretty thorough so far and YKW has asked great questions and given you good suggestions!

I don't see on the testing where they tested for peanuts?  I would question an all-legume allergy since the soy was negative.  I'm pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch has a peanut warning on it, I'm guessing the Frosted Toast Crunch might be the same?  On your food diary, I'd also suggest listing any may contain warnings, too.  My guess is that whatever triggered the initial reaction has just made him super sensitive/reactive for now and he may be reacting to things he's not really allergic to just because his body is primed to react, kwim?

Kudos to your doc for ONLY testing the suspected ingredients and not doing a huge panel of foods.  :yes:  I would suggest calling the doc who did the testing and asking if RAST testing for those same ingredients plus other legumes and peanuts would be advisable to help narrow down the culprit.  Skin testing won't really be accurate if your DS has recently taken benadryl and steroids.  Our allergist wanted to wait 6 weeks after DD's big reaction to let the steroids fully get out of her system and allow her body to return to "normal" before she did skin testing.  I don't think the blood testing is affected, though.

One other thing, are the hives returning at somewhat predictable intervals?  When my DD and DS have had reactions, they end up getting hives for days - usually every few hours at first (as the dose of steroid starts to wear off) and then gradually further and further apart until they stop altogether.

I'm glad you found us, but really sorry your DS is having reactions!
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 09:46:06 AM
Quote from: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 09:36:06 AM
Sounds like you're being pretty thorough so far and YKW has asked great questions and given you good suggestions!

I don't see on the testing where they tested for peanuts? They tested for peanuts after this panel was done. So they didn't give me the paper sheet for that.  ~) I would question an all-legume allergy since the soy was negative. ah yes, i forgot to mention his past soy history. My mom used to buy chocolate milk at costco and when costco would run out, she'd get the soy version of the same thing. Well Ds was having some random vomitings. It would ONLY be the chocolate milk coming up. It happened for a few weeks (like every 2 weeks when he'd have a sleep over) and i finally asked what kind of milk she was giving him. It turned out to be chocolate soy milk.  I'm pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch has a peanut warning on it, I'm guessing the Frosted Toast Crunch might be the same? I don't see a warning. Just for wheat and soy. (nothing for peanuts)  On your food diary, I'd also suggest listing any may contain warnings, too. Ah yes, that's an excellent idea also!  My guess is that whatever triggered the initial reaction has just made him super sensitive/reactive for now and he may be reacting to things he's not really allergic to just because his body is primed to react, kwim?

Kinda, i'm so new to this whole thing.

Kudos to your doc for ONLY testing the suspected ingredients and not doing a huge panel of foods.  :yes:  I would suggest calling the doc who did the testing and asking if RAST testing for those same ingredients plus other legumes and peanuts would be advisable to help narrow down the culprit.

You know, i called their office yesterday after the connection was made to light. I said about how the trees are both legume trees, and he stopped me from talking further, and said, 'well we'll see, as far as i know those trees only bloom in april-may, we'll just keep an eye on it.' He had to go before i could even say BUT HE'S EATING LEGUMES!!! Grr.

One other thing, are the hives returning at somewhat predictable intervals? 

At first they were. Every 4-6 hours when the benadryl would wear off. Now not so much, they just happen sporadically.


When my DD and DS have had reactions, they end up getting hives for days - usually every few hours at first (as the dose of steroid starts to wear off) and then gradually further and further apart until they stop altogether.

I'm glad you found us, but really sorry your DS is having reactions!

Me too! And i know, it's scary stuff. I'm glad you all have been so helpful!!

Answers in bold again! :)
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: maeve on February 15, 2012, 09:48:15 AM
I didn't see milk in the panel either.  I think you mentioned that it is a frosted cereal.  I'd have milk tested too.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 09:51:57 AM
Quote from: maeve on February 15, 2012, 09:48:15 AM
I didn't see milk in the panel either.  I think you mentioned that it is a frosted cereal.  I'd have milk tested too.

Yes, milk, Peanuts, and 2 others were in the second panel. He had the first set, and after they were done, the doc came in and added 4 more to it, to even out the top allergies.

Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 10:29:45 AM
Quote from: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 09:36:06 AM

Kudos to your doc for ONLY testing the suspected ingredients and not doing a huge panel of foods.  :yes:  I would suggest calling the doc who did the testing and asking if RAST testing for those same ingredients plus other legumes and peanuts would be advisable to help narrow down the culprit. Skin testing won't really be accurate if your DS has recently taken benadryl and steroids.  Our allergist wanted to wait 6 weeks after DD's big reaction to let the steroids fully get out of her system and allow her body to return to "normal" before she did skin testing.  I don't think the blood testing is affected, though.


I edited my post and added the bolded part, but you had already quoted and were responding.  Didn't want you to miss it...
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: YouKnowWho on February 15, 2012, 10:50:33 AM
Also - keep in mind that shared lines and cross contamination warnings are entirely voluntary.  So while certain brands have that information, others do not.  So you will have to call ask if that information is not listed on certain brands (and some brands will fight and ask you for a doctor's note).

Did you have a skin prick test or a blood test.  My concern about a skin test would be a false result based on antihistimines being on board.

The prior soy milk connection is concerning.  If your allergist cut you off when trying to discuss the situation, that is concerning as well.  right now you are in a situation where you are grasping for straws trying to connect dots (and I don't mean that as a slight, I think most of us here have been there especially with mystery reactions) and the allergist needs to help piece those reactions together.  Silencing you or blowing you off is not the way to do it.

Does your son eat other legumes without issues - peas, beans, soybeans (not necessarily oil or lecithin), peanuts, etc?
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 10:57:12 AM
I'm pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch has a peanut warning on it


DD has eaten it on occasion-- no warning and she's super-sensitive, so it really does seem okay. 




Okay, might be time to investigate his school environment for any recent changes; new carpeting, new cleaner, new... well, new anything, I guess.

My DH was allergic to green beans as a kid.  He didn't develop a serious allergy to them until he was about six years old.  Just noting that.  It can happen.  In his case, it was probably secondary to his soy allergy, but it is possible that it might have been the other way around.  It's odd that soy would be completely negative in someone with any legume allergy.  Often it is falsely positive in anyone with any other legume allergy.  What other sources of soy has he eaten over the past year?  Asian food?  Prepared food (of any kind)?  I'll bet you that 90% of what is in your freezer and pantry has soy in it in some form... does he often complain of feeling bad or just seem "off" relative to other kids his age?  Those are big tip-offs for an allergy to a common and ubiquitous food. 

Also-- do know that tree pollens are quite different from the seed storage proteins which are common allergens in legumes.  So it's very very unlikely that a legume allergy (to a seed-storage protein) is responsible/related to the pollen allergies.

Has he eaten sesame in any kind of quantity?  Other seeds?  What were OTHER people eating during the meals and the superbowl party?  That oat skin test number seems a little out of line with the others.  Does he eat oatmeal?  Cheerios? 

What R said is true, but on the other hand, the above shows quite a robust reaction to the histamine control, so the results are probably accurate. 

Honestly, your timeline doesn't lead me to much aside from cinnamon or another spice/additive of some kind.  I'm not sure it's necessarily a food that you're looking for...   :-/  Sometimes it's tempting to look at foods and try to find correlations for reactions, but they aren't always there.  Environmental triggers can cause pretty severe reactions, as well.


You are correct-- this is quite the puzzle!!  I'm sorry that the answer isn't much more clear.   :grouphug:


Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 11:02:06 AM
His age would argue for the possibility of:

a) "non-pediatric" food allergy development.  Most kids who develop a FIRST food allergy at 6+ yo do so to shellfish, fish, or a tree nut.    That's anecdote, but there may actually be research data to back it up.

b) he's also of an age for severe environmental allergies to flare, perhaps for the first time.  Have you checked to see what pollens are spiking near you?  Has the weather contributed to high mold spores?  Has his classroom added a pet?  (Rodents are highly sensitizing, fwiw)  Do be thinking outside of the 'what has he eaten' box, and add as much detail as you can to that food diary, including other activities and their locations. 

Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 11:29:38 AM
Quote from: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 10:57:12 AM
I'm pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch has a peanut warning on it


DD has eaten it on occasion-- no warning and she's super-sensitive, so it really does seem okay. 


I was thinking it was pretty recent because they came out with a PB variety??  Maybe I'm thinking of something else...

(http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1597179562324&id=e6523f5ff766800fd87bbc631c8f42f2)

Hmm - don't see it listed on their website, though.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 11:30:43 AM
Hmmm.   Well, it's never been a regular staple, let me just say.  The last box we had must have been close to a year ago.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 11:45:19 AM
Quote from: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 10:29:45 AM
Quote from: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 09:36:06 AM

Kudos to your doc for ONLY testing the suspected ingredients and not doing a huge panel of foods.  :yes:  I would suggest calling the doc who did the testing and asking if RAST testing for those same ingredients plus other legumes and peanuts would be advisable to help narrow down the culprit. Skin testing won't really be accurate if your DS has recently taken benadryl and steroids.  Our allergist wanted to wait 6 weeks after DD's big reaction to let the steroids fully get out of her system and allow her body to return to "normal" before she did skin testing.  I don't think the blood testing is affected, though.


I edited my post and added the bolded part, but you had already quoted and were responding.  Didn't want you to miss it...

Interesting. His last dose of benaryl was the wednesday before. so 2/9. Thats something to think about.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: YouKnowWho on February 15, 2012, 11:48:50 AM
Quote from: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 11:29:38 AM
Quote from: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 10:57:12 AM
I'm pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch has a peanut warning on it


DD has eaten it on occasion-- no warning and she's super-sensitive, so it really does seem okay. 


I was thinking it was pretty recent because they came out with a PB variety??  Maybe I'm thinking of something else...

(http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1597179562324&id=e6523f5ff766800fd87bbc631c8f42f2)

Hmm - don't see it listed on their website, though.

As of two weeks ago, our local boxes didn't have a warning.  I thought better of purchasing it though but more from a crap cereal standpoint, not allergies.  Was tough to leave it because it was half off LOL
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 11:54:11 AM
Quote from: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 11:45:19 AM
Quote from: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 10:29:45 AM
Quote from: rebekahc on February 15, 2012, 09:36:06 AM

Kudos to your doc for ONLY testing the suspected ingredients and not doing a huge panel of foods.  :yes:  I would suggest calling the doc who did the testing and asking if RAST testing for those same ingredients plus other legumes and peanuts would be advisable to help narrow down the culprit. Skin testing won't really be accurate if your DS has recently taken benadryl and steroids.  Our allergist wanted to wait 6 weeks after DD's big reaction to let the steroids fully get out of her system and allow her body to return to "normal" before she did skin testing.  I don't think the blood testing is affected, though.


I edited my post and added the bolded part, but you had already quoted and were responding.  Didn't want you to miss it...

Interesting. His last dose of benaryl was the wednesday before. so 2/9. Thats something to think about.

BUT...

also note that in my post after Rebekah's, I noted that the robust response to the positive histamine control is a pretty good indicator that his histamine response wasn't significantly impaired.

Hard to be truly certain, of course.  How much time (hours) had elapsed after the final dose of diphenhydramine (benadryl)?  The half life is variable, ranging from 2.5~5 hours in kids this age.  A lot depends on the dose you were using, as well.  A high dose (or repeated dosing) obviously takes longer to clear.



Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 11:58:16 AM
Let's make this puzzle more complex (answers in bold! :) )

Quote from: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 10:57:12 AM
I'm pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch has a peanut warning on it


DD has eaten it on occasion-- no warning and she's super-sensitive, so it really does seem okay. 




Okay, might be time to investigate his school environment for any recent changes; new carpeting, new cleaner, new... well, new anything, I guess.

He says he only gets wheezy/tight throat/ squeezes at the house, it's typically at bedtime. It's been happening several times during the day the past few days, and he's gone hoarse once.

My DH was allergic to green beans as a kid.  He didn't develop a serious allergy to them until he was about six years old.  Just noting that.  It can happen.  In his case, it was probably secondary to his soy allergy, but it is possible that it might have been the other way around.  It's odd that soy would be completely negative in someone with any legume allergy.  Often it is falsely positive in anyone with any other legume allergy.  What other sources of soy has he eaten over the past year?  Asian food?

We eat sushi quite often, and my favorite way to prepare green beans is sesame oil, and sesame seeds.


Prepared food (of any kind)?  I'll bet you that 90% of what is in your freezer and pantry has soy in it in some form... does he often complain of feeling bad or just seem "off" relative to other kids his age?  Those are big tip-offs for an allergy to a common and ubiquitous food. 

Not really. That's why it's so bizarre. My DD does this however, and she was just allergy tested (+ for Peanuts and sweet potatoes, and some random trees as well)

Also-- do know that tree pollens are quite different from the seed storage proteins which are common allergens in legumes.  So it's very very unlikely that a legume allergy (to a seed-storage protein) is responsible/related to the pollen allergies.

Has he eaten sesame in any kind of quantity?

Nope.

  Other seeds?

He likes PB, and the nut mixes from the stores. He's never had a reaction to them though.

  What were OTHER people eating during the meals and the superbowl party?

It was a potluck, so lots of other random stuff. He had a few chocolate chip cookies (i brought from my house) and the chips and hummus.


That oat skin test number seems a little out of line with the others.  Does he eat oatmeal?  Yes. He LOVES oatmeal. Cheerios?  Yep, he's a huge fan. Lots of oat products. Oatmeal cookies.

What R said is true, but on the other hand, the above shows quite a robust reaction to the histamine control, so the results are probably accurate.  Here's his back: (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/trbo_wgn/2423be6d.jpg) The largest is the histamine.

Honestly, your timeline doesn't lead me to much aside from cinnamon or another spice/additive of some kind.  I'm not sure it's necessarily a food that you're looking for...   :-/  Sometimes it's tempting to look at foods and try to find correlations for reactions, but they aren't always there.  Environmental triggers can cause pretty severe reactions, as well.

Yeah, i haven't a clue. I'm a total newb to all this allergy stuff.


You are correct-- this is quite the puzzle!!  I'm sorry that the answer isn't much more clear.   :grouphug:

It's alright. I'm used to puzzles. sigh.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: GingerPye on February 15, 2012, 12:00:44 PM
Were the green beans plain when eaten, i.e. didn't have butter or margarine on them?  I'm just thinking about soy, possibly.  I haven't read word for word here yet ---

I think someone suggested keeping a diary.  Def do that.  Notate everything you can think of.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 12:03:29 PM
Quote from: GingerPye on February 15, 2012, 12:00:44 PM
Were the green beans plain when eaten, i.e. didn't have butter or margarine on them?  I'm just thinking about soy, possibly.  I haven't read word for word here yet ---

I think someone suggested keeping a diary.  Def do that.  Notate everything you can think of.

Our regular green bean recipe is one of two:

THIS ONE: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/11/roasted-parmesan-green-beans.html#more (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/11/roasted-parmesan-green-beans.html#more)

Or just green beans on the stove with sesame oil and sesame seeds.

Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 12:04:57 PM
Oh, and his usual dose of benadryl is 2tsp. I'm using the walmart equate generic brand.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 12:12:39 PM
ooooo-- same time of day is probably a HUGE clue.


Of course, the question is... what does it mean??


Ughhh.


Okay-- bedtime routine at your house looks like... what?

(Begin maybe about an hour after dinnertime, or around 2h before "lights out" time and run through as much detail as you can-- who does what, and in what order.)

bath?

pets going in or out?

sibling routine?

other parent does.... what... while bedtime parent is running through the routine?
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: GingerPye on February 15, 2012, 12:14:47 PM
Well, the garlic in that green beans recipe jumped out at me .... but then you say the other time the green beans had sesame.  Hmmm.   Nope, not clear-cut at all.   :-/
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 12:20:32 PM
Quote from: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 12:12:39 PM
ooooo-- same time of day is probably a HUGE clue.


Of course, the question is... what does it mean??


Ughhh.


Okay-- bedtime routine at your house looks like... what?

ha. My kids go to bed at 6:30 for the littles (age 4 and 6) and ds1(kid in question) stays up until 7:30.


Typical night: Dinner at 5:30-6ish
Bath every other night. (he uses suave kids shampoo/bodywash) (the other nights he plays games on the computer)
I put the other two to bed, while DH watches Ds1 (usually watching something on TV)
Book
Turn on heat blanket
Bed.




(Begin maybe about an hour after dinnertime, or around 2h before "lights out" time and run through as much detail as you can-- who does what, and in what order.)

bath? Suave shampoo and body wash

pets going in or out?

We have an almost 1 year old yellow lab. he goes in and out 39084239083293 times a day.

sibling routine?

They both use the same body wash, (except DD's HAS to be dora princess) and they have the same routine, but they go to bed earlier.

other parent does.... what... while bedtime parent is running through the routine?

DH usually spends time with Ds1 while i'm putting the other two to bed.

maybe I should note that the dog has allergies too? He's allergic to chicken, and something else. he's always getting skin infections  ~)

I use vinegar and water mostly for cleaning, with the occasional windex antibacterial multi surface.
Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 12:21:47 PM
Quote from: GingerPye on February 15, 2012, 12:14:47 PM
Well, the garlic in that green beans recipe jumped out at me .... but then you say the other time the green beans had sesame.  Hmmm.   Nope, not clear-cut at all.   :-/

we use lots of garlic. It's in almost every recipe We've had in the past 3 months.

Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 12:26:39 PM
Quote from: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 12:04:57 PM
Oh, and his usual dose of benadryl is 2tsp. I'm using the walmart equate generic brand.

Okay... 2 tsp is approx. 10mL... I seem to recall that the children's benadryl is formulated at 12.5 mg/tsp....

That's a pretty hefty dose for a 7yo, but I'm assuming that you've cleared this one with your doc.

To clear a single dose that size well enough that our allergist (he's a good one, btw) would consider skin testing "very" accurate would require the med clearance to reach perhaps 1% of the original dose.  He'd want at least five days, probably.

Younger kids have faster clearance times, but that dose is pretty large for anyone under about 90 lbs.

Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 12:30:31 PM
Any correlation between bath night and non-bath nights and the allergic symptoms?



I'm also going to toss this one out-- how hot is the bathwater?  If it's warmer than "tepid" that may make hives worse-- or even provoke them in some kids.


Is your DS generally happy enough about going to bed?  Or would he MUCH rather stay up later?  Is it possible that some of what he's been reporting is psychosomatic?  Maybe the initial reaction got him attention that he liked, or he (subconsciously, even) figured out that you let him stay up later as a result of being worried about him?

Title: Re: Help me put the puzzle together?
Post by: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 12:31:47 PM
Quote from: CMdeux on February 15, 2012, 12:26:39 PM
Quote from: Frosted Crunch on February 15, 2012, 12:04:57 PM
Oh, and his usual dose of benadryl is 2tsp. I'm using the walmart equate generic brand.

Okay... 2 tsp is approx. 10mL... I seem to recall that the children's benadryl is formulated at 12.5 mg/tsp....

That's a pretty hefty dose for a 7yo, but I'm assuming that you've cleared this one with your doc.

He'll be 8 in a month. He's almost 75lbs. But yes, that's what they have written on all his sheets.

To clear a single dose that size well enough that our allergist (he's a good one, btw) would consider skin testing "very" accurate would require the med clearance to reach perhaps 1% of the original dose.  He'd want at least five days, probably.

Younger kids have faster clearance times, but that dose is pretty large for anyone under about 90 lbs.