Send In Reinforcements

I know it has been a while since I last wrote in this blog. Not only have I been busy shooting weddings, studying for my new career as a medical transcriptionist and working, I needed to take a much needed break from doctors and Tylyn’s condition.

Shortly after I last wrote our insurance company denied her to seek treatment in Denver. Not only was I angry about the doctor’s office reaction (“We will help you with the appeal” when they were the one’s that didn’t complete the paperwork in the first place) I was also frustrated with how helpless I felt as a parent.

We decided to collectively, as a family, to pursue a gluten free lifestyle and Tylyn would try to stay away from milk products, with the exception of hard cheeses as approved by my new best friend, Digestive Health By Elaine Glottschall. It is diet targeting relief for Crohn’s, Celiac’s, Chronic Diarrhea and IBS.

Interestingly enough in the back of the book it lists dairy products that are okay- like cheddar, which Ty has no problem with. Two that she can’t tolerate that are on the “no-no” list? Cream Cheese and Mozz. Hmmm- guess that’s why we had them on the “bad” list before we started eating like this. .

Anyway, we are only on week four and sometimes she slips; after all she is a busy seventeen year old who works. She is quickly realizing good food=good tummy.

In addition, we only eat organic food now. Also, BPA free, no cans, bleached paper towels or unnecessary plastic.

So why is this worth a blog?

Well an odd thing happened to me last week. After eating gluten free for about two weeks I noticed a change.  I’m not talking about taste. Organic just TASTES better. The milk is like when I was a kid, tomato soup brings back memories as well, and even crackers seem fresh- yes- even without the preservatives!

No, what I’m talking about is a reaction I had upon eating products with yeast. I mean yogurt and bread after abstaining. Not only did I develop a itchy rash all over my skin with hives on my legs, back and around my mouth, I also had slight swelling of the lips and the second time a slight asthma attack.

No mind you I use an inhaler only when needed, personally about 6-12 times a year, mostly early spring and fall. NEVER after eating.

The other event worth noting that after a battle, Tylyn received a flu vaccine. Being fair I got one also, although previously I was against it. In light of Ty getting it 5 times last year and the 5th landing her in the hospital, I made it a requirement this year to keep her shaky digestive system a reprieve.

No mind you I have not had an immunization in a while. I have no known allergic to eggs (which is the warning) nor does Tylyn.

I experienced itching, pretty intense but mild compared to what I had been suffering two days prior after ingesting yeast. My inoculation site swelled mildly, growing slightly hard and red- about the size of a quarter. That lasted about 3 days.

Tylyn however had a large welt. It was bright red about a little smaller size of a woman’s palm and hard. Itching for her was unbearable. I downplayed it to hide my concern. Too boot she has slept non stop.

Even now, 5 days later it is still irritated. After talking to friends, family, colleagues and coworkers, it is not normal.

A call to the (nice) allergist confirmed it was allergic reaction. Her primary agreed. A note was added to her chart and next time she will receive the nasal version.

Sigh.

Will this ever stop?

I only write this now as I want to let others know about the concern. No IgE response for serum or SPT, but clearly a reaction.

I guess my advocate days are not over; I have lost this battle as my daughter did not want to get the shot in the first place and the war is far from over.