Sunday, May 24, 2009

One of "those" kids


So we had Chase in the ER on Friday night for 6 hours. I got there at 3 in the afternoon and was quickly taken back and thought maybe I would actually get out a little sooner this time! No- there was an emergency with another baby and we didn't end up getting home until 9 PM. To make a long story short, Chase woke up Friday morning with green, bloody poops. The doctor (who wasn't very impressive by the way) thinks that Chase has an allergy to milk and/or soy and if I want to keep breastfeeding I have to eliminate ALL DAIRY and SOY products otherwise switch him to a special formula for "allergic kids." First of all, do you know how hard it is to eliminate both of those ingredients????? Soy is in just about everything that is packaged, and I'm not just talking about the bad stuff (cheetos, cookies, etc) but it is in whole wheat bread, etc. Dairy is in many things you wouldn't think either including some lunchmeats, spaghetti sauces etc. So basically, my diet is limited to homemade breads, meat, fruit, and veggies- definitely a better way to eat- I agree- but can I do this?! I really don't know at the moment. I definitely don't have a lot of time to be baking with my 2 busy boys now. So- I am trying to decide if I will continue breastfeeding or just switch to formula. When I lean toward the formula the guilt sets in that I know breastmilk is best and shouldn't I give Chase the same health benefits as I did Josh?! Anyways- I needed a vent session. We return to the doctor today. They gave us a special Sunday appt with a pediatrician at the hospital. I'll be able to ask more questions there. I'm hoping there's some way to pinpoint if it is dairy or soy or both. We'll see. Wish us luck! Good thing he's cute otherwise I wouldn't think of giving up my Friday Night Pizza! Oh- did I mention that Cheese is my favorite food?!

5 comments:

Meagan @ Meagan Tells All said...

Ya if he is allergic to dairy, he'll probably be like Ryan who just eats whatever dairy products he wants, swallow the "cure all" lactaid pill and power through the consequences. It drives me aliiiiitle crazy because eventhough he moans of stomach aches he's drinking a glass of milk and chewing on a piece of cheese. Go figure! We love you both and we're praying for answers from the doctor! And YES he is adoooorable. We need to see more pics!

Shandra said...

I'm so sorry! My brother was severely allergic to dairy as a kid (and we found out later he was allergic to soy also). I know how hard it is to deal with that kind of an allergy on a daily basis. If you decide to quit breastfeeding, it's okay! You've given your baby a great start and even just nursing for a few weeks helps! It's important to just do what's right for your family. If baking homemade bread and other items takes too much time away from them, it might just be a good trade. You're so amazing to be considering that! I'm such a wuss and would have quit nursing as soon as I heard a good excuse. :) Good luck with it all!

C. Leah said...

Yeah, I will agree with the comment prior to mine. Don't feel bad about not being able to nurse if you come to that. I was able to nurse Caleb, but when I had Jakey, there was no way I could. (My problem was not enough supply).
I felt bad in the beginning, but then I realized, it doesn't matter what he eats, just so long as he knows he's loved. :)
Also, my sister's son had to go on special formula for awhile b/c he couldn't tolerate regular formula or something. But as he's grown, he can now drink regular 2%. I'm not saying Chase will be that way...but you never know. Either way, I hope you get some answers. ;)

Karin said...

I hope you found the answers you were looking for. I ran into a similar problem with Elizabeth, cut out all dairy (i know- cheese was the hardest! and "almond cheese" just isn't the same -not to mention ice cream! But what an easier way to get rid of pregnancy pounds for me than to cut out ice cream...). Anyway- it was a LONG 1 year, but now cheese is the girl's favorite food- and she has no dairy problems.
Good luck making your decision. Chase will be fine either way!

Tolman Family said...

Look at all that hair!!!