Think you have food allergies?

LA Times just published this article called, "Think you have food allergies, think again..." Since we have been seeing an allergist, a trained medical specialist, an MD and we have been tested until the cows come home I can say with the utmost certainty that WE DO have food allergies. Even though I have heard stories about chiropractors and nutritionists giving clients allergy diagnoses from time to time, the majority of the folks that I know have been tested by an actual doctor. So in a way, articles like this rub me the wrong way. Partly because they provide false hope to people and partly because they send a message that people are pretending to have allergies when in fact they do not.

Our doctor who is based at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, has us test Ella every single year. The reason for this is that as we age our response to foods changes. Many children, thankfully, outgrow their allergies to some foods over time. We were encouraged last year when we saw some weakening in the numbers in some of Ella's allergies. But we are far from being out of the woods and as a parent, the only responsible thing to do is to continue the testing. And let me tell you, this no fun for anyone. Hmmmmm, should we have two large men hold her down so that we can draw blood or should we poke her and rub potential allergens all over her back? And wait for her to go crazy as welts form? Trust me people, this is no trip to Disneyland!

I guess I just get a little heated when anyone does not see validity in our situation. Or even if anyone questions it. In speaking to our doctor, as well as many other medical professionals, the amount of people developing food allergies is staggering. One even described it as an epidemic. I am starting to think that "food allergies" is the new "global warming/climate change". Either you accept science, find a cure and move on. Or you choose to walk around with blinders on. My awareness of all of this became crystal clear after 2 very horrible trips to the ER (one for me and another for Ella). That is why I am trying so hard to inform people and affect change. I am glad that there is a spotlight on this topic and I really encourage people to get their information from a variety of sources. And listen to your doctors. Thank goodness for modern medicine!