Hannahs turn for a hospital visit!

Seems to be a lot of us making hospital trips recently!

Anyway, most of you probably know that Hannah has "issues" with dairy - when she was 6ish weeks she got hives from topping up with formula, and she had a constant nappy rash which stopped when I gave up breastfeeding a few months ago. Well since then she has just been having rice or soy milk bottles, but the GP had advised to try her with dairy foods when she was one. I was a bit scared to but lately had been giving her crackers with milk in them (low down on ingredient list) and all had been fine other than getting a bit dry and rashy around her eyes. So yesterday I tried her with half a slice of cheese - no problems. At lunchtime today I gave her another piece. Well within about 10 minutes around her eyes had gone all red and puffy, with little welts on her face. I was mildly concerned but thought it was where she had touched her face. I thought I would check the rest of her body and when I undressed her she was all red and coming up in welts. Daniel was home for lunch and thought I was over-reacting, but I called the docs to see them straight away cos I was worried about her breathing. On the way she started to sound a bit raspy and I was freaking out Anyway got down there, she had gone redder and puffier, a bit lethargic, itchy and high temp - nurse was a bit concerned. Thank god her breathing stayed ok, they gave her antihistamine and steroids, and within about an hour it had pretty much all gone.

Shes fine now, but I have to watch her closely for the next 24hours as the meds wear off, and now she is strictly no dairy. I felt real guilty (of course!) but doc said it was good to try it anyway. And I guess at least now I know for certain she definitely has a dairy allergy, its not lactose intolerance, and I havent been a drama queen these last few months about her not eating any dairy. Am a bit worried now about her accidently being given something and having a worse reaction, cos at least at home I know what shes having. We have a letter from the doc now too, so if we ever need to take her again the nurses can just give her the meds without waiting for docs orders.

Sorry its a bit long, but I dont really have anyone else to "debrief" with...

Big hugs Aimee! Have sooo been there done that and it is so scary! I hope Hannah (and you guys) are recovering ok. Will you take her to see an allergy specialist? Not sure if there are any in Dannevirke lol but I would definitely recommend seeing one if at all possible. Just for advice etc. plus they can refer you to a dietician (you'd be amazed how many foods have milk in them) and look at the possibility of any other allergies as well.

Thinking of you guys, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions - as I said been there, done that!

Oh thats good to know Emma, thanks And yeah, no specialists here!! lol When I go to work on Thursday may use the fact that I work for the DHB to ring a dietician myself - much faster. The GP said that she has has been doing some research for me (isnt she lovely) and read a recent article that suggests not testing until 2 years - she is going to give me a copy so will let you know what else it says. Other thing I'm worried about is trying eggs so will delay that further...

It sounds like you handled it so well. That must have been scary, poor wee mite. It sounds like you have some good doctors where you are and at least you know now.

Poor you guys. Scary man. Glad to hear she is okay now.

OMG aimee thats horrible im glad you know for sure now tho! Our Paed said they dont like to test till they are over 1 coz there are to many inconclusives. Ella goes for testing in July next year.

I hope you get to see a dietician soon

*big hugs to you*

Oh no, Aimee, that's horrible. Big hugs to you and Hannah

Gosh...how scary!!

I am glad that she is ok tho.

Big