Bless Her Heart

We have spent the last month waiting on our appointment with the new allergist, Dr. McEldowney.  Since Meredith had an allergic reaction in February, her pediatrician wanted her to see a new allergist so we could hopefully find out what is going on.  I was very impressed with Dr. McEldowney.  He was very patient with me and answered all of my questions, but most importantly he was patient with Meredith. 

We spent about 2 hours in the their office, while they did a skin test.  They were testing her for many different allergies, and if you have ever had an allergy skin test you know just how uncomfortable it is.  She has been tested before at one year old and two years old.  This time was much worse, because she knew what was going to happen and she was very apprehensive.  The nurse did a great job.  I held Meredith in my lap while she stuck Meredith with about 50 different allergens to see if she would react.  I didn't enjoy a minute of it and I know Meredith didn't either. 

Meredith was so brave and did so well!  We found out that she is probably allergic to peanuts, several trees, all grasses, mold (indoor & outdoor), dust mites, and there were a few more that were on the border line.  So, they decided Meredith needed to have blood allergy testing to determine that these results were accurate.  They also decided to do a blood test for Celiac's disease.  Unfortunately, they do not do the bloodwork in their office.  So, Creig got the rough job of taking her to the lab today.  She was screaming before they even got in the door.  I hate seeing her in pain, but we so need to know what is going on with her.  Hopefully by finding out what she is allergic to, will help us to avoid reactions and other problems in the future.

We know for sure that she has eczema, allergic rhinitis, and asthma.  We are hoping by knowing what she is allergic to will help us to avoid triggers of these things.  Our hope and prayer is that she does not have Celiac's disease, and that the results will be something we can easily work with by altering the foods she eats. 

Bless her heart...she has been through a lot!