Trust Your Instincts
Have you ever gotten a positive diagnosis to something you didn't want and wonder why they can't call it a negative when clearly that's what it is. Well yesterday Tagg tested positive to several things at the allergist including dairy, egg, and peanuts.
The wonderful?
We have an explanation and a plan. I do well with that.
It explains that my gut feelings have been proper and there's some thing incorrect with my toddler.
Underneath it all he is still my laid back sweet little man. The crankiness, clingy-ness, fussiness, and sleeplessness were the symptoms winning. He couldn't tell me what was wrong with him but the scratch test could. My intuition told me to search every avenue at my disposal to find an answer to what has been plaguing him and thus our whole house. And I'm so glad that I did.
So yes, it seems we'll be joining the ranks of thousands of y'all that have to ask, "what's in that?" when we go out to eat and I'll become the mean mom that says no to sharing snacks at the playground. Just in case. No more milk, cheese or yogurt. Ice cream treats, cupcakes, and chocolate? Nope. And let's not even talk about the elimination of half and half, sour cream, mayonnaise, and butter from cooking. To be honest, I'm most nervous about cutting him off cold turkey from his beloved milk bots. But his formula is milk based and has to go. We're doing total elimination.
I feel like we've been inducted into some sort of secret society. And those unfortunate enough to be included all share a burden of needing to monitor their kids or themselves that much closer. Like having two kids so close in age wasn't already challenging enough. Like doctors visits and physical therapy didn't already eat enough of my time. But I'm going to be an expert at this. I already grocery shop out of three different stores and will happily add a fourth to my regime if it means keeping alternatives in our house.
Are you in the club too? Tell me about it.
On the flip facet, every now and then you get a bad solution this is oh so fantastic.
We got just that at our appointment on Tuesday at Children's Hospital. The specialist confirmed that there is no apparent underlying cause for Tagg's delays and that continued therapy and encouragement really are our best avenue for improvement. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with helping him for as long as it takes and fielding the "how old is he, is he walking yet?" questions. Answer: No, he's not standing and can't even pull himself up yet. How old are you, are you working out yet?
Because those come at every turn, but I'm ready for them. And I will be his voice until he has his own. I know there are many worse things that could have hit our household and many thousands of children are suffering far worse than mine. There are mothers that will continue therapies of all kinds with their children for years with little results. But it's not a contest. This is just our story.
