How to find a good allergist?

Mini_Mariah

DD is allergic/intolerant to milk protein.  We want to take her to an allergist to talk about trialing dairy based on her most recent test results.  How did everyone find their allergist?

For some background, DD was EBF, and then reacted to her first bottle of cow's milk at 12mo (extreme vomiting).  We thought maybe it was a bug, never thought allergy, since she never reacted to dairy in my diet or to small amounts of cheese, yogurt, butter, etc.  Then the same thing happened on her second bottle of cow's milk the following week.  Her blood test at the pediatrician's was positive for dairy allergy. 

She's now 3 and hasn't ever had a severe reaction.  She can tolerate dairy in baked goods and small amounts of cheese.  She used to have some eczema but that has been clear for about 6 months now.  We had her tested as part of the Children's Memorial Allergy Study in Chicago.  Her skin test was negative for Dairy (but positive for eggs and peanuts, which she has never reacted to).  Her blood test was positive (42 out of a possible 100, but I don't know what that even means).  I want to take her to an allergist to look at these results and recommend next steps.  But I don't want the sort of allergist who will just look at it and say, yep, she's allergic, knowing that blood tests can be false positives. We're in the west suburbs of Chicago, if anyone has recommendations

magdusia

my first allergist was a referral from my son's pedi.. i did not like him one bit. Didn't have a good vibe from the office or him. 

Before i had to go get him re-tested i asked around.  My DH's friend has a child w/ FA and his wife recommended her allergist which wasn't too far from me and i loooove her. 

So i think it's trial.. if you don't like the allergist, go find another one.

I'm actually surprised your pedi never sent you to one.  If no one recommends one to you i would call your pedi and ask for an allergist recommendation.  My second allergist explained every single number with me and talked to me for a long time about food allergies. you totally need that.

FrumiousBandersnatch

I agree that it is hit or miss.  Without a referral from a friend or pediatrician, just try them out.  You should leave feeling better.  If not, try another one!  I wish I could recommend one for you.  

Mini_Mariah

We felt like it was pretty straightforward at 12mo.  2 reactions, clearly linked to cow's milk and positive blood test.  So we didn't ask to see an allergist then, and we really liked her pediatrician by our old house and he provided us with good information.

Her new pediatrician isn't as knowledgeable on allergies, but I will ask him for a recommendation.  When we saw him for the first time he suggested trialing yogurt since it has less lactose in it.  Errrrrrrr - I understand having to explain milk protein allergy vs. lactose intolerance to my family, but a doctor should know the difference, I would think...  Maybe I'll call our old pediatrician and see if he has a recommendation - I'd be willing to travel a bit for a good allergist.

FrumiousBandersnatch

Do you have a children's hospital nearby?  They would be a good place to start looking.