Can Someone Talk to Me About Allergy Testing

las7880

So I've been posting about Neocate and breastmilk challenge failures and wanting to quit pumping, etc.  But before I do that, I thought seeing an allergist (or even naturopath) to test for food allergies might help me make the most informed choice about how to proceed.  I'm still pumping, just to keep the supply up.  (I'm down to 2 or 3 pumps a day - about 24-30 oz a day.)

My lo will is 11.5 weeks old.  Is there ANY effective testing for such a young little guy? If so, what kind?  How does it work?  How long do results take?  

Thanks, you guys. This is allllllll new to me, and I'm having trouble finding information online.  Some sites say any child regardless of age can be tested, some say 2 years!  Argh!

 

Wendy1210

My son was skin tested at 4 mos and he can positive for milk, soy & cats. Thats all that was tested for due to his age and that he was completely on formula only at that point. He was retested at a yr old and he did skin and blood testing. We tested for milk products, soy, tree nuts, and berries. This showed milk, oat and slight peanut allergy. He goes tomorrow for the blood test to confirm or deny any of the allergies. From my understanding the blood test is more reliable plus, it will show the severity.

Wendy1210

Oh, my LO has been on Neocate since 4 mos and is now going to move to Neocate Jr.

las7880

Thanks so much for the info!  Good luck tomorrow!

Oh, and things have been well on the Neocate?   

magdusia

my allergist said that she tested on a 6 week old baby. I'm pretty sure she said a RAST test, but I'm not 100% sure.. SO i'm sure it's possible, but most docs prefer waiting for at least 6 months. I know some want to wait a year, others 2 and a few want to wait until LO is 3.  I personally think 6 months is an ok age and if there it's necessary than earlier. 

Where are you located? If you're in the NY or CT than i can recommend mine. 

Have you tried going on a really restricted diet and then adding one item at a time? 

It really is hard especially when you already eliminate things and she's still reacting.  She can be reacting to something completely uncommon where it would be impossible for you to figure out and sometimes giving the little one Neocate is just safer, better and easier.   Don't beat yourself up for giving formula. You really tried and i give you huge kudos for pumping this long.  If you don't want to throw out the milk, maybe there is a milk bank near you that you can donate it to so you know you didn't pump for no reason.