Homer? Donuts? What do they have to do with my feelings on allergies?
I think we could all agree that Homer is a simple minded figure. Easily amused and enticed by a mouth watering donut or a duff beer, Homer would be all consumed by such thoughts. {Okay now you know my secret, I've watched the Simpson's a time or two} I like Homer have enjoyed my share of yummy donuts, tasty enchiladas, and drooled over the thought of something tasty to eat. I like Homer have struggled with weight. I like Homer has had my share of food struggles. I still struggle with my weight postpartum- 20 months later...and still am trying to feel comfortable with food in a new way, nearly 9 months later. I like Homer have been simple minded and believed in the food industry even after reading Food, Inc. Nevertheless, I am slowly changing from Homer to Lisa. As I slowly coming to better understand research and resources in this process of living with someone with food allergies...
I see these allergies as the tides of the ocean from afar - nothing too bad, but then suddenly a wave crashes over me of emotion. Beauty, blessing, anxiety, anger, distress all rolled into a short span of time. Some weeks my planning and cooking schedules seem are well executed while other times, it's a day by day struggle.
As my daughter grows I pray that the allergies hasn't stunted any growth or development. I still flashback into bouts of her being poisoned by her food. Yes, I use the word POISONED!!! I can still see the lost glimmer and spark that my daughter had begun to develop. I got a glimpse of what food was slowly doing to her immune system- as if she was on the road to a spectrum disorder. We were told she was delayed gross motor wise at her 9 month appt., she wouldn't take foods like most kids her age... food exploration... what was the H*** was that? Charlee either liked it or steered clear of it! We were told that she most likely had a sensory cork and that she may need food therapy to help her get accustom to foods...
Then early June of 2015- we had to cancel our family vacation as we all developed a stomach bug hit our home. Within a few short days- Charlee was in the ER getting fluids and would only eat Chicken and Cheerios... that's it. Her poo had a new odor that I think only mama bears know what I'm talking about... the smell wasn't right. I asked for stool testing when we were at her pediatrician appt. Up to that point all my requests or concerns of her food intake was brushed to the side as a phase or non preference. Even with that specific request, it was made as if it was highly unlikely. I had already made an appt. with a food allergies. From 9 months to 12 months- she would refuse so many new foods it was hard to see if she had a reaction to them. Then we tried a name brand yogurt and cookie for the first time within a short time frame- HIVEs, HIVEs, and more HIVES were the theme. Her eczema was terrible and she was in a MAJOR fog. Early July we were informed that she had a Milk, Egg, Wheat and Nut allergy. She was prescribed her auvi-q and here we are. The road these past 9 months has been a journey that will be explored later on.
Allergy Fact: The further away from the equator you level- the more likely you are to have allergies....Who knew? Not me...
My hope of this blog is to provide thought provoking "food" for thought to see Food Allergies as I was completely ignorant and oblivious to prior to my daughters diagnosis. I hope to share my personal struggles, celebrations and hurdles with food as I cook within a Milk free, Egg free, Wheat free and Nut Free home. I encourage questions, comments and a new lens to see the inside of Food Allergies.
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