The end of the year is here and so is busy time, with work, holiday shopping, parties, and trying to take some personal time to unwind, relax, and reflect on the year.  With that, I’m about three weeks behind on “present state.”

To catch you up, we had to take Dean into the allergist for his flu shot this year.  I didn’t even know if he could have one.  Last year, he had one before we knew about his egg allergy and that shot has now likely been his only egg exposure (you typically don’t experience an allergic response your first exposure).  His allergist said he could have one, and recommended it, since the amount of egg protein is so small but that she had to administer it in her office vs. a pediatrician’s and indicated we had to wait the full 30 minutes afterward to ensure no reaction.  Thankfully, he received it with no issue…well, minus that shot part!

Since we were in anyway, we had him tested for the items that were currently on our watch list.  She performed a prick test followed by a blood test to check the suspected allergens.  We’re getting into more uncommon ones now so two of them (avocado and black beans) had to be sent to the Mayo Clinic for testing.  Who knew?!  At the same time, contrary to my knowledge, I asked her about other gluten options.  Seeing as we know he’s anaphylactic to wheat, I inaccurately had assumed this whole time that he had to avoid all gluten (barley and rye) but she explained that food allergies don’t work the same way intolerances or sensitivities do, like celiac disease.  Someone can be allergic to wheat but be totally fine with barley and rye.  I was excited to learn this and of course, had her test him for barley and rye then.  Anything to open up our diet options would be fantastic news!

Unfortunately, Dean failed every one.   Continue reading →