Will I be wasting paediatric allergy consultant's time???

[FantasticDaisyArtichoke]

I posted here a few weeks ago after my 6 month old DD got severe hives after her first taste of formula. Eventaully our GP suspected a cow's milk protein allergy and referred DD to a paediatric allergy consultant at St Mary's London. The formula was DD's first exposure to cow's milk and the GP said not to give her any dairy products until we have seen the consultant as the reaction could get worse. Since then I have also thought DD's frequent vomiting becomes even more frequent when I eat alot of dairy so I have cut most dairy from my diet.

Yesterday DH mistakenly gave DD a Hipp Organic pot of creamy cauliflower which contained milk and a little cheese. I realised after DD had eaten about one fifth of the pot. However DD did not seem to have any kind of reaction. She was fine. This morning the permanent rach oh her face may have been slightly worse but that is all. Now I wonder whether DD really does have a cow's milk allergy. Maybe it was a reaction to some other component of formula.

Our consultant appointment is in 4 weeks. I know there is a huge waiting list. Should I cancel the appointment and try DD on a few other foods containing bits of dairy or should I still go to the appointment? What would you do? I do not want to waste his time.

[PrincessPeaHead]

Definitely go to the appointment, but tell him this part of it.
It is all part of her history. She still is reacting to something and you need to know what it is.

Are you seeing Gideon Lack btw?

[SueW]

Go to the appointment.

THe NHS is fab once you're in the system but if you get out of it, you're stuffed!

[FantasticDaisyArtichoke]

Princess Peahead - the letter says a team led by Prof Lack so I guess that is him. Is he good?

Do you really both think that it is worth the consultant's time? It is true that DD is definitely still reacting to something as she is very sicky for a 6 month old and always has a rash on her face. Would you try the cauliflower again, or a yoghurt, or would you wait until the appointment? I want to be able to give the doctor as true a picture as possible.

[robbosmum]

If it isnt food she is reacting too, it is something else/ Allergies once initited can become more severe, and also lo may become more sensitive to other things, keep a diary if youre not already , of what she has and how much, GO TO THE APPT......... you are not wasting anyones time, certainly not the hospitals it is what they are there for!!! they will want to help you


(good luck )

[PrincessPeaHead]

He is an extremely nice, gentle man. It is definitely worth going to see him. I would keep her off dairy if that is what you initially suspected, but just mention this episode at the appointment. It is a jar of pasturised food made with some dairy and she only had a small amount of it - and you said the rash may have been slightly worse. I don'tthink that is any sort of evidence that she doesn't have a dairy intolerance or allergy, and it is really up to the consultant to make of that what he will.
You are def not wasting his time and he won't think that you are, IMO!

[wb]

Definately go to see him.

Sometimes with dairy allergy it is possible to be allergic to milk in some forms ('raw' milk, ice cream) but tolerate it in others (in baked goods, cooked in a sauce). Doesn't mean you don't have an allergy.

I'd keep her off dairy totally for until the appointment, then the doctor will be able to give you better guidance.

And if it does turn out to be a false alarm then brilliant, celebrate and don't worry about wasting anybody's time.