testing for allergies

[mum2oneloudbaby]

when you suspected your baby was allergic to something how old were they before they were tested to confirm an allergy.

I ask because I suspect ds 16wks is allergic to something in formula. He is BF but have been struggling to express so have tried to give him some formula so that I can have a few hours out of the house. 3 times I have tried and everytime his skin around his mouth has ended up red and inflamed and despite only taking a small amount from the bottle (that's another thread) he has been quite upset (stomach wise) for sometime afterwards.

He also has very itchy ezcema which we are still trying to get under control.

I spoke to my GP today and he said they don't test for allergies until they are at least 2 but it's really not worth doing until they are 6 and I should speak to the HV about the formula (not sure why I have a GP).

Please tell me there is some way to get some help to identify if there is a problem so we can deal with it.

Good luck Mum2one. My GP first dismissed me along the same lines. We pushed for a referral and am so glad we did. We now travel everywhere with an epipen because even skin contact with milk can cause dd to have an anaphylactic reaction. Let us know how you get on.

GP referred us no argument this time.

Reading the guidelines summary it mentions another symptom, conjunctivitis, that DS started with on sunday after the formula on saturday. They just keep adding up.

There's no wonder he isn't sleeping.

I got myself some oat milk today as a start and I think I may be giving up tea and milky coffee now. Being a good northern lass I'll miss my tea.

I am however looking forward to the weight loss bilbomum

I'm glad to hear it mum2one. Let us know how you get one.

mum2one I recently finally gave up all dairy for my ds (I had just severely cut back before). Tea and coffee were hardest for me but after about a week I for used to it!

Well done mum2one, keep us posted. There are still treats to be had, Frys cream bars, most bourbons and the odd glass of wine of course ...

Mmmm Frys cream bars haven't had one of those in years, can't believe they are milk free and bourbons are my favourites. Bring on the odd glass .

Will let you know how we get on. We should hopefully be seen quite quickly as I have finally found a use for the private health we get through DHs work. Never used it before so it is a whole new territory but glad we've got it now.

Great news mum2one. YOu must be relieved. I also found cutting out tea to be the hardest. I never got on with oat milk/ rice milk/ soy milk as a substitute. But as soon as I saw the difference in dd, it was easier to stick with it.

This is an excellent use of your private health insurance; it should really speed things up. I know London is miles away from you but if you are travelling anyway and can make it down there, you could consider using your private health insurance to see the consultant babybarrister mentioned earlier in this thread. He's the one we see too (he does NHS and private). He is a leading specialist in the field and you could see him once for initial diagnosis and then ask him to refer you to someone nearer to home for subsequent appointments. Can pm you more details if you like.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

typical GP referred me to a hospital that doesn't see under 1s.

We might end up in London yet!

sorted again, off to leeds specialist paed allergist

Hi again mum2one, I've been away so not picked up on this - which allergist are you seeing if you don't mind me asking? Only I don't think there is a specialist paed allergist in Leeds....

We've been to see Mr Chetcuti he's a cons paed special interest in allergies. He was good explained the way forward. Waiting to speak to dietician now.