Coping with 2 children with different allergies

[Weta]

DS1 (5) has a severe dairy allergy and we're keeping DS2 (16 months) dairy free for the moment as we don't know what's causing his eczema (keep waiting for it to clear up so we can reintroduce dairy as a test, but it never goes).

Anyway, DS2 has had diarrhoea for 2 months and is now being tested for gluten allergy (with a blood test). I'm kind of freaked out - I found it quite hard to come to terms with DS1's allergy, although obviously now we're fine (though it does make a lot of extra work), and I think I'd find it hard to cope with all the extra work and stress if he does turn out to be allergic.

I think it'd be fine somehow if it was dairy as well, because I already do all the dairy free food and know what to do, but I guess gluten feels like a whole different ballgame.

Fingers crossed he's not I guess...

Almost half my family have coeliac disease(I am assuming you dc have/are being tested, although some have to be on a heavy wheat diet for 3 months to ensure a positve result) and those with coeliac are also dairy intolerant...mainly severe eczema, apparently coeliac and an intolerance to dairy generally go hand in hand. Don't worry too much it's the first steps to changing diets which are hard(our whole family are on the gf diet and dairy is off most the time too, easier!) but everthing will slip into place, you'll have happier children too! Good luck.

Its really not that hard once you get the hang of it. Like Mrs D says its just the initial change thats a bit of a slap in the face, honestly, dont worry about it too much it will work out.

We have 5 DS's, DH and me: DH: no onions, peppers, mushrooms, Me: no mushrooms, nuts, peas DS1 (ADHD): no additives of any kind cos it makes him hyper, DS2: wheat/gluten intolerant DS3 (the healthy one!):wont eat meat but will eat everything else until he throws! DS4: extremely picky - nothing crunchy/soggy DS5: wheat/gluten/dairy/egg/soya/annatto intolerant. (sorry, it sounds like im trying to compete - im really not, just showing you that it can be done) We generally have fresh cooked meat of some description, and vegetables - no sauces. I usually end up cooking 4 variations on the one meal (ie. substitutions for each child).

So its not impossible, just takes a bit of practice... but by the sound of it, sounds like you have plenty of opportunity! Good luck XXX

Thank you both for your messages... you sound like champions at dealing with this!

In fact we just got the blood results today and he's ok for gluten, so I needn't have worried. It helped to have your reassurance though

Now we just have to find out what is actually causing the diarrhoea!

quick word of warning, both DS2 and DS5's blood tests came back as 'within normal limits' - when in fact both have a very great problem with gluten/wheat, so please dont take it that because of the result that everything is fine. Obviously its your choice, as he is your child, as to what to do.

There are a couple of threads on here about the differences between 'allergies' and 'intolerances' - allergies can generally be picked up by the IgE in blood tests, but not always, and intolerances are very rarely picked up by blood tests, but can and do cause the same problems.

Perhaps a 3wk trial of removal would be possible? it would definately show up when you challenged at the end of the trial, and 3wks isnt really that long for a child to manage. If you noticed a withdrawal, then you are on the right track - it may include anger, headaches, oversensitivity, etc. but it should subside within a week or so.

good luck with whatever you decide

ohh Weta I do feel for you... my DS is allergic to dairy, eggs, and peanuts. He has an epi-pen
when he was about 18months he had really bad diarrhoea.. I mean really dreadful..
the doctor mentioned gluten allergy and I just thought 'I can't do that as well' I was devestated for poor ds.. anyway it turned out in the end to be toddler diarrhoea
does it sound like this
toddler diarrheoa

Sorry, have only just seen the last 2 replies.

That's very interesting RumMum, I'd never heard of toddler diarrhoea. It does sound a lot like what he has, although he had started to lose a bit of weight (previously was fine, so need to check if it's just a blip or an ongoing thing). We had cut out dairy some time ago (although he did have Pepti Junior until about 5 weeks ago) so that might fit.

MCS: oh no that wasn't what I wanted to hear We're seeing the specialist again tomorrow, and probably need to go a bit further down the parasite testing route, but will definitely keep the removal trial idea in mind if we don't get any answers. He's still quite little so I don't think he'd notice, especially if I made gluten free bread as he adores bread.