Got Milk?

After four years,

I finally tackled the sore tummy problem in our household.

No not my tummy.

Taylee's tummy.

You see Taylee constantly has a sore tummy.

I do too.

It's clearly food related.

I knew she probably had some genetic trait that I have.

I haven't taken the time to medically diagnosis exactly what causes mine.

But I'm an adult and have figured out which foods to avoid, etc.

She's a child and has no idea.

I couldn't handle another day of her wincing in pain with a sore tummy.

So into the Allergist we went.

From my own experience,

I knew this wouldn't be a simple "oh yep she's allergic to this one item."

I figured it would be a long drawn out discovery process.

And maybe not even allergies but more digestive related issues.

But I figured we'll start here and see where this journey takes us.

I explained to Taylee what would happen.

She was definitely nervous about the "pokes to the back".

She was so brave though!

I'm such a wuss and cry along with my kids when they get shots, etc at the doctor.

It was a 2 hour appointment.

So we did all sorts of stuff to keep entertained.

I Spy

Name that Tune (with tongue depressor drum sticks)

Letter Games

Then eventually busted out Netflix on my phone.

 Finally it was time for the back poking.

The Nurse explained it to Taylee that it would feel like scratches.

She was brave and said "OK I'm ready"

Then the nurse started the 16 scratches.

After the 4th one her brave demeanor started to crack,

"Um actually that really hurts!" she squeaked out.

And the tears started to fall.

For both of us.

When the Nurse finally finished and walked out.

Taylee turns to me.

"Mommy I thought she said it would be like a back scratch and that was 

NOT soft like a back scratch!" 

Poor little thing.

There we waited for 15 minutes to see if any of the spots reacted.

The nurse reemerged a few minutes later to make Taylee's day

by bringing in the biggest Treasure Box of toys ever!

After a forever wait the doctor came back and explained the results.

As I expected, none of the major foods were a reaction.

However she's allergic to carrots.

"Huh?!  Carrots?"

I'm definitely don't think that is the problem.  

And neither did the doctor.

He determined that even though her milk test came up negative as an allergy

that she has all the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Ugh just what I didn't want to hear 

but yet already knew was going to be the outcome.

So she's on a lactose free diet for 4 weeks.

We're keeping a food journal of everything she eats.

Then we'll go back and discuss the next options.

This is a huge change.

For everyone.

Lactose is in tons of foods you wouldn't even expect.

I'll admit I was totally overwhelmed the first few days researching it.

But I decided then that I had no choice and I was committing to this.

So we started by eliminating the obvious big hitters she eats.

Milk, Chocolate Milk, Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Pudding, Yogurt, Ice Cream/Popsicles, Ranch

(the last two have been the most difficult!)

She has been an amazing sport about it.

She asks for something and then says "Oh wait I can't have that anymore can I?"

I feel awful when all the kids get ice cream and she can't.

So slowly but surely we're trying to find replacement food items for her.

And wow is that stuff way more expensive!

I would be frustrated by this whole experience

if I didn't immediately notice the positive difference.

In 2 weeks she's only had 2 sore tummy moments

and 2 bouts of "owie poopies" (diarrhea).

That's amazing for her.

It was almost a daily occurrence before.

I'm still not sold that she's 100% lactose intolerant.

So slowly we'll figure out what items are her triggers

and what items we can add back into her diet.

But for now we have a much happier kiddo!

And that makes me one happier Momma!

Also - I'm soliciting food ideas/recipes that are lactose free and kid friendly.  

Send them my way!

I'm definitely a novice in this area!