Big Day

We had a long morning today, and the Babe was great.  Today was allergy testing.  When we left in the morning, I didn't tell her where we were going, although she was curious.  I didn't want her to get upset before it was necessary.  So when we pulled into the medical center's parking garage, she told me happily how she wanted to show the doctor her new purple watch (a beloved birthday gift from a friend).  I suspect she thought we were seeing the ENT for a wound check, but we've been done seeing him for a while.

We entered through the parking garage onto a footbridge leading to the building.  Once we reached the entrance to the building, the Babe told me how everyone was looking at her.  Really?  I asked her why she thought that.  Her response, "because I'm so adorable".  Clearly we've told her this a few times, as have others, and it stuck.  Apparently modesty is not an issue here.  I'm going to have to work on that.

As for the allergy testing, she was great.  The pre-test exam and evaluation she handled like a trooper.  The only complaint was when the doctor had to look in her ears, but for once, with a little persuasion, she cooperated.  The worst part was the application of allergens for the skin test.  They say its a mild prick, but holding your crying, screaming, wincing child is painful in itself.  However, as soon as that was done, we distracted her with the bubbles.  That's right- they gave her bubbles to blow inside.  And one of the nurses spent the entire time doing them with her.  The Babe was so happy, the nurse was truly entertained by her, and I could breath a temporary sigh of relief.  So much better than last year when we had to walk the halls and keep grabbing her hands from scratching. 

As for test results, not much has changed in a year.  The same big allergens are there: dairy, eggs, wheat, rye, and barley.  She also has some environmental allergies as well.  Apple is a new one, but we can still continue with apple juice so long as it is pasteurized and we have no reaction (no raw apples though).  On a positive note, cod fish popped up last year, but disappeared this year.  We may be able to have fish again, but will have to try it out before its a definite.  Some other foods still need to be tried out, but negative skin tests were positive signs.  Based on her overall response, I have hope that in a few years we will start seeing some more disappear.  This is the first time I walked out of the allergists more hopeful than sad.  Exhausted, but hopeful.