Graedy has had eczema problems for over a year now and we've been trying to figure out ways to keep his outbreaks under control. I was also told when he was about 9 months old that he has asthma. I was not ready to accept that diagnosis until he saw a specialist. A few weeks ago we did just that and got him into an allergy/asthma specialist. I loved the doctor. He listened to all of my concerns and explained things so well.
After hearing me out, he decided that Graedy should be tested for environmental allergies and not food allergies. Allergy testing is PAINFUL but thankfully quick.
They marked his back for all of the allergens they were testing and quickly pricked his skin will all of them, one right after the other.
The nurse immediately noticed reactions to weeds and grasses (which we suspected) and cats and dogs (boo!)
When she came back later she informed us that he is allergic to Russian thistle, Bermuda grass, and cats. Thankfully he is not allergic to dogs. The bad thing is that practically everyone down here has Bermuda grass in their yards, but apparently it does not release as much pollen as some other grasses. In addition, his Gram (Matt's mom), just got two adorable kittens right before he was tested so now she has to have a hepa filter, keep them in separate rooms, vacuum before Graedy comes over, etc. What a pain for her. I have to say though, Matt was not upset about Graedy being allergic to cats (he hates them). Matt's translation of the diagnosis-he will never again have to discuss having a cat with me!
Our poor little guy about 3 hours after the testing:
He was such a good boy-as he usually is. He of course cried like crazy while they were sticking him but started to calm down a few minutes after they stopped. Thank goodness I remembered to bring snacks, drinks, books and toys because I had to have him sit in my lap, facing me and not allow him to touch his back for about 15 minutes until they came in to read the test. It was tough!
The doctor came to the conclusion that the symptoms that appear to be asthma are likely a result of congestion when he gets colds or has allergic reactions and that it is not truly asthma. He did say that Graedy may develop asthma later, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he doesn't. He also said that Graedy may develop more allergies as he gets older. Again, I sure hope not. Just this week we were in Alpine visiting Barbara and Graedy started doing a lot of coughing. The next day Barbara commented that the previous day she had been wearing perfume and hadn't put any on that morning. The coughing was greatly reduced, so it is possible that he is allergic to some fragrances as well.
His eczema is getting better as we have been keeping him away from the things he is allergic to and coating his little legs with aquaphor and the rest of him with lotion right after his baths. Hope his health stays this good!
I had this party hat for about two weeks before Graedy's party and he wanted to wear it every day! He was so excited when he finally got to put it on!
I had this party hat for about two weeks before Graedy's party and he wanted to wear it every day! He was so excited when he finally got to put it on!
Playing with Uncle Russ and the tools.
The theme for birthday number two was cars. Here he is blowing out the candles on his Cars cake. The best part about this cake was the figurines he still plays with!
No way was he putting Mater down, not even to eat cake!
