So, a while back near the end of November/beginning of December something was up with Braden. In the span of a couple weeks he had been up at night vomiting-- no fever, maybe a little weakness the next day, but not real sick symptoms. So we took him to the doctor, they took a blood test, indicators were he might have some kind of allergy, and the doctor referred us to a pediatric gastro specialist. Well, as luck would have it, the symptoms disappeared and when I finally got around to calling the pediatric gastro, they said they were booked for the next month and so long as the symptoms were gone, we might as well not worry about it. So I wrote it off as some random seasonal fruit he might have come into contact with and we moved on.
Then around February, the kids were helping in the garden outside, and Braden comes in covered with welts. He had broken out into hives like crazy. We called the pediatrician and he said that hives can be caused by anything from an airborne allergen to a virus. So, he took some anti-histamine and they went away. (Still not entirely sure whether that was related.)
Well, fast forward to about a month ago. Everyone in the family got this nasty cold and fever. It passed around the house and we were more or less on quarantine for about 2 1/2 weeks. Finally everyone was better, except Braden. He just seemed depressed. He was whining all the time and unhappy. Talk about frustrating! I was really worried that he was missing his friends and felt ignored and beneath everyone all the time. Any kid struggles with being in big brother's shadow, but this was more than that. Then, the vomiting started up again. Along with the cold, Braden had been the "lucky" recipient of an ear infection. The week of his return appointment for his ear, he had vomited three times-- again with no fever or other symptoms. So we decided to take it to his doctor again. This time they drew blood for an actual allergy test and. . . on a scale of 1 to 6--1 being a significant allergy and 6 being extremely sensitive-- Braden is a 3 for milk allergy!! I couldn't believe it!
What has surprised me the most about taking him off of milk, however, is the DIFFERENCE it has made in Bray's behavior! Who knew we had such a happy boy! Poor kid-- he wasn't depressed, he just had a tummy ache for several weeks/months. He is also HUNGRY-- this kid has been eating double and triple portions on every meal-- must be making up for lost time.
Aha moment-- kids don't always distinguish between physical and emotional pain--heck I have trouble sometimes. They just know they feel rotten and if they don't know the reason, they'll find/create one. (hmm, I think I might do that sometimes too.)
In any case, I am SO grateful for this knowledge. I am so grateful and happy to have my sweet boy back. We love vanilla almond milk! Since taking Bray off dairy, and just eating it less in general, we are now noticing differences in Ethan's behavior as well. And, guess who woke us up at 2am last night vomiting? He had milk on his cereal yesterday morning-- yep, I think Ethan may be allergic too. At this point I'd like to see about having all of the kids tested!
And, I have new soapbox . . . (clearing throat). . . If you know of/have a child who you are concerned about for any kind of behavioral problem, look at the physical first! Check their diet, sleep routines, and exercise. After this experience, I wonder about all those kids who are on some kind of pill, who might really just need a change in diet? Kids can be quite pleasant when their bodies aren't messed up with some stinkin' allergy or other nutritional or physical problem. It makes me shake my head that everyone isn't tested for this stuff on a regular basis--sheesh! Ok. . . stepping down from soapbox now.:)
Anyhow, this has been our crazy week. Love you all! SUPER-DUPER CONGRATS TO KIMBRE AND MATT!!! Hope you are all well!
