New Year, New Insurance Company, New Medical Issues!

So, we now know that Miss E's hives are cause by either in isolation, or combination allergies to milk, and egg whites.

While I'm relieved in some sense to have answers as to what has caused these bumps and rashes for so long - can you please indulge me in one little vent?


I do not need this shit!


Okay - it's out, I said it!

My perfectly healthy child, who has never had any major medical issues, who never had to see a doctor in over a year save for her 2 year and 3 year well child check ups - now has to see an 'Allergist'. Another 'ologist' to add to our increasing specialty experience base.

Add to this the fact that my husband's employer changed Medical Insurance and we are now on a new plan which get this - does not cover specialist visits or sick visits up to a certain deductible. So we get the thrill of forking out hundreds of dollars for upcoming appointments.

I know, I know - there are people worse off, and I should be grateful that we have insurance at all etc etc etc.....

Those vents are secondary of course to the fact that I want to know what I can and can't feed her. I gave her toast this afternoon with a skim of butter on it and it made her eyes water, and she broke out in hives around her mouth so the sooner we get to the bottom of it - and eliminate all we need to eliminate, the better.

Once again I'll ask for your input if you have any experience with Allergists, food allergies, milk and egg allergies in particular - please share them with me!

Happy New Year

I have totally neglected this blog of late. Can't even muster up an apology either since we've been enjoying some quality family time, as Hubs has had some extra days off around these holidays.

Christmas was a blast in this house. The kids were royally spoiled by Santa and extended family alike. With our Anniversary four days after Christmas, I have to admit to having been completely spoiled myself over the last week or so, too.

As of now we have family already in the New Year in Australia and South Africa, the rest of our immediate families are about to celebrate in Ireland, and I am willing to bet that the four of us will be ringing in the New Year in snoozeville!

Miss E has developed an allergic reaction to something and is constantly breaking out in hives - over two week's worth of hives! This is affecting hers, and our sleep and so we have bumbled along the last while in a state of semi consciousness, desperate to catch a nap or a large dose of caffeine to stave off the yawns. We are investigating the source of this reaction - but to date, changing the laundry detergent and washing every stitch she wears or uses has yielded no improvement. Neither has switching to sensitive skin body wash. We can't pinpoint anything she's eaten either which makes me worry that she has perhaps developed an allergy to something that heretofore hasn't caused problems?

Miss E gave up a blood sample on Friday (with nary a whimper I might add!), to see if that will give the doctors any pointers.

If any of you have any experience with anything similar, or have any tips on how I may ease the itchies - please share! Benedryl is only working for her maybe 50% of the time.

Jay is going to take 2008 in his stride, literally. He toddled off on his first steps last night - AT LAST! At 15 months it's about time boyo! However, I think the 5 minutes of 'Yahooing' that his Dad, his sister and myself rather vocally engaged in right after he did it may have traumatized him because he hasn't repeated this performance at all today.

Anyway - to all of you (if there's anyone still reading!) Here's wishing you all the very best in 2008!